No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Health benefits and bioactive compounds of eggplant
Abstract
Eggplant is a vegetable crop that is grown around the world and can provide significant nutritive benefits thanks to its abundance of vitamins, phenolics and antioxidants. In addition, eggplant has potential pharmaceutical uses that are just now becoming recognized. As compared to other crops in the Solanaceae, few studies have investigated eggplant's metabolic profile. Metabolomics and metabolic profiling are important platforms for assessing the chemical composition of plants and breeders are increasingly concerned about the nutritional and health benefits of crops. In this review, the historical background and classification of eggplant are shortly explained; then the beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and health effects of eggplant are discussed in detail.
... These minerals aid in the human body's electrolyte balance. Eggplant can provide a significant proportion of antioxidants, with more phytochemicals, offering many benefits to human health [6]. But, important losses while cooking leaves with water have been revealed by [7 and 8]. ...
... Eggplant is one of the most consumed agricultural products in the world [46]. This could be due to the high proportions of phenolic compounds which induced significant antioxidant potentialities able to provide several benefits for human health [6]. Thus, the relatively high antioxidant activity found in this study is mainly due to total phenolics as indicatedby a strong and positive correlation. ...
In several countries of Africa, purple eggplants are added in cooking meals. However, during cooking, high temperature and long time can affect the nutrients and the bioactive compounds. Thus, a study has been conducted to assess the cooking methods and time which better preserve purple eggplant nutrients losses. So, purple eggplant samples were cooked and steamed for 10, 20 and 30 minutes. The analyses were focused on the determination of physicochemical parameters, macro and micronutrients, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity. The results showed that protein content, initially 14.11% in fresh eggplants, rosed to 14.73% and 15.60% in eggplants boiled and steamed for 20 mins, respectively. Total carbohydrate content increased from 63.75% in fresh eggplant to 68.17% in eggplant steamed for 20 mins. The fiber content of fresh eggplant (24.75%) rosed to 28.95% and 29.84% in eggplant cooked in water and steamed for 20 mins, respectively. Polyphenol content in fresh eggplant which was about 47.84 mg EAG /100mg increased to 60.57 and 62.85 mg EAG /100 mg in eggplant cooked in water and steamed during 20 mins, respectively. The antioxidant inhibitory concentration of 50% DPPH activity (IC50) was about 0.42 mg/mL for purple eggplants boiled and steamed during 20 mins. These IC50 revealed an antiradical power of 238.09 µmol of reduced DPPH/mg of sample. Morever, purple eggplant steamed during 30 minutes present an antiradical power of 400 µmol of reduced DPPH/mg of sample. Steaming purple eggplant favored nutrient preservation and high antioxidant potentialities.
... The most famous are eggplant fruits with peel colored in different shades of purple, which is determined by the content of anthocyanins. The presence of anthocyanins and the fact that the fruit pulp is enriched with phenolic acids indicate powerful antioxidant properties of the eggplant fruit, classifying it as a product with high nutritional/dietary value (Gürbüz et al., 2018;Akhbari et al., 2019;Condurache et al., 2021;Saha et al., 2023). ...
... Particular attention is paid to metabolites (content, regulation of synthesis/accumulation) that have antioxidant properties and/or determine the ontogeny/stress resistance and taste of the fruit (Martínez-Ispizua et al., 2021). Nutraceuticals considered mainly include polyphenols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and, less commonly, glycoalkaloids and sugars (Gürbüz et al., 2018;Akhbari et al., 2019;Condurache et al., 2021;Martínez-Ispizua et al., 2021;Saha et al., 2023). ...
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) ranks fifth in importance among vegetable crops of the Solanaceae family, in part due to the high antioxidant properties and polyphenol content of the fruit. Along with the popular purplefruited varieties of S. melongena, there are cultivars, the fruits of which are rich in phenolic compounds, but are whitecolored due to the lack of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Determination of the amount of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, as well as carotenoids and sugars, is included in the assessment of the quality of eggplant fruits of commercial (technical) ripeness. In addition to antioxidant and taste properties, these metabolites are associated with fruit resistance to various stress factors. In this study, a comparative analysis of the content of anthocyanins, carotenoids and soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) in the peel and pulp of the fruit of both technical and biological ripeness was carried out in purple-fruited (cv. Vlas) and white-fruited (cv. Snezhny) eggplant accessions of domestic selection. The peel and pulp of biologically ripe fruits of the cvs Vlas and Snezhny were used for comparative transcriptomic analysis. The key genes of the flavonoid and carotenoid metabolism, sucrose hydrolysis, and soluble sugar transport were shown to be differentially expressed between fruit tissues, both within each cultivar and between them. It has been confirmed that the purple color of the peel of the cv. Vlas fruit is due to substantial amounts of anthocyanins. Flavonoid biosynthesis genes showed a significantly lower expression level in the ripe fruit of the cv. Vlas in comparison with the cv. Snezhny. However, in both cultivars, transcripts of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (DFR, ANS, UFGT) were not detected. Additionally, the purple fruit of the cv. Vlas accumulated more carotenoids and sucrose and less glucose and fructose than the white fruit of the cv. Snezhny. Biochemical data corresponded to the differential expression pattern of the key genes encoding the structural proteins of metabolism and transport of the compounds analyzed.
... S. melongena can be grilled, baked, skewered or eaten raw [13,14]. It contains selenium, zinc, vitamin A, C, E and bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid, lanosterol, steroid alkaloids, glycoalkaloids, nasunin, oxalic acid, and can cure many diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and inhibit inflammation [15]. Futhermore, the leaves of S. melongena also showed neuroprotective effect on scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice [16] and in drosoplasts [17]. ...
... The highest content was 25.5 mg/100g of dry matter. This value is near to those of Gürbüz et al. [15] who obtained a value of 24 mg/100g of dry matter. Potassium helps to maintain acido-basic balance, osmotic pressure and nerve impulse conduction. ...
Many factors among which life style and oxidative stress are implicated in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. One of the ways to prevent neurodegeneration is to supply the body with antioxidant molecules derived from food. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional value and neuroprotective activities of eggplants on cognitive impaired rat model. Powder was made with the white and purple Solanum melongena and the nutritional value of each was determined. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging and reducing iron tests, were determined from aqueous, ethanolic and hydroethanolic fruit extracts. The powder and the most active extract of Solanum melongena were used to determine neuroprotective activity in rats. Male wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 each. Morris water maze and radial maze tests were performed at the end of the experiment to assess behaviour in rats. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical investigations such as protein content, reduced glutathione, catalase activity, malondiadehyde and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated in brain homogenates. The purple Solamun melongena showed the highest ash (6.06%), calcium (10.50 mg/100 g of desiccated foods), phosphorus (25.75 mg/100 g of desiccated foods), potassium (218.00 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) and zinc (0.18 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) content. On the other hand, white Solanum melongena showed the highest fiber (3.61%) and iron (0.36 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) content. The greatest phenolic content (69.90 mg GAE /g) and flavonoid content (31.54 mg CATE / g) was observed with the purple Solanum melongena . It also presented the best scavenging DPPH activity (EC 50 = 41.91 μg/ml). The group Sm400 showed the best memory learning activity with radial maze tests (0.66 n/min), a significant decrease of malondialdehyde (15.26 µmole/g), acetylcholinesterase activity (0.13 nmol/min/mg protein) and an increase of protein content (43.71µmole/g) (P<0.05). The group Sm10% showed the best memory capacity radial maze tests (0.73 n/min), the lowest malondialdehyde level and acetylcholinesterase activity (12.45 µmole/g and 0.11nmol/min/mg protein respectively) (P<0.05). Purple Solanum melongena could be used to protect neuron functions.
... It has high amounts of copper and vitamin C compared to green varieties and is rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B (1,2). Brinjal offers several health benefits, including aiding in weight management, regulating or lowering the blood sugar level and minimising the risk of heart disease among other health advantages (3,4). Soil fertility is affected by various physical, chemical and biological factors. ...
... It has high amounts of copper and vitamin C compared to green varieties and is rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B (1,2). Brinjal offers several health benefits, including aiding in weight management, regulating or lowering the blood sugar level and minimising the risk of heart disease among other health advantages (3,4). Soil fertility is affected by various physical, chemical and biological factors. ...
The study assessed the effects of organic amendments on the yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Pusa Purple Cluster and soil properties. The study was carried out during two consecutive kharif seasons - 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design, with three replications and eight treatments (T1: Absolute control, T2: FYM (Farm yard manure) @10 t/ha, T3: Vermicompost (VC) @5 t/ha, T4: FYM @5 t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha, T5: Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T6: FYM @10 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T7: VC @5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T8: FYM @5t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit). Treatment T7 (application of vermicompost at 5 t/ha in conjunction with Beejamrit and Jeevamrit) showed the most significant impact on the growth of Solanum. The plants attained the highest yield and biomass in this treatment, where the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was highest. The plants of the treatment T7 also showed high uptake of nutrients such as N, P and K. Results of the benefit-cost analysis indicated that plants of treatment of T7 gave maximum net return and gross income. The addition of organic supplements improved soil health and increased plant resistance to biotic stressors along with increasing crop productivity. The findings of the study highlighted the significance of organic nutrient management in sustainable agriculture. Restoration of the organic content of soil can prove as an effective approach for getting high productivity. Therefore, this strategy can be recommended for brinjal farming systems as it preserves soil fertility and ensures high crop growth and productivity.
... Low calorific value and presence of essential micronutrients made brinjal a popular vegetable crop across continents (Watanabe et al., 2016). Brinjal is a rich source of vitamins, especially vitamin K and vitamin B6 (Gürbüz et al., 2018). Among micronutrients brinjal mainly provides potassium, manganese etc. (Watanabe et al., 2016). ...
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiotically associate with plant roots and enhance the uptake of inorganic nutrients, increase the ability to withstand the biotic and abiotic stresses. The interaction between plants and microbes can be studied using proteomic. The proteomic profile of an organism can be used to determine the subcellular localization, different chemical environments, potential interaction partners etc. The study was carried out to explore the comparative proteomics of Solanum melongena upon association with Glomus macrocarpum and Funneliformis mosseae. The study revealed that in comparison to the untreated control, mycorrhizal fungi, G.macrocarpum and F. mosseae led to upregulation of 43 and 31 proteins respectively. Of these proteins, 26 proteins were common in both the species while 17 were specific to G. macrocarpum and 5 were specific to F. mosseae. These proteins were predicted to be involved in major physiologically important pathways.
... Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a commonly cultivated and widely grown vegetable also known as aubergine, brinjal, eggplant, or Guinea (Gürbüz et al. 2018), exhibits a diverse range of fruit shapes, including long club-shaped, egg-shaped, and ovoid. It also displays various colors such as purple, yellow, green, and white (Alam and Salimullah 2021). ...
Key message
SmbHLH93can activate the expression of SmCHS, SmANS, SmDFR and SmF3H.Overexpression of SmbHLH93promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis. SmbHLH93can interact with SmMYB1 to promote anthocyanin accumulation.
Abstract
As an outstanding source of anthocyanins, eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is extremely beneficial for human health. In the process of anthocyanin biosynthesis in eggplant, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family plays a crucial role. However, the bHLH gene family is extensive, making it difficult to systematically screen and analyze their functions using conventional methods. We studied the phylogeny, gene structure, conserved motifs, promoter element, and chromosomal location of the 166 SmbHLH genes in the recently released eggplant genome. Through the analysis of transcriptomic data of eggplant peel treated with light, it was found that SmbHLH93 was the most responsive to light among those of unknown function. Additionally, it was discovered that SmbHLH93 plays a positive regulatory role in anthocyanin synthesis through dual-luciferase reporter assay(dual-LUC) and genetic transformation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Furthermore, experiments involving yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), luciferase complementation assay (Split-LUC), and tobacco transient transformation demonstrated that SmbHLH93 has the ability to interact with SmMYB1 in order to enhance anthocyanin accumulation. This study will serve as a foundation for exploring the role of SmbHLH transcription factors in anthocyanin biosynthesis in the future.
... There are countless varieties in various sizes and hues. Furthermore, while eggplants are most commonly deep violet in hue, they can also be red, green, or even black (Gürbüz et al. 2018). In addition to vitamin C, some vegetables may also contain other substances such as anthocyanins found in aubergines, which is particularly useful. ...
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the vitamin C content of locally cultivated vegetables in Thailand. As the study's sample veggies, local, conveniently accessible product is regularly consumed by Thais. Vegetables include eggplant, Solanum melongena L., kajon flowers, Telosma minor Craib, lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., butterfly pea flowers, Clitoria ternatea Linn, acacia. Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd, spinach. Spinacia oleracea L., and zucchini, Cucurbita L. var. cylindica Pans. Fresh vegetable vitamin C levels range from 130 ±1.00 mg kg-1 , 340 ± 0.58 mg kg-1 , 350 ± 1.00 mg kg-1 , 340 ± 0.58 mg kg-1 , 440 ± 0.58 mg kg-1 , 490 ± 0.58 mg kg-1 and 140 ± 0.58 mg kg-1 , respectively. Spinach contained the most vitamin C, with a concentration of 490 mg kg-1 followed by Acacia, lettuce, kajon flowers, butterfly pea flowers and zucchini respectively. However, vitamin C is still necessary for healthy skin and a strong immune system. The body can also get the appropriate daily quantity of vitamin C by eating the right kinds and amounts of fruits and vegetables.
(1) Background: Eggplant is a widely grown, high-value vegetable crop whose commercial demand has increased in recent years owing to its unique nutritional features. Variations in its agronomic and nutritional traits are of great importance in the selection of eggplant varieties. (2) Methods: In this study, 30 different eggplant varieties were evaluated concerning the morphological characteristics and nutritional value of their fruits. (3) Results: Among the eight morphological characteristics evaluated, the coefficient of variation was highest for fruit calyx thorns, pericarp brightness, and fruit shape index. The diversity index (H’) for pulp color was the largest, followed by pericarp brightness, but was the smallest for fruit weight. Principal component analysis showed that the morphological characteristics contributed 73.20% for the observed diversity among the 30 eggplant varieties, whereas eggplant fruit quality traits had a minor effect. Of note, significant differences in the soluble protein, vitamin C, nitrate, soluble sugar, organic acid, and mineral contents was observed within the samples, with organic acids, vitamin C, and hardness contributing more to the total variation observed. Multiple sets of correlations among the indices were found, with significant positive correlations between transverse diameter and hardness, fruit weight and fruit shape index, as well as between malic acid, fructose, and sucrose; (4) Conclusions: Altogether, these findings may help create breeding strategies to promote the selection of superior genotypes and help guide future germplasm collection.
Исследование проводили с целью оценки исходного материала для селекции гибридов баклажана. Работа была выполнена в условиях пленочных теплиц селекционно-семеноводческого центра «Гавриш» в Тульской области. Биохимические показатели определены в лаборатории физиологии и биохимии, интродукции и функциональных продуктов ФГБНУ ФНЦО. Исследование было сосредоточено на сравнительных характеристиках плодов десяти линий по основным морфологическим признакам, по суммарным показателям антиоксидантов. При определении фенольных соединений (ФС) и антиоксидантов (АО) в качестве стандарта использовали галловую кислоту (ГК), результат выражали в мг-экв. ГК/г. Наиболее насыщенной темно-фиолетовой окраской плодов на основании визуальной оценки отличались линии Л 5, Л 8, Л 9. При этом наиболее оптимальной снежно-белой мякотью выделялась линия Л 5. Все изучаемые образцы характеризовались отсутствием горечи в плодах. Окраска плодов у изучаемых образцов баклажана в технической спелости была фиолетовой различной степени проявления и черно-фиолетовой. В результате проведенных исследований установлено, что содержание антоцианов в кожуре плодов баклажана является сортовым признаком. Результаты проведенных исследований показали, что содержание антоцианов в кожуре различно и находится в диапазоне 0,40±0,02 мг-экв. Ц3Г/г у Линии 7 до 5,98±0,20 мг-экв. Ц3Г/г у Линии 9. Высокий уровень накопления антоцианов также отмечен у линий: Л 1, Л 5 и Л 3. По результатам анализа установлено, что суммарное содержание фенольных соединений в кожуре колеблется от 0,67±0,03 мг-экв. ГК/г до 2,67±0,10 мг-экв. ГК/г, а в мякоти эти показатели были в более низких пределах и составляли – от 0,22±0,02 мг-экв. ГК/г до 1,46±0,06 мг-экв. ГК/г. Учитывая все изучаемые направления исследований, выделены образцы баклажана с комплексом хозяйственно ценных признаков – Л 1, Л 5, Л 7, Л 9 для включения в селекционный процесс в качестве исходного материала.
The work was carried out in the conditions of film greenhouses of the Gavrish breeding and seed center in the Tula region. Biochemical parameters were determined in the Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry, Introduction and Functional Products of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Federal Scientific Center for Sociological Education. The study focused on the comparative characteristics of the fruits of 10 lines in terms of the main morphological characteristics, in terms of total antioxidant indicators. In the determination of phenolic compounds (PS) and antioxidants (AO), gallic acid (HA) was used as the standard, the result was expressed in mEq. GK/y. The most saturated dark purple color of the fruits, on the basis of visual assessment, were distinguished by the lines L5, L8, L9. At the same time, the L5 line stood out with the most optimal snow-white pulp. All the samples studied were characterized by the absence of bitterness in the fruit. The color of the fruits of the studied eggplant samples at technical ripeness was purple of varying degrees of manifestation and black-violet. As a result of the research, it was established that the content of anthocyanins in the peel of eggplant fruits is a varietal characteristic. The results of the studies showed that the content of anthocyanins in the peel is different and is in the range of 0.40±0.02 mEq. C3G/g at Line 7 to 5.98±0.20 mEq. C3G/y at Line 9. A high level of anthocyanin accumulation was also noted in the following lines: L1, L5 and L3. According to the results of the analysis, it was found that the total content of phenolic compounds in the peel ranges from 0.67±0.03 mEq. GK/g to 2.67±0.10 mEq. HA/g, and in the pulp these indicators were in lower limits and ranged from 0.22±0.02 mEq. GK/g to 1.46±0.06 mEq. GK/y. Taking into account all the studied areas of research, eggplant accessions with a complex of economically valuable traits – L1, L5, L7, L9 were identified for inclusion in the breeding process as a starting material.
Eggplant is the third most cultivated member of the Solanaceae family after tomato and potato. It is widely consumed in Nigeria, particularly Southern Nigeria, for its nutritious, medicinal fruit, leaves and seeds. The crop plays a significant role in improving socioeconomic lives. The choice and use of eggplants by the indigenous people are need-based and driven by cultures and specific characteristics of the plant. This study aims to delineate indigenous knowledge in Southern Nigeria for the continued use and conservation of eggplants. The study shows that the variation in indigenous knowledge is attributed to the preferences of locals and the significance of the crop. The outcome of this study may enhance the sustainable utilisation and conservation of eggplant.
Eggplants are high in polyphenols, making them a powerful antioxidant food that is beneficial for health and has excellent anti-aging effects. As metabolism slows down with aging, lipid peroxides are generated, with 2-nonenal being the main cause of old-age odor, which has a detrimental effect on skin keratinocytes. In this study, the 2-nonenal scavenging ability of fruits, leaves, stems, and roots of eggplant was evaluated, and the active compound was identified as N-trans-feruloylputrescine. Furthermore, we assessed whether the extracts and N-trans-feruloylputrescine showed a protective effect against skin damage induced by 2-nonenal. The antioxidant activity of the eggplant extracts was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays, and the fruits exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to the other extracts. Additionally, it was found that the ROS levels increased by 2-nonenal were significantly reduced by eggplant fruits and roots, which also inhibited lipid peroxidation. These results suggest the possibility of inhibiting the production of 2-nonenal itself. These findings suggest that eggplant extracts and the N-trans-feruloylputrescine can have a positive effect on preventing aging and maintaining skin health.
Salinity stress significantly limits eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) production, yet comprehensive studies on its tolerance mechanisms at the seedling stage remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the salinity tolerance in 32 eggplant genotypes and elucidate the underlying physiological and biochemical adaptations to salt stress. Seedlings were subjected to three salinity levels (0, 8, and 12 dS/m NaCl) in a completely randomized design. After ten days of treatment, the genotypes were classified based upon symptom severity. Two genotypes (S9 and S15) showed higher tolerance, 28 genotypes showed moderate tolerance, while two genotypes (S7 and S12) were found to be highly sensitive. Notably, none of the genotypes survived at 12 dS/m, indicating a moderate tolerance level in eggplant. To explore the mechanistic basis of tolerance, four contrasting genotypes (S9, S15, S7, and S12) were further analyzed under 8 dS/m salinity stress for 4 and 8 days. Tolerant genotypes demonstrated enhanced antioxidant defense, as evidenced by increased activity of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, reduced oxidative stress indicators, better membrane stability, and stable photosynthetic pigment levels. In contrast, sensitive genotypes exhibited elevated stress markers and greater oxidative damage. Gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR) of five key antioxidant-related genes aligned with enzymatic findings, confirming a molecular basis for physiological responses. Ion homeostasis (K+, Na+, and Ca2+) was better regulated in tolerant genotypes, while proline and glycine betaine accumulation was a common osmotic adjustment strategy, across all the genotypes. The findings of this study led to identify two potential eggplant genotypes (S9 and S15), which can be useful for breeding salt-tolerant eggplant varieties. The findings also underscore the pivotal role of the Ascorbate-Glutathione cycle in mitigating salinity stress.
Eggplant fruits (Solanum melongena L.) are highly consumed globally for their abundant nutraceutical content. However, the processing of eggplant generates significant amounts of solid waste, leading to environmental concerns due to rapid spoilage. But eggplant waste, which is rich in protein, chitin, carotenoids, and enzymes, has garnered recent interest for the recovery of these valuable components as marketable products. Hence, understanding extraction process parameters to effectively design an applicable optimization strategy could enable these improvements. Enzymatic hydrolysis offers a promising method for carotenoid extraction due to its specificity and mild processing conditions, preserving the integrity of the target compounds. This chapter explores enzymatic hydrolysis as a method for extracting carotenoids from eggplant peel, with a focus on optimizing key parameters for enhanced recovery. The optimization includes enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize carotenoid yield. Various analytical techniques, such as spectrophotometry and chromatography, have been employed to assess the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis and quantify the extracted carotenoids. The findings presented in this chapter contribute to the development of sustainable methods for valorizing agricultural by-products and extracting valuable compounds from eggplant peel.
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop of India, which is cultivated in about 711 lakh hectares area with a production and productivity of 13, 558 MT and 19.1 MT/ha, respectively. Given the economic importance and heterosis in brinjal, the use of hybrid seeds is important to get higher seed yields and resistance to pest and diseases. The hybrid seed production in brinjal is done through the hand emasculation and pollination, as other pollination-controlling mechanisms such as male sterility and self-incompatibility are not commercially reported. However, Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility (CGMS) system is being utilized in hybrid seed production. This chapter highlights the hybrid seed production technology in brinjal focusing on its botanical characteristics, floral biology, agronomic package of practices for obtaining higher seed yield. Additionally, it delves into the techniques for hybrid seed production, including hand emasculation-pollination and CGMS system of male sterility. Through this chapter, an effort has been made to provide the information on various aspects of quality hybrid seed production of brinjal, which could serve as an instant guidance to the brinjal seed producers, farmers and students.
Eggplant, a fundamental ingredient in vegetarian cuisine, has been utilized since ancient eras. It is a highly commercially viable crop in America, Africa, India, Indochina, European countries, and South-East Asia, with China being the leading producer. Eggplants possess significant nutritional content and can be beneficial in treating chronic conditions such as anemia, arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, malignancies, cholera, coronary heart disease, hypertension, gastrointestinal difficulties, and the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Their composition includes alkaloids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In their natural state, eggplants possess a bitter flavor and are extensively utilized as a food source for different culinary applications. There is significant interest in the phytochemical makeup of eggplant by-products, which have been used in Africa for over 2000 years for culinary and medicinal purposes. These qualities have been demonstrated to be effective in treating diabetes and hypertension. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data supporting the utilization of these by-products as food, leading to a substantial depletion of vital bioactive food. In addition, research projects examine how these substances can enhance the value of different food items, including jelly crystals, custard, cookies, bread, gluten-free spaghetti, yogurt-like goods, and gummy candies.
The response of leaf traits and photosynthetic characteristics to selenium (Se) application reflects plant adaptation strategies for selenium-enhanced accumulation of photosynthetic products. This study selected eggplant as the research subject and conducted a field experiment to better understand these relationships. This study included three Se treatments, foliar sprays of 0.5 mg L⁻¹ (T1), 1 mg L⁻¹ (T2), and 1.5 mg L⁻¹ (T3), with tap water as the control (CK). The results revealed that T1 and T2 significantly improved leaf traits and photosynthetic characteristics compared to CK, while T3 had a negative effect. Regarding the leaf area–leaf thickness (LA–LT) trade-off relationship, the T2 treatment favoured LA, whereas the CK, T1, and T3 treatments favoured LT, with trade-off values of T3 > T1 > CK. Regarding the net photosynthetic rate–transpiration rate (Pn–Tr) trade-off relationship, the CK treatment favoured Tr, whereas the T1, T2, and T3 treatments favoured Pn, with trade-off values of T2 > T1 > T3. In T1 and T2, the eggplant specific leaf area and Pn showed non-significant and highly significant positive correlations, respectively, and in CK and T3 showed non-significant and highly significant negative correlations, respectively. These results indicate that foliar application of Se at appropriate concentrations can increase crop productivity in semi-arid areas.
Food provides a variety of nutrients that are vital to human health, as well as chemical components present in food with bioactive attributes believed to be crucial for both preventing illness and health promotion. Food bioactive compounds have garnered attention recently due to its significant therapeutic values, and there is discussion on how to utilize these, when making recommendations for public health as nutraceuticals. Food bioactives are naturally occurring biologically active chemical components derived from various food sources (plants, animal and microbial), which possess significant therapeutic properties against various ailments. Food or food products contains an abundant amount of bioactive compounds such as (alkaloids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, carotenoids), which is considered for its therapeutic efficacy against various clinical disorders such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, inflammatory disease, cancer, arthritis and immune-modulators. Therefore, food or food bioactive can play a very significant role as nutraceuticals for the management of various therapeutic illness. A nutraceutical is a “food or food bioactive obtained from plant or animal with significant health benefits” mostly employed to prevent or cure diseases. In this chapter, efforts were made to bring altogether the possible wide range of various food bioactive compounds present in food and its possible application as nutraceuticals. Additionally, this chapter will also draw the interest of nutritionists, food scientists, pharmaceutical industries and food businesses in order to improve the application of bioactive molecules in nutraceutical industry and facilitate their commercialization in order to support and promote wellness, wellbeing, and a healthy lifestyle.
The Solanaceae family occupies a significant position, and the study of resistance genes within this family is extremely valuable. Therefore, our goal is to examine disease resistance genes based on the high-quality representative genomes of Solanaceae crops, and to develop corresponding Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Among nine representative Solanaceae species, we identified 819 NBS-LRR genes, which were further divided into 583 CC-NBS-LRR (CNL), 54 RPW8-NBS-LRR (RNL), and 182 TIR-NBS-LRR (TNL) genes. Whole genome duplication (WGD) has played a very important role in the expansion of NBS-LRR genes in Solanaceae crops. Gene structure analysis showed the striking similarity in the conserved motifs of NBS-LRR genes, which suggests a common ancestral origin, followed by evolutionary differentiation and amplification. Gene clustering and events like rearrangement within the NBS-LRR family contribute to their scattered chromosomal distribution. Our findings reveal that the majority of NBS-LRR family genes across all examined species predominantly localize to chromosomal termini. The analysis indicates the significant impact of the most recent whole genome triplication (WGT) on the NBS-LRR family genes. Moreover, we constructed Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) networks for all 819 NBS-LRR genes, identifying 3820 potential PPI pairs. Notably, 97 genes displayed clear interactive relationships, highlighting their potential role in disease resistance processes. A total of 22,226 SSRs were detected from all genes of nine Solanaceae species. Among these SSRs, we screened 43 NBS-LRR-associated SSRs. Our study lays the foundation for further exploration into SSR development and genetic mapping related to disease resistance in Solanaceae species.
Liquid chromatography, when used in conjunction with mass spectrometry (LC/MS), is a powerful tool for conducting accurate and reproducible investigations of numerous metabolites in natural products (NPs). LC/MS has gained prominence in metabolomic research due to its high throughput, the availability of multiple ionization techniques and its ability to provide comprehensive metabolite coverage. This unique method can significantly influence various scientific domains. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of LC/MS‐based metabolomics in the investigation of NPs. This review provides a thorough overview of the state of the art in LC/MS‐based metabolomics for the investigation of NPs. It covers the principles of LC/MS, various aspects of LC/MS‐based metabolomics such as sample preparation, LC modes, method development, ionization techniques and data pre‐processing. Moreover, it presents the applications of LC/MS‐based metabolomics in numerous fields of NPs research such as including biomarker discovery, the agricultural research, food analysis, the study of marine NPs and microbiological research. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges and limitations of LC/MS‐based metabolomics, as well as emerging trends and developments in this field.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently regarded as a global public health crisis for which lifelong treatment with conventional drugs presents limitations in terms of side effects, accessibility, and cost. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), usually associated with obesity, is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, hyperlipidemia, chronic inflammation, impaired β-cell function, and insulin resistance. If left untreated or when poorly controlled, DM increases the risk of vascular complications such as hypertension, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy, which can be severely debilitating or life-threatening. Plant-based foods represent a promising natural approach for the management of T2DM due to the vast array of phytochemicals they contain. Numerous epidemiological studies have highlighted the importance of a diet rich in plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, spices, and condiments) in the prevention and management of DM. Unlike conventional medications, such natural products are widely accessible, affordable, and generally free from adverse effects. Integrating plant-derived foods into the daily diet not only helps control the hyperglycemia observed in DM but also supports weight management in obese individuals and has broad health benefits. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis and current therapeutic management of DM, with a particular focus on the promising potential of plant-based foods.
CCT family genes play crucial roles in photoperiodic flowering and environmental stress response; however, there are limited reports in Solanum species with considerable edible and medicinal value. In this study, we conducted genome-wide characterization and expression profiling analysis of the CCT gene family in two Solanum species: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). A total of 27 SlCCT and 29 SmCCT genes were identified in the tomato and eggplant genomes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CCT gene family could be divided into six subgroups (COL I, COL II, COL III, PRR, CMF I, and CMF II) in Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana. The similarity in the distribution of exon–intron structures and conserved motifs within the same subgroup indicated the conservation of SlCCT and SmCCT genes during evolution. Intraspecies collinearity analysis revealed that six pairs of SlCCT genes and seven pairs of SmCCT genes showed collinear relationships, suggesting that segmental duplication played a vital role in the expansion of the SlCCT and SmCCT family genes. Cis-acting element prediction indicated that SlCCT and SmCCT were likely to be involved in multiple responses stimulated by light, phytohormones, and abiotic stress. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that SmCCT15, SlCCT6/SlCCT14, and SlCCT23/SmCCT9 responded significantly to salt, drought, and cold stress, respectively. Our comprehensive analysis of the CCT gene family in tomato and eggplant provides a basis for further studies on its molecular role in regulating flowering and resistance to abiotic stress, and provides valuable candidate gene resources for tomato and eggplant molecular breeding.
Vegetable and fruit byproducts are different parts of vegetables and fruits plus secondary products derived from primary agrofood production processes. With the increasing growth of global vegetable and fruit production, utilization of their byproducts for recovery of health benefit dietary nutrients required emphasis. The current food system and manufacturers are inadequate to maximize the existing food or plant resources’ public demand concurrently to minimize environmental pollution. Important sources of nutritional qualities of these byproducts and their valorization trends are getting research interests. In this review, we have summarized the nutritional qualities and their means of valorization of vegetable and fruit byproducts which have maximum global production from the FAO (2021) published data. The nutritional qualities of the main byproducts are highlighted and the current trends to valorize them into innovative health-promoting products were assessed. Valorization investigations conducted on these byproducts into food additives (dietary fiber concentrates), nutraceuticals, edible food packaging materials, fermented beverages, and natural dyes were mainly focused on in this review. There are limitations in valorizing technologies of vegetable and fruit byproducts. Hence, further studies are vital to develop novel processing techniques for each of these byproducts. Benefiting from the food waste is a pearl of wisdom and ignoring the value can be participating in pollution.
The formation of food waste brings numerous issues such as inefficient use of nutrients, social injustice, and economic and ecological losses. The aim of this study is to reduce fruit and vegetable waste, which are among the most common kitchen wastes, with new recipes, and to explore the advantages they provide to human health. The study developed 20 different recipes using parts typically considered waste in the kitchen, like stems, stalks, and peels from 11 fruits and 9 vegetables, and calculated their nutritional values using the BEBIS program (Nutrition Information System). Additionally, the functional properties of the fruit and vegetable waste used in the study were examined in light of scientific literature. Results showed that parts of fruits and vegetables considered as waste might have valuable nutritional properties, such as being a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Among the recipes created with fruit waste, the chocolate balls with pomegranate peel powder had the highest energy value (4255.3 kcal), the sweet chicken with orange flavor had the highest protein content (122.1 g), and the watermelon dessert had the highest fiber content (25.3 g). Among the recipes made with vegetable waste, the puff pastry with leek leaves had the highest energy value (2740 kcal), and the savory cake with cauliflower and potatoes contained the most protein (222.2 g) and fiber (184.1 g). Using parts like stems, peels, and leaves considered food waste in recipes also imparts functional properties to the recipes. The food waste used in this study possesses properties in the literature such as anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, prevention of neurological disorders, and anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anti-aging effects.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the essential vegetables worldwide, and cultivated genotypes of eggplant suffer from numerous abiotic and biotic stresses. A reproducible and efficient plant regeneration system is crucial for applying molecular breeding methods to overcome the difficulties of conventional breeding programs to improve eggplant germplasm, such as genetic transformation and genome editing techniques. The three explant types, cotyledon, hypocotyl, and leaf, were obtained from two different cultivars, Pusa purple long (PL) and Pusa green round (GR) of eggplant. Three explants were cultivated on media augmented with a variety of cytokinins, including BAP, mT, and ZEA, in different concentrations. The media supplemented with mT at 8.28 µM generated the highest number of shoots, which showed the optimum regeneration efficiency for all three explants in two eggplant genotypes. The cotyledon explants generated the optimum number of shoot buds on the medium amended with low concentrations of BAP (2.22 µM), KIN (2.32 µM), and ZEA (4.56 µM), and mT at 8.28 µM. The mT (8.28 µM) and BAP at 2.22 µM combinations produced 25.8 and 18.3 shoots in PL and GR genotypes, respectively. The addition of various concentrations of IAA (1.43 to 5.71 µM), IBA (1.23 to 4.92 µM), and NAA (1.34 to 5.37 µM) in combination with mT (8.28 µM) were evaluated to find out their role on the induction and proliferation of numerous shoot buds from cotyledon explants of two cultivars of eggplant. The medium augmented with mT (8.28 µM) and IAA (2.85 µM) produced 26.4 shoots and 17.8 shoots in cotyledon explants of PL and GR cultivars, respectively. The optimum rooting efficiency of shoots was recorded on the medium containing the IAA (5.71 µM) and produced complete plantlets. The plantlets showed 100% similarity with their mother plants.
Ensuring the healthy growth of eggplants requires the precise detection of leaf diseases, which can significantly boost yield and economic income. Improving the efficiency of plant disease identification in natural scenes is currently a crucial issue. This study aims to provide an efficient detection method suitable for disease detection in natural scenes. A lightweight detection model, YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt, is proposed. This model utilizes the MobileNeXt backbone to reduce network parameters and computational complexity and includes a lightweight C3-BiPC neck module. Additionally, a multi-scale cross-spatial attention mechanism (EMA) is integrated into the neck network, and the nearest neighbor interpolation algorithm is replaced with the content-aware feature recombination operator (CARAFE), enhancing the model’s ability to perceive multidimensional information and extract multiscale disease features and improving the spatial resolution of the disease feature map. These improvements enhance the detection accuracy for eggplant leaves, effectively reducing missed and incorrect detections caused by complex backgrounds and improving the detection and localization of small lesions at the early stages of brown spot and powdery mildew diseases. Experimental results show that the YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt model achieves an average precision (AP) of 94.9% for brown spot disease, 95.0% for powdery mildew, and 99.5% for healthy leaves. Deployed on a Jetson Orin Nano edge detection device, the model attains an average recognition speed of 26 FPS (Frame Per Second), meeting real-time requirements. Compared to other algorithms, YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt demonstrates superior overall performance, accurately detecting plant diseases under natural conditions and offering valuable technical support for the prevention and treatment of eggplant leaf diseases.
Functional foods are whole foods made from microbes or plants that have been supplemented with extra nutrients or bioactive substances that can be found in nature and used to cure or prevent particular illnesses. In light of the growing number of cases of metabolic illnesses and the high death rates resulting from inaccurate information or poor dietary practices, this chapter addresses a vital sources (plant, microbe and animals) of bioactive components of foods. The reasons behind the proper consumption of certain meals and supplements should be known to the general public. Previous research has shown that bioactive components have the capacity to reduce the detrimental effects of a variety of human diseases because they have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory qualities as well as improved intestinal barrier functioning. The bioactive components obtained from fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant sources that have health-promoting qualities are discussed in this overview, along with the mechanisms behind the bioactive qualities of some of these plant components. This chapter also reveals the potential of bioactive chemicals obtained from food, giving researchers access to data that could be useful in developing future plans such as selecting promising bioactive components to create functional foods for a range of non-communicable diseases.
In Bangladesh, brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop due to its year-round cultivation, high demand for consumption, and nutritional value. The main obstacle to the successful cultivation and production of brinjal is insect pests. The current study was carried out in the winter, when green leafhoppers (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), one type of sucking insect pest, are most prevalent. Early in the vegetative stage, an infestation of green leaf hoppers (GLH) was noted; as the canopy size increased, so did their numbers. The consumption of brinjal with its peel poses a health risk due to possible contamination with toxic chemical insecticides. We assess a few non-toxic or minimally toxic bio-insecticides against GLH in order to tackle this crucial problem. Fizimite, one of the bio-insecticides, was found to be effective against GLH in a sodium lauryl ether sulfate preparation. Fizimite decreased the amount of GLH in the plant by 85.8%, the amount of leaf infestation by 77.84%, and the amount of GLH-infected brinjal leaf abundance by 54.34%. But Voliam Flexi, a chemical control, was also discovered to be successful against GLH. Fizimite may therefore be a non-toxic, bio-rational substitute for Voliam Flexi, a synthetic, toxic medication used to control GLH.
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a popular vegetable in Bangladesh being nutritious, tasty, and cultivable throughout the year. Insect pests are the major constraint to its successful cultivation and production. The present study was conducted during the winter season when the sucking insect pests especially cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) are most abundant. Aphid infestation was observed in the brinjal plants since the early
vegetative stage and sometimes the infestation rate reached up to 100 percent. Moreover, the infestation rate fluctuated with plants or duration. Aphids suck the cell saps resulting in stunting the growth of plants and yield reduction. As brinjal is consumed without peeling, contamination with toxic insecticides is a health concern. To address this, some bioinsecticides including abamectin preparation ‘Biomax M’, sodium lauryl ether sulphate
preparation ‘Fizimite’, azadirachtin preparation ‘Fytomax’, Saccharopolyspora spinosa and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki broth mixture preparation ‘Spinomax’, and potassium salt of fatty acid preparation ‘Fytoclean’ were selected to combat aphids. Besides, Voliam Flexi was applied as chemical control. A field study showed that abamectin preparation Biomax M was very potent against aphids showing zero percent aphid infestation. In
addition, the chemical control Voliam Flexi 300 SC also provided zero percent aphid infestation. Therefore, Biomax M might be the non-toxic alternative to Voliam Flexi 300 SC for controlling aphids.
Vegetable and fruit byproducts are abundant and renewable resources on earth that can be used to valorize high-value-added bioactive substances like antimicrobial products. Employing sustainable food preservation methods and replacing synthetic additives with plant antimicrobials for improved human health are receiving current research interest. A comprehensive review of this article discussed the antimicrobial activities of byproducts from fruits and vegetables for which the maximum global production occurred during 2021. Bioactive compounds from these byproducts have shown antimicrobial effects on bacteria, fungi and mold species. This review has described the antimicrobial mechanism of action to better understand future research on the valorizing of bioactive substances. However, the antimicrobial properties of several vegetable- and fruit-byproduct-derived substances demand further research to validate these substances as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents. To ensure this, additional research on bioactive extraction models for individual antimicrobial agent development from these byproducts could also be beneficial for better valorization. Moreover, to better understand the antimicrobial applications of phytochemicals, it is important to understand the dissociation rate (pKa) and acid moieties of bioactive compounds, for which limited studies have been conducted.
Graphical Abstract
Anthocyanins are a large group of water-soluble flavonoid pigments. These specialized metabolites are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and play an essential role not only in plant reproduction and dispersal but also in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Anthocyanins are recognized as important health-promoting and chronic-disease-preventing components in the human diet. Therefore, interest in developing food crops with improved levels and compositions of these important nutraceuticals is growing. This review focuses on work conducted to elucidate the genetic control of the anthocyanin pathway and modulate anthocyanin content in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), two solanaceous fruit vegetables of worldwide relevance. While anthocyanin levels in eggplant fruit have always been an important quality trait, anthocyanin-based, purple-fruited tomato cultivars are currently a novelty. As detailed in this review, this difference in the anthocyanin content of the cultivated germplasm has largely influenced genetic studies as well as breeding and transgenic approaches to improve the anthocyanin content/profile of these two important solanaceous crops. The information provided should be of help to researchers and breeders in devising strategies to address the increasing consumer demand for nutraceutical foods.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is widely cultivated. It shows moderate tolerance to water deficit, but suffers yield losses in the arid and semi-arid regions where it is grown. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPZnO), in association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), on the post-harvest quality of eggplant subjected to water deficit. Two irrigation percentages relative to potential evapotranspiration-ETo (50 and 100% ETo) and five combinations involving NPZnO or PGPB were studied. Number of commercial fruits per plant and weight of commercial fruits per plant, diameter, length, skin color, firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA, vitamin C and total soluble sugars were evaluated. There was strong positive correlation between weight of commercial fruits per plant, SS/TA, total soluble sugars, titratable acidity, lightness and vitamin C in the treatments containing ZnSO₄, NPZnO and PGPB. Water deficit and nanoparticles containing zinc, associated or not with bacteria that promote plant growth, did not influence the weight and average size of the fruits and the post-harvest quality of the eggplant crop. Water deficit reduced the chromaticity and lightness of the skin color and the vitamin C content of eggplant.
Key words:
Solanum melongena; drought; fruit quality
The bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a significant threat to eggplant production. Breeding and promoting resistant varieties is one of the most effective methods to manage bacterial wilt. Conducting QTL (quantitative trait locus) mapping of resistant genes can substantially enhance the breeding of plant resistance to bacterial wilt. In this study, a population of 2200 F2 individuals derived from resistant and susceptible materials was utilized to establish extreme resistance and susceptibility pools. Following resequencing analysis of the parents and extreme pools, the QTL were examined using the DEEP-BSA software and QTLseqr R package (version 0.7.5.2). The results revealed that the detection of 10 QTL sites on chromosomes 5, 8, 9, and 11 by the five algorithms of the DEEP-BSA software. Additionally, the candidate region of 62 Mb–72 Mb on chromosome 5 was identified in all five algorithms of the DEEP-BSA software, as well as by the QTLseqr R package. Subsequent gene annotation uncovered 276 genes in the candidate region of 62 Mb–72 Mb on chromosome 5. Additionally, RNA-seq results indicated that only 13 genes had altered expression levels following inoculation with R. solanacearum in the resistant materials. Based on the expression levels, SMEL4_05g015980.1 and SMEL4_05g016110.1 were identified as candidate genes. Notably, SNP annotation identified a non-synonymous mutation in the exonic region of SMEL4_05g015980.1 and a variant in the promoter region of SMEL4_05g016110.1. The research findings have practical significance for the isolation of bacterial wilt resistance genes in eggplant and the development of resistance to bacterial wilt varieties in eggplant.
The aim of this research was to study the metabolite composition, antioxidative potential and cytotoxic activities of Solanum melongena fruit extracts. Phytochemical analyses of extracts were performed using LC-MS. Phenolic compounds were the major constituents present in the fruit extracts. Free radical scavenging activities were recorded and the highest activities were reported in methanolic extracts using DPPH (103.70 ± 2.75 EC50 μg/mL), ABTS (81.74 ± 3.64 EC50 μg/mL), and FRAP (22.39 ± 1.52 μmol TE/g) assays. Quantification has suggested the presence of delphinidin derivatives, and caffeic acid conjugates as major constituents of fruit extracts. The potential binding of these derivatives with human cell surface receptors was analysed using in silico analysis and validated for cytotoxic and apoptotic effects using in vitro studies on human cancer cell lines. The methanolic extract has shown the highest cytotoxic activity.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically important vegetable crop whose purple-colored fruits are enriched with anthocyanidins. In this work in the eggplant genome, homologues of the main known structural (CHS1, CHS2, CHI, F3H, F35H, DFR, ANS, and UFGT) and regulatory (TT8, GL3, bHLH137, bHLH143, MYB1, MYB2, and MYB75) anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, as well as anthocyanidin transporter gene (GSTF12), were identified. The expression of these genes was characterized in comparisonwith the content of the total anthocyanins and the color of the leaf, flower petals, and fruit peel. It was shown that the gene expression pattern corresponds to the color and the presence of anthocyanins in the tissue, and also indicates the presence of organ-specific characteristics of the regulation of transcription of genes encoding transcription factors of the MBW complex. The results of correlation analysis confirm the involvement of SmbHLH137, SmTT8, SmMYB2, and SmMYB75 genes in the regulation of the expression of structural genes in flower petals and SmGL3, SmTT8, and SmMYB1 in fruit peel.
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) are aggressive hemipteran species that depend primarily on leaf tissue for their nourishment, causing substantial damages and yield losses in their hosts. This study was carried out to assess the effect of whitefly infestation on the growth parameters of one of the commercial eggplant cultivars (round green Solanum melongena L) under filed conditions. The trial consists of four treatments (T1= 15, T2= 30, T3= 45 and control (T4) = 0 whiteflies/plot) replicated four times. The result revealed that all the parameters assessed are negatively affected by whitefly infestation with plants in treatment (T3) being most affected while those in T1 are least affected. The dry weight recorded least value (1.1 g/leaf) having the highest percentage reduction (69.11%) followed by leaf area with 152.5cm2 (48.83% reduction) while the number of leaves was least affected recording 50.3 leaves/plant (18.09% reduction) at 90 days after infestation in 2022 experiment. In 2023 experiment, similar results were recorded with plants in T3 being most affected. Dry weight of the leaves had the lowest value (1.3g/leaf) representing the highest reduction (68.30%) followed by the leaf area with 167.3cm2 (44.8% reduction) with the number of leaves also being least affected, recording 52.1 leaves/plant representing 9.40% reduction with plants in treatment T1, at 90 days after infestation. The highest reduction in yield was also recorded with plants in T3 (92.10, 90.10%) while the least was observed in T1 (86.8 and 85.70%) for the respective trials (2022 and 2023). The result shows the level of susceptibility of the variety examined to whitefly infestation, demonstrating the urgent needs for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable whitefly management regimes for improved eggplant production in the area.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) breeding for fruit quality has mostly focused on visual traits and nutritional and bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid. However, higher contents of chlorogenic acid may lead to more pronounced fruit flesh browning. We examined a diverse collection of 59 eggplant accessions across five varietal types (‘black oval’, ‘striped’, ‘anthocyanin-free’, ‘purple’, and ‘black elongated’) to evaluate the degree of browning, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and chlorogenic acid (CGA) content. The results reveal moderate correlations among these traits, with no clear differences among the varietal types, suggesting that other factors, including genetic variation, might significantly influence these traits. Notably, ‘black oval’ accessions demonstrated higher browning and PPO activity, whereas ‘striped’ accessions showed low variability. The identification of genotypes with lower browning and higher CGA content highlights opportunities for targeted genotype selection to improve eggplant chlorogenic acid content while maintaining low or moderate browning, pointing towards the importance of genetic considerations in breeding strategies to reduce browning and enhance nutritional value.
Simple Summary
Both larvae and adults of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) can feed on potato, tomato, and eggplant leaves, though potatoes serve as the most suitable host for the H. vigintioctopunctata. Owing to the differing planting times of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, H. vigintioctopunctata adults must migrate to tomato or eggplant leaves for feeding to ensure continuous food availability. Therefore, under wild field conditions, host transfer between larvae and adults of the H. vigintioctopunctata is a normal phenomenon. Generally, the feeding experiences of both larval and adult hosts influence the survival and reproduction of the adult ladybird beetle. To ascertain the impact of larval and adult hosts on the performance and preference of adults, we allow H. vigintioctopunctata larvae and adults to either continue or change their feeding experience on potato, tomato, and eggplant leaves. Our results indicate that the adult feeding host dictates the fecundity and preferences of the adult, independent of the larval feeding experience. While host switching between larval and adult stages yields fewer benefits for H. vigintioctopunctata performance compared to a consistent potato leaf diet, it facilitates food access for H. vigintioctopunctata. Hence, under wild field conditions, we can adjust the planting intervals between eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes to prevent host switching between larva and adult H. vigintioctopunctata, thereby ecologically controlling the populations of H. vigintioctopunctata.
Abstract
Both larvae and adults of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata feed on leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. Given the variation in planting times of host plants in the Jianghan Plain, host switching between larvae and adults of H. vigintioctopunctata is inevitable to ensure continuous food availability. We evaluated the effect of consistent versus diverse larval and adult host plant feeding experience on growth performance, fecundity, longevity, and feeding preferences of H. vigintioctopunctata through match-mismatch experiments. Host plant quality significantly influences larval development and adult reproduction. Potatoes are identified as the optimal host plant for H. vigintioctopunctata, whereas eggplants significantly negatively affect the adult fecundity. Adult stage host feeding experience determines the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. The fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata adults on eggplant leaves remains significantly lower than that observed on potato leaves. Similarly, adult H. vigintioctopunctata demonstrate a preference for consuming potato leaves, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. Although host switching between larval and adult stages offers lesser benefits for the performance of herbivorous insects compared to a consistent diet with potato leaves, it maintains H. vigintioctopunctata population continuity amidst shortages of high-quality potato hosts.
The WD40 gene family is a highly conserved protein family in plants that plays a crucial role in various life activities. Although eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genome sequencing has been completed, there is limited research on the WD40 family in eggplant, and the regulatory mechanism of its involvement in anthocyanin synthesis remains poorly understood. The research identified the eggplant WD40 gene family, comprising 187 SmWD40 members that are unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes of the eggplant. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into 11 subgroups, with members within the same subgroup having similar motifs and gene structures. The promoter of the SmWD40 genes contains a high number of light, stress, and hormone response elements. The expression patterns of 20 SmWD40 members of the S5 subgroup were analyzed during the formation of fruit color in long purple eggplant. Subsequently, we used virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to confirm the significance of the TTG1 (SmWD40-56) gene in subgroup S5 for anthocyanin synthesis in eggplant fruit. To investigate the molecular mechanism of SmWD40-56 in eggplant fruit color formation, we analyzed the expression patterns of structural genes for anthocyanin synthesis in eggplant fruit silenced for SmWD40-56. Finally, we predicted the protein interaction network of the SmWD40-56 gene to understand its potential regulatory mechanisms. The result showed that SmWD40-56 may regulate the structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and plays an important role in eggplant fruit color formation. This study provides some basis for studying the mechanism of eggplant fruit color formation.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruits are known to contain few carotenoids such as β-carotene, which are abundant in congener tomato fruits. In a previous study, we introduced a fruit-specific EEF48 gene promoter-driven crtB gene encoding phytoene synthase (PSY) of Erwinia uredovora into eggplant ‘Senryo No. 2’. The transgenic plants grown in a greenhouse set fruits that accumulated β-carotene (∼1.67 µg g⁻¹FW) in the T0 and T1 generations. In the present study, we grew T1 and T2 generations of the transgenic eggplant plants in artificial climate chambers to investigate their fruit set and β-carotene accumulation. No clear difference in β-carotene accumulation was observed in the fruit of transgenic plants grown under either HID (high-intensity discharge) or LED (light-emitting diode) light, or between T1 and T2 generations. The β-carotene accumulation (8.83 µg g⁻¹FW on average) was approximately 5 times higher than the previous results obtained from greenhouse-grown plants. However, the fruit weight and size of the T-DNA (+) plants were significantly smaller than that of their null-segregant T-DNA (−) plants derived from the same line, suggesting that β-carotene accumulation may inhibit fruit development. Considering that a part of plants grown under LED irradiation failed to set fruits or set smaller fruits than those grown under HID irradiation, the light condition in the LED chamber may not be sufficient to promote fruit development. The present results are expected to provide valuable information for the selection of transgenic eggplants with high β-carotene content in fruit under artificial lighting.
Fullsize Image
Calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) is an important calmodulin-binding protein with a conserved structure in eukaryotes which is widely involved in plant stress response, growth and development, hormone signal transduction, and other biological processes. Although CAMTA genes have been identified and characterized in many plant species, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of CAMTA genes in the Solanaceae genome is performed for the first time in this study. A total of 28 CAMTA genes were identified using bioinformatics tools, and the biochemical/physicochemical properties of these proteins were investigated. CAMTA genes were categorized into three major groups according to phylogenetic analysis. Tissue-expression profiles indicated divergent spatiotemporal expression patterns of SmCAMTAs. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of SmCAMTA genes showed that exposure to cold induced differential expression of many eggplant CAMTA genes. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescent complementary assays suggested an interaction between SmCAMTA2 and SmERF1, promoting the transcription of the cold key factor SmCBF2, which may be an important mechanism for plant cold resistance. In summary, our results provide essential information for further functional research on Solanaceae family genes, and possibly other plant families, in the determination of the development of plants.
Natural antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins, and microelements, are predominant in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The accretion interest of consumers in utilizing natural ingredients in food products, have accelerated the appeal for functional “natural” operations. Therefore, understanding how natural antioxidants especially nano-antioxidants, and their delivery systems when used in antioxidant polymers for food packaging are extracted from natural sources, would help prevent oxidation reactions. Given the increasing role of natural antioxidants in the daily lives of today’s communities, a continuous synthesis of relevant literature is pertinent. To supplement existing information, recent advances in nano-related natural antioxidants, their extraction methods and applications in the food industry are discussed in this current work. Insightfully positioning antioxidants within the nano-delivery systems, this current work reveals the potential nanotechnology provides in enhancing the absorption of antioxidants in human metabolic systems.
The nutrimental composition and main nutraceutical components were determined in Chinese, Philippine, American, Hindu and Thai eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) types grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. Thai type showed the highest amount of protein (0.90%), crude (1.54%) and dietary (3.93%) fibre and the highest concentrations of total soluble phenolics (2049 mgCAE 100g-1) and chlorogenic acid (1700 mg 100g-1). Hindu type obtained the highest content of the minerals potassium (191.19 mg 100g-1), calcium (59.63 mg 100g-1), phosphorus (33.52 mg 100g-1), magnesium (28.96 mg 100g-1), manganese (0.44 mg 100g-1), zinc (0.78 mg 100g-1), in addition this eggplant type showed the highest levels of ascorbic acid (22 mg 100g-1). Philippine type showed the highest concentration in anthocyanins (161.10 mgC3GE 100g-1) and the highest levels of radical scavenging activity in DPPH (92.50% of inhibition) and ORAC (538.90 μmolTE g-1). Nutrient components with functional properties like biologically essential minerals, dietary fibre, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and soluble phenols were found in higher amounts in the five eggplant types analyzed, as compared with reports from other parts in the world available in the literature.
The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), also known as aubergine or brinjal, has been cultivated for centuries in the Old World and is currently a crop species of global importance. Despite this, hypotheses of eggplant evolution have been fraught with controversy. Previous conclusions have relied solely on morphological characters or have been based on insufficient taxonomic sampling, leading to conflicting opinions of the number of species, phylogenetic relationships, and patterns of domestication in a group of related taxa termed the S. melongena complex. The S. melongena complex shows a series of morphological intermediates from small‐fruited spiny plants to large‐fruited non‐spiny plants. We use DNA sequence data to show that eggplants arose in Africa and were dispersed throughout the Middle East to Asia. Solanum linnaeanum, a wild species not previously associated with eggplant evolution, is a member of the S. melongena complex. These data provide the most comprehensive evidence to date for the evolution of the cultivated eggplant.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. The eggplant glycoalkaloids (GAs) are toxic secondary metabolites that may have detrimental effects on human health, particularly if the magnitudes of GAs are higher than the recommended food safety level (200 mg per kg of fresh mass). In this study, the content of solasonine compound and the expression patterns of solasodine galactosyltransferase (SGT1) gene were assessed in different tissues (mature leaves, flower buds, young, mature, and physiologically ripe fruits) of two Iranian eggplant genotypes (D1 and J10) under field conditions. The maximum mass fraction of solasonine in D1 was detected in flower buds (135.63 μg/g), followed by leaf (113.29 μg/g), physiologically ripe fruit (74.74 μg/g), young fruit (61.33 μg/g), and mature fruit (21.55 μg/g). Comparing both genotypes, the genotype of bitter fruits (J10) contained higher mass fraction of solasonine, as one of the main factors for producing bitter flavour of the plant. Regarding the expression profiles of SGT1, in both genotypes, the activity of the gene was increased nearly parallel with the concentration of solasonine. In the J10 genotype, transcript level of the gene was significantly higher than the genotype of sweet fruits (D1). Although both D1 and J10 genotypes are possibly recommendable for human food consumption, D1 is more suitable for daily diet.
p>Comparative phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and antioxidant potentiality of seven brinjal cultivars Solanum melongena L. were determined. Strong presence of carbohydrates, phenolic glycosides and weak presence of alkaloids, falvonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and saponins were recorded in all the brinjal varieties. Antibacterial assay of brinjal extracts showed varying degree of sensitivity against both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria. In cytotoxicity assay, the LC50 values ranged between 59.91 to 216.45 mg/ml after 6 hours was an indication of poor cytotoxic potential of brinjal cultivars. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranged between 80.79% to 87.64 although the phenolic content was found between 6.082 to 9.292 mg GAE/g among the brinjal cultivars.
Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 5 (2): 41-50, 2016 (December)</p
Anthocyanins of eggplant peels was extracted and determination. The level of anthocyanins was 158.00ppm. Aliquots of the concentrated eggplant peels anthocyanins represent 200, 400 and 800ppm and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) at 200ppm were investigated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrozyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and reducing power assay. These compounds were administered to rats fed on hyperlipidaemic diet daily from 8 weeks by stomach tube. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol) were estimated. The data of the aforementioned measurements indicated that the administration of eggplant peels anthocyanins significantly decreased (P< 0.05) the levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride and increased (P< 0.05) that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in this model. The ant oxidation experiments showed that displayed potent antioxidant effects against the DPPH radical and reducing power of anthocyanins. Generally, results obtained indicate that eggplant peels may become important as a cheap and noticeable natural source of compounds with health protective potential, which can be used in pharmaceutical and fatty food.
Chlorogenic acid (CGA), an important biologically active dietary polyphenol, is produced by certain plant species and is a major component of coffee. Reduction in the risk of a variety of diseases following CGA consumption has been mentioned in recent basic and clinical research studies. This systematic review discusses in vivo animal and human studies of the physiological and biochemical effects of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) on biomarkers of chronic disease. We searched PubMed, Embase, Amed and Scopus using the following search terms: ("chlorogenic acid" OR "green coffee bean extract") AND (human OR animal) (last performed on April 1st, 2015) for relevant literature on the in vivo effects of CGAs in animal and human models, including clinical trials on cardiovascular, metabolic, cancerogenic, neurological and other functions. After exclusion of editorials and letters, uncontrolled observations, duplicate and not relevant publications the remaining 94 studies have been reviewed. The biological properties of CGA in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have recently been reported. It is postulated that CGA is able to exert pivotal roles on glucose and lipid metabolism regulation and on the related disorders, e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, cancer, and hepatic steatosis. The wide range of potential health benefits of CGA, including its anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity impacts, may provide a non-pharmacological and non-invasive approach for treatment or prevention of some chronic diseases. In this study, the effects of CGAs on different aspects of health by reviewing the related literatures have been discussed.
Current study was designed to focus on the proximate, phytochemical and nutrient composition in addition to antioxidant properties of five selected vegetables viz Ipomoea batatas, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Daucus carota, Solanum Melongena and Brassica rapa rapa that are locally available and readily consumed in Pakistan. Nutritional analysis revealed that all the edibles were rich sources of crude protein, carbohydrate, fat and dietary fiber. Micro and macro minerals analysis also exhibited the significant presence of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P. Preliminary phytochemical screening unveiled the extraordinary incidence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids that was also proved by quantitative analysis. The biological assays bared a considerable antioxidant potential of selected green materials. Among vegetables, Trigonella foenum-graecum was proved to be superior while Brassica rapa rapa was considered to be inferior for phenolics and flavonoids content. Trigonella foenum-graecum also presented significant antioxidant activity with maximum reduction capacity and also having least IC50 as a result of inhibition of free radical scavenging by DPPH method. In contrast to α-amylase, a significantly higher inhibition towards α-glucosidase was shown by the selected samples; an impending remedial approach connected to postprandial hyperglycemia. In this scenario, the results of this study suggests that all the selected green materials have very good medicinal potentials, meet the standard requirements for drug formulation and serve as good sources of energy and nutrients. The outcomes of current work also revealed that plant derived foods enriched with phyto-protectants are effective to tailor specific healthy diet for the target population.
In the last years eggplant has received a great interest as functional food, being classified among top ten vegetables with antioxidant capacity because of its high content of phenolics. This vegetable is rich in the content of anthocyanins in the peel and also rich in the content of phenolic acids in the flesh, being delphinidin derivartives and chlorogenic acid isomers the main phenolic compounds in those anatomic parts, respectively. A lot of studies of eggplant phenolics have been published in the last years, which include a great number of genotypes with a wide fruit diversity in shapes, sizes and colors. The content and the chemical structures of the eggplant phenolics are the topics discussed in the present review. (Free Acces Until May 13 2017 at https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1UmAevvMbjUZY)
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. The eggplant glycoalkaloids (GAs) are toxic secondary metabolites that may have detrimental effects on human health, particularly if the magnitudes of GAs are higher than the recommended food safety level (200 mg per kg of fresh mass). In this study, the content of solasonine compound and the expression patterns of solasodine galactosyltransferase (SGT1) gene were assessed in different tissues (mature leaves, flower buds, young, mature, and physiologically ripe fruits) of two Iranian eggplant genotypes (D1 and J10) under field conditions. The maximum mass fraction of solasonine in D1 was detected in flower buds (135.63 µg/g), followed by leaf (113.29 µg/g), physiologically ripe fruit (74.74 µg/g), young fruit (61.33 µg/g), and mature fruit (21.55 µg/g). Comparing both genotypes, the genotype of bitter fruits (J10) contained higher mass fraction of solasonine, as one of the main factors for producing bitter flavour of the plant. Regarding the expression profiles of SGT1, in both genotypes, the activity of the gene was increased nearly parallel with the concentration of solasonine. In the J10 genotype, transcript level of the gene was significantly higher than the genotype of sweet fruits (D1). Although both D1 and J10 genotypes are possibly recommendable for human food consumption, D1 is more suitable for daily diet.
This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of methanolic extract of different species of African eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and (Solanum macrocarpon) on starch hydrolysing enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). The phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the eggplant varieties were also assessed. The results revealed that both extracts exhibited mild α-amylase and stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, S. macrocarpon exhibited stronger radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging ability, nitric-oxide (NO·) scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) than S. melongena, while S. melongena had stronger hydroxyl (OH·) radical ability. The inhibition of starch hydrolysing enzymes and antioxidant activities suggested the potential use of eggplants in the dietary management or control of postprandial hyperglycemia associated with type-2 diabetes.
Key words: Antioxidant activity, diabetes, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, Solanum macrocarpon,Solanum melongena.
Enzymatic browning of makuea poo-ung (cherry eggplant) affects quality loss and demotivates consumers from patronizing. The discolouration has a detrimental impact on taste, texture, odour and nutritional content. The main objective of the study is to evaluate and suggest ways to inhibit enzymatic browning. Experimental research design was used to assess different ways in which red onion and lemon could be used as inhibitors. Results revealed that raw makuea poo-ung with fruit stalk attached can be stored in the fridge for at most one week. Again, raw blended onion, cold boiled blended onion which was boiled at 100 ᵒС for five minutes and lemon juice can be used to curb browning within an inhibition duration of five minutes. Thereafter, products can be stored for at least two weeks without discolouration. Conclusively, inhibition of enzymatic browning of makuea poo-ung should be curbed before storage. Also fruit stalk attached to fruit protects it from early discolouration. It is recommended that fruit stalk should remain attached to makuea poo-ung during inhibition and for sale since that prolongs the occurrence of discolouration.
Keywords: makuea poo-ung, enzymatic, inhibition, browning, lemon, onion.
This review aims to outline the current situation of relations between the main
dietary carotenoids and prevention of CVD.
Polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) seem to depend on cultivar, maturity stage, environmental conditions and the part of the fruit. In this work, the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of pulp, whole fruit and peel from fresh dark-purple and white eggplant varieties cultivated in Southern Algeria were measured. Total phenolic content were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test, and antioxidant activity measured using cyclic voltammetry. Correlations between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were also examined. Within each cultivar, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in the peels, followed by the whole fruit and the pulp. In the peel, whole fruit and pulp the dark-purple eggplant had the highest total phenolic contents and the highest total antioxidant activities.
Background:
Solanum incanum is a close wild relative of S. melongena with high contents of bioactive phenolics and drought tolerance. S. aethiopicum is a cultivated African eggplant cross-compatible with S. melongena. Despite their great interest in S. melongena breeding programs, the genomic resources for these species are scarce.
Results:
RNA-Seq was performed with NGS from pooled RNA of young leaf, floral bud and young fruit tissues, generating more than one hundred millions raw reads per species. The transcriptomes were assembled in 83,905 unigenes for S. incanum and in 87,084 unigenes for S. aethiopicum with an average length of 696 and 722 bp, respectively. The unigenes were structurally and functionally annotated based on comparison with public databases by using bioinformatic tools. The single nucleotide variant calling analysis (SNPs and INDELs) was performed by mapping our S. incanum and S. aethiopicum reads, as well as reads from S. melongena and S. torvum available on NCBI database (National Center for Biotechnology Information), against the eggplant genome. Both intraspecific and interspecific polymorphisms were identified and subsets of molecular markers were created for all species combinations. 36 SNVs were selected for validation in the S. incanum and S. aethiopicum accessions and 96 % were correctly amplified confirming the polymorphisms. In addition, 976 and 1,278 SSRs were identified in S. incanum and S. aethiopicum transcriptomes respectively, and a set of them were validated.
Conclusions:
This work provides a broad insight into gene sequences and allelic variation in S. incanum and S. aethiopicum. This work is a first step toward better understanding of target genes involved in metabolic pathways relevant for eggplant breeding. The molecular markers detected in this study could be used across all the eggplant genepool, which is of interest for breeding programs as well as to perform marker-trait association and QTL analysis studies.
African eggplants (Solanum aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon) are among the most economically important and valuable vegetable and fruit crops. They are a major source of biologically active nutritional substances and metabolites which are essential for plant growth, development, stress adaptation and defense. Among these metabolites are the carotenoids which act as accessory pigments for photosynthesis and precursor to plant hormones. Though African eggplants are known to be resistant to various abiotic stresses, the effect of these stresses on secondary metabolites has not been well defined. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of drought stress on carotenoid profiles of nineteen African eggplant accessions selected based on leaf and fruit morphological traits. Stress was achieved by limiting irrigation and maintaining the wilting state of the crops. Fresh leaves were sampled at different maturity stages; before stress, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after stress for carotenoid analysis. The fresh harvested leaf tissues were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and ground. Analysis was carried out using a Dionex HPLC machine coupled to Photo Array Detector and Chromeleon software package (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Major carotenoids viz;. Xanthophylls (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein) and carotenes (β–carotene and α–carotene), phytofluene, lycopene, phytoene as well as chlorophylls (chlorophyll‐b and Chlorophyll‐a) were targeted. The carotenoids increased with maturity stage of the crop. Although the stressed crops reported significantly decreased amount of carotenes, chlorophylls, neoxanthin and violaxanthin, the concentration of zeaxanthin increased with stress whereas lutein had no significant change. Chlorophyll‐a was significantly high in all the control accessions. Two accessions reported significantly higher contents of carotenoids as compared to the other accessions. The results of this study indicate that water stress has significant impact on the concentration of some carotenoids and photosynthetic pigments. This will definitely add value to the study of stress tolerance in crops.
Premise of the study:
Crop wild relatives (CWR) provide important traits for plant breeding, including pest, pathogen, and abiotic stress resistance. Therefore, their conservation and future availability are essential for food security. Despite this need, the world's genebanks are currently thought to conserve only a small fraction of the total diversity of CWR.
Methods:
We define the eggplant genepool using the results of recent taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. We identify the gaps in germplasm accessions for eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) CWR by comparing georeferenced herbarium records and germplasm accessions using a gap analysis methodology implementing species distribution models (SDM). Preliminary conservation assessments using IUCN criteria were done for all species and were combined with the gap analysis to pinpoint where under-collected and threatened CWR species coincide with high human disturbance and occur outside of protected areas.
Key results:
We show that many eggplant CWR are poorly represented in genebanks compared to their native ranges. Priority areas for future collecting are concentrated in Africa, especially along the Kenya-Tanzania border. Fourteen species of eggplant CWR are assessed as threatened or near-threatened; these are also concentrated in eastern Africa.
Conclusions:
The knowledge base upon which conservation of wild relative germplasm depends must take into account both taxonomic and phylogenetic advances. Beyond traditional research focus on close relatives of crops, we emphasize the benefits of defining a broad CWR genepool, and the importance of assessing threats to wild species when targeting localities for future collection of CWR to improve crop breeding in the face of environmental change.
Little has been done during the past 100 years to develop new antileishmanial drugs. Most infected individuals live in poor countries and have a low cash income to be attractive targets to pharmaceutical corporations. Two heterosidic steroids, solamargine and solasonine, initially identified as major components of the Brazilian plant
Solanum lycocarpum
were tested for leishmanicidal activity. Both alkaloids killed intracellular and extracellular
L. mexicana
parasites more efficiently than the reference drug sodium stibogluconate. Ten μM of each individual alkaloid significantly reduced parasite counts in infected macrophages and dendritic cells.
In vivo
treatment of C57BL/6 mice with a standardized topical preparation containing solamargine (45.1%) and solasonine (44.4%) gave a significant reduction in lesion sizes and parasite counts recovered from lesions. Alkaloids present different immunochemical pathways in macrophages and dendritic cells. We conclude that this topical preparation is effective and a potential new and inexpensive treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Physico‐chemical parameters, antioxidants and antioxidant activity were evaluated in eggplant fruit ( Solanum melongena ) before and after domestic cooking methods (frying, griddling and baking). The results showed large differences among the three treatments. After the cooking process, total phenolics and flavonols increased significantly, whereas vitamin C, carotenoid, lycopene and anthocynin contents decreased significantly. The thermal treated samples showed significant increase in their chemical composition (pH, total soluble solids, ash and non enzymatic browning) along with a significant loss in their water and total sugar contents. Results showed that eggplant improved its antioxidant capacity in all cooking methods. Taken together, our results suggest that the various thermal treatments can increase some phytonutrients and antioxidant activity of eggplant.
Practical Applications
Eggplant ( Solanum melongena L.) is an important source of phytochemicals in the Algerian diet, which can be consumed after three cooking processes: frying, griddling and baking. However, few data are available on the effect of these domestic cooking methods on its nutritional quality. The purpose of this study is to offer to the consumers the best cooking way that enhances phytonutrients and antioxidant activity of eggplant fruit.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most popular common major vegetable crops worldwide. This study evaluated the nutritional content of seven commercial eggplant fruits in terms of fatty acid, mineral, sugar, organic acid, amino acid and polyamine contents. The most abundant fatty acid was linoleic acid (range, 39.14-53.81%, ave. 45%), and the most abundant mineral was K (range, 1556.2-3171.6 mg/kg fw, ave. 2331.9). The major organic acid was malic acid (range, 129.87-387.01 mg/g fw, ave. 157.49), and the major sugar was fructose (range, 1242.81- 1379.77 mg/100 g fw, ave. 1350.88). The major polyamine was putrescine (11.54 and 25.70 nmol/g fw, ave. 17.86), and the major amino acid was glutamine (148.4 and 298.75 mg/100 g fw, ave. 219.74). Overall, taking into account the export potential of eggplants, these results may contribute to further studies aiming to improve other nutrient-rich varieties of eggplant in breeding programs.
The present study describes the extraction of total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and total phenolic content (TPC) from eggplant peel using ultrasonic treatments and methanol and 2-propanol as extraction solvents. The extraction yields were optimized by varying the solvent concentration, ultrasonic frequency, temperature and time of ultrasonic treatment. Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of process variables on the ultrasound-assisted extraction. The results showed that for TPC extraction the optimal condition were obtained with a methanol concentration of 76.6%, 33.88kHz ultrasonic frequency, a temperature of 69.4°C and 57.5min extraction time. For TMA the optimal condition were the following: 54.4% methanol concentration, 37kHz, 55.1°C and process time of 44.85min.
Thermal processing and production practices used in vegetables can cause changes in their phytochemical contents. Eggplant is characterized by its high antioxidant content. The objective of this work was to determine levels of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity in organically and conventionally grown eggplant prepared fresh or subjected to one of three thermal preparation methods: boiling, baking or steaming. The soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenols and flavonoids content were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Anthocyanins were quantified according to the pH differential method. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH and ORAC methods. The results showed differences between organic and conventional eggplant for some variables although cultivation method did not have a consistent effect. Hydrolysable polyphenol content was greater, and soluble and hydrolysable antioxidant capacities were higher in organically grown eggplant, while anthocyanin content was greater in conventionally grown eggplant. Fresh eggplant produced under conventional cultivation had a much greater content of anthocyanins compared to that of other cultivation method-thermal treatment combination. In general, steamed eggplant contained higher total polyphenol and flavonoid levels as well as greater antioxidant capacity. Steamed eggplant from both conventional and organic systems also had high amounts of anthocyanins compared to other thermal treatments. © 2015, Sociedade Brasileira de Ciencia e Tecnologia de Alimentos, SBCTA. All rights reserved.
Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were measured in the whole fruit of dark-purple eggplant cultivars from five different regions of east Algeria using, respectively, the Folin-Ciocalteu
method, spectrophotometrical and electrochemical assays. Total phenolic contents were highest in sample from Jijel, followed by Skikda cultivars, finally sample from Guelma with the lowest phenolic contents. Total
phenolic content was positively associated with total antioxidant activity in eggplant extracts. These results demonstrate that phenolic compounds have a significant contribution to the total antioxidant activity, which varies considerably depending on the region of the fruit cultivar analyzed. Antioxidant activity was highly correlated with total phenolic contents (R2 = 0.714).
The nutrimental composition and main nutraceutical components were determined in Chinese, Philippine, American, Hindu and Thai eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) types grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. Thai type showed the highest amount of protein (0.90%), crude (1.54%) and dietary (3.93%) fibre and the highest concentrations of total soluble phenolics (2049 mgCAE 100g(-1)) and chlorogenic acid (1700 mg 100g(-1)). Hindu type obtained the highest content of the minerals potassium (191.19 mg 100g(-1)), calcium (59.63 mg 100g(-1)), phosphorus (33.52 mg 100g(-1)), magnesium (28.96 mg 100g(-1)), manganese (0.44 mg 100g(-1)), zinc (0.78 mg 100g(-1)), in addition this eggplant type showed the highest levels of ascorbic acid (22 mg 100g(-1)). Philippine type showed the highest concentration in anthocyanins (161.10 mgC(3)GE 100g(-1)) and the highest levels of radical scavenging activity in DPPH (92.50% of inhibition) and ORAC (538.90 mu molTE g(-1)). Nutrient components with functional properties like biologically essential minerals, dietary fibre, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and soluble phenols were found in higher amounts in the five eggplant types analyzed, as compared with reports from other parts in the world available in the literature.
Mansoura Univ. Conferance
Background: Solanum known as eggplant is a popular vegetable crop grown in the subtropics and tropics. Eggplant is a perennial but grown commercially as an annual crop. The fruits of eggplant is primarily used as a cooking vegetable for various dishes. Eggplant comes in various kinds of species, which are highly variable for its fruit colour, as well as shape and size.Content and Purpose of this study: This study focused on comparing the effect of dietary African eggplants (AP) Solanum kumba,(PG) Solanum gilo (PW) and Solanum aethiopicum (PGW) species. Diabetes was induced experimentally by high fat fed/low dose streptozotocin-diabetic rats (35 mg/kg body wt.) and the diabetic rats were fed diets supplemented with 20–40% supplemented eggplant diet for 14 days. The effect of the diets on the blood glucose level, pancreatic α-amylase, intestinal α-glucosidase and Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activities, plasma antioxidant status were determined also quantification of the fruits polyphenols using HPLC/DAD .Results: The results revealed that there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference in the average feed intake and weight changes in all the groups. Supplementation with eggplant diet gradually reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rat compared to diabetic rats and metformin-treated (positive control group). African eggplant showed elevated levels of antioxidant status such as (glutathione peroxidase GPX, glutathione transferase GST,reduced glutathione GSH,Catalase and Ascorbic acid).Conclusions:The results suggest that the eggplant may attenuate hyperglycemia, hypertension and oxidative stress in the type 2 diabetic condition with Solanum kumba having the highest activity which could not be far fetched from its polyphenols as revealed in the HPLC/DAD characterization.Keywords: Solanum spp,polyphenols, diabetes,enzymes
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the sixth and eighth leading cause of cancer mortality among women in developed and developing countries, respectively. Medical therapy is the main method for the treatment of OC. However, drug toxicity and the marked side effects of chemotherapy limit the usage and therapeutic results of the treatments. Therefore, the identification of multi-target agents with few side effects and high effectiveness is required. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used clinically to treat various types of cancer for thousands of years and is considered to possess multiple components and agents, which exert efficient therapeutic functions with few side effects. Although blueberries have previously been used to treat various types of cancer, the effect on OC and precise molecular mechanism of function of the fruit remains unknown. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 have been reported to be the biomarkers of OC. Blueberries may affect the progression of OC by affecting COX levels. To investigate the issue, COX-1 and COX-2 were overexpressed or silenced in ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. The effect of blueberries on SKOV3 cell viability was determined by an MTT assay. Furthermore, a mouse model for OC was established. The results indicated that blueberries inhibited the proliferation of OC cells by downregulating the levels of COX-1 and COX-2. Blueberry (400 mg daily) consumption reduced tumor size significantly in mice with OC compared with the control without blueberry treatment (P<0.05). The results suggest that blueberries should be used to develop a potential non-pharmaceutical therapy for OC.
Solasodine, a naturally occurring aglycone of glycoalkaloid in eggplant, was found to inhibit proliferation in various tumor cells. However, the effect of solasodine on cancer cell metastasis remains unclear. This study investigates the suppression mechanism of solasodine on motility of human lung cancer cell A549 in vitro. Results show that solasodine reduces viability of A549 cells. Treatment with non-toxic doses of solasodine suppresses markedly cell invasion. Solasodine reduces the mRNA level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and extracellular inducer of matrix metalloproteinase (EMMPRIN), but increases the expression of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK), as well as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. Immunoblotting assays indicate that solasodine is effective in suppressing PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. Moreover, solasodine downregulates oncogenic microRNA-21 (miR-21), which has been known to target RECK. Downregulation of miR-21 by miR-21 inhibitor increases RECK expression and decreases cell invasion, suggesting that downregulation of miR-21 by solasodine may contribute to elevate RECK expression and subsequently inhibiting cell invasion. Taken together, the results reveal that inhibition of A549 cell invasion by solasodine may be, at least in part, through blocking MMP expression. Solasodine also reduces PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and downregulates exression of miR-21. These findings demonstrate an attractive therapeutic potential for solasodine in anti-metastatic therapy.
Background:
The natural polysaccharides contain plant polysaccharides, animal polysaccharides and microbial polysaccharides. They are a kind of biological macromolecules with immune regulation, anti-tumor, anti-radiation, anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue and anti-aging effects.
Objective:
These effects are related to their antioxidant properties.
Results:
The action mechanisms of antioxidation and scavenging free radicals for natural polysaccharides were reviewed. The recent research progresses and our work on antioxidant properties of polysaccharides and their derivatives were summarized. At last, the existing problems of antioxidant polysaccharides were analyzed, and the development prospects were also presented.
Conclusion:
It is important to study the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides and their derivatives for the development of natural antioxidants.
Cooking can change the polyphenol contents of eggplant. This study elucidated the effects of grilling on total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and the inner structures of eggplant. After identical hollowing, cylindrical eggplant samples were prepared and were then grilled until their center temperatures (CT) respectively reached 50, 65, 75, 85, and 95 °C. Chemical assays and observations of the inner structures clarified that TPC and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity decreased as CT increased when CT was below 65 °C. Results also showed that TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased as CT increased when CT was between 65 °C and 95 °C. For CT 65 °C, the samples retained polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity up to 40% of the raw state activity. The 3 grilled eggplant models, chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid—sugar and chlorogenic acid—amino acid model, yielded results showing that phenol functional groups on chlorogenic acid were thermally stable and that phenol functional groups on chlorogenic acid reacted neither with sugar nor with amino acids. Results show that PPO activity is a primary reason for the decrease of the 2 indices. Optical microscopic and scanning electron microscopic observations revealed collapsed cells and inter-tissue cracks around the surface area for CT 85 and 95 °C. Scanning electron microscopic observations clarified that intercellular bonds for CT 85 and 95 °C became thinner than those for CT 75 °C around the middle area. The phenomena explained above are reasons for the increase of TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity.
The main risk of cardiovascular diseases comes from incorrect eating habits. Restricting unhealthy diets is hard for most people; an alternative dietary intervention is necessary. Dietary products aiding in lipid digestion and absorption inhibitory activities may be beneficial for human health. The potential of juices from 20 vegetables as they affected lipid digestion/absorption processes was investigated. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) juice was the most effective pancreatic lipase inhibitor, IC50 1.5 mg·mL⁻¹, and wildbetal leafbush (Piper sarmentosum Roxb.) juice effectively inhibited cholesterol esterase (94% inhibition at 2 mg·mL⁻¹). Juice of green eggplant (Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq.) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) could effectively inhibit cholesterol solubility in lipid micelles due to reduction of cholesterol dispersed in micelles. Fiber from green cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) exhibited bile acid binding activity as high as cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant. Climbing wattle (Acacia pennata (L.) Willd.) juice, and green cabbage fiber exhibited good inhibition on lipid digestion in vitro. Consumption of these vegetables may inhibit intestinal lipid digestion, delay lipid absorption and might be helpful for weight control and/or lowering of serum lipid levels.
Carotenoids are lipophilic plant pigments that are present ubiquitously in nature. They are important secondary plant metabolites and are commonly used as natural pigments in foods. Additionally, their consumption has been associated with a decreased risk for a number of diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, and photosensitivity associated with UV exposure. It is thought that carotenoids have important biological functions related to their provitamin A activity, antioxidant activity, ability to regulate gene transcription, enhancement of gap junction communication, phase II enzyme-inducing activity, and ability to enhance immune function. This chapter will briefly describe the proposed mechanisms by which carotenoids may exert such biological functions, as well as summarize the literature, exploring both epidemiological and intervention studies in humans on the relationship between carotenoids and the aforementioned chronic diseases.
This study investigated whether nasunin, the major component of anthocyanin pigment of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), known for its antioxidant effects, counteracts tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Pretreatment with purified nasunin (10-10-10-6 M) significantly increased viability and reduced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with t-BHP (250 μM, 3 h). Furthermore, nasunin (10-9 M) prevented t-BHP-induced osteoblastic dysfunction and changes in the cytoskeleton organisation due to both an increase of intracellular glutathione and a decrease of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Moreover, t-BHP-induced reduction in osteoblast differentiation markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and collagen content, was recovered in nasunin-pretreated cells. Nasunin protects against t-BHP-induced osteoblastic dysfunction by activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signalling pathway (PI3K/Akt) since LY294002, a PI3K-specific inhibitor, worsened the cytotoxic effect of t-BHP and reversed the protective action of nasunin. Furthermore, nasunin prevented the decreased Akt phosphorylation observed in t-BHP-treated cells.
Background:
Lutein, a fat-soluble carotenoid present in green leafy vegetables and eggs, has strong antioxidant properties and could therefore be important for respiratory health.
Design:
We systematically reviewed the literature for articles that evaluated associations of lutein (intake, supplements or blood levels) with respiratory outcomes, published in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, up to August 2014.
Results:
We identified one Randomized Control Trial (RCT), two longitudinal, four prospective and six cross-sectional studies. The individual studies obtained a Quality Score ranging between 3 and 9. Six studies were performed in children, which examined bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), asthma and wheezing. In adults, 7 studies investigated asthma, respiratory function and respiratory mortality. The RCT found a borderline significant effect of lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation in neonates on the risk of BPD (OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.15; 1.17). No association was found between lutein intake or levels and respiratory outcomes in children. A case-control study in adults showed lower lutein levels in asthma cases. Three studies, with a prospective or longitudinal study design, in adults found a small but a significant positive association between lutein intake or levels and respiratory function. No association was found in the other two studies. In relation to respiratory mortality, one longitudinal study showed that higher lutein blood levels were associated with a decreased mortality (HR 0.77 (95% CI 0.60; 0.99), per SD increase in lutein).
Conclusion:
The published literature suggests a possible positive association between lutein and respiratory health. However, the literature is scarce and most studies are of observational nature.
Solanum melongena or eggplant is a species of the nightshade family. According to Korean folk medicine, S. melongena stalk possesses excellent therapeutic effects on warts, burns, and many inflammatory diseases, such as stomatitis, arthritis, and gastritis. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of S. melongena stalk, an ethanol extract of the stalk was prepared, and fractionated into hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions. The results showed that the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions contained high levels of phenol and reduced artificial free radicals. In contrast, the hexane and dichloromethane fractions decreased the production of nitric oxide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandin E2, despite the presence of low levels of phenols implying that other compounds than phenols are involved in anti-inflammatory reactions. The data suggest that S. melongena stalk possesses pharmacological activity and might be useful for development of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agents, or dietary supplements.
Aims:
To study the antifungal effects of the potato secondary metabolites α-solanine, α-chaconine, solanidine, and caffeic acid, alone or combined.
Methods and results:
Resistance to glycoalkaloids varied among the fungal species tested, as derived from MICs assays. Synergistic antifungal activity between glycoalkaloids and phenolic compounds was found. Changes in the fluidity of fungal membranes caused by potato secondary plant metabolites were determined by calculation of the generalized polarization values. The results partially explained the synergistic effect between caffeic acid and α-chaconine and supported findings on membrane disruption mechanisms from previous studies on artificial membranes. LC/MS analysis was used to determine variability and relative amounts of sterols in the different fungal species. Results suggested that the sterol pattern of fungi is related to their resistance to potato glycoalkaloids and to their taxonomy.
Conclusion:
Fungal resistance to α-chaconine and possibly other glycoalkaloids is species dependent. α-Chaconine and caffeic acid show synergistic antifungal activity. The taxonomic classification and the sterol pattern play a role in fungal resistance to glycoalkaloids.
Significance and impact of study:
Results improve the understanding of the antifungal mode of action of potato secondary metabolites, which is essential for their potential utilization as antifungal agents in non-food systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Phenolic compounds have numerous beneficial effects on human health. In consequence, the development of new varieties with higher content of phenolics is of interest for the improvement of the nutritional quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). However, the oxidation of eggplant phenolics causes browning of the cut surfaces of the fruit and reduces its apparent quality. The authors investigated the relationship among, as well as the variation and heritability of, the content of phenolics, ascorbic acid, and soluble solids; pH; and the degree of browning and color difference of the cut surface of the fruit flesh in a collection of 69 eggplant varieties. These included landraces from different origins, commercial varieties, experimental hybrids, and four accessions of the related S. aethiopicum L. and S. macrocarpon L. species. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences among the materials studied for all traits considered. The concentration of phenolics in S. melongena spanned a threefold range, although the highest (1122 mg·kg-1) and lowest (134 mg·kg-1) concentrations of phenolics were found in S. macrocarpon and S. aethiopicum respectively. Concentrations of ascorbic acid were very low, a mean 27 times lower than those of phenolics, and soluble solids content ranged from 3.60% to 6.60% with a pH that ranged from 5.01 to 5.93. Commercial varieties had, as a mean, a 20% lower concentration of phenolics than landraces, as well as a lower degree of browning and color difference. Positive correlations existed between phenolic concentration and degree of browning (r = 0.388) and color difference (0.477), although only 15.1% and 22.8% of the total variation in degree of browning and color difference, respectively, could be attributed to variation in phenolics. Ascorbic acid, soluble solids content, and pH were not correlated to either degree of browning or color difference. The heritability was moderate for phenolic concentration (0.50) and high for degree of browning (0.71) and color difference (0.82). The information obtained indicates that there are opportunities for the development of new varieties with a high concentration of phenolics and low or moderate browning.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has traditionally been used as medicinal foods in many developing countries. It is a tropical fruit claimed to have therapeutic effects due to its content of bioactive compounds. The present review is an attempt to highlight the bitter melon varieties, bioactive composition that linked to its therapeutic effects, especially anti-diabetics, in vitro and in vivo models and understanding the mechanisms of actions of bitter melon that associated with epidemiological evidences. This paper also outlines a proposed processing scheme aiming to fully utilise bitter melon and further add values to this fruit.
Eggplant fruit are a rich source of phenolic acids that influence fruit culinary quality and antioxidant content. We evaluated the influence of production environments and stability of diverse genotypes across environments for eggplant fruit phenolic acid content. Ten Solanum melongena accessions consisting of five F1 hybrid cultivars, three open-pollinated cultivars and two land race accessions, plus one S. macrocarpon and one S. aethiopicum accession, were grown at two locations under greenhouse and open field environments. Twenty phenolic acid conjugates were identified in fruit flesh and assigned to six classes that included hydroxycinnamic acid amides, caffeoylquinic acid esters, hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid esters, malonylcaffeoylquinic acid esters, di-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid esters, and other hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates. There were significant differences among accessions for total phenolic acid conjugate content and for all six classes. There were no significant differences detected among the environments for any of the variables. However, the environment × accession interaction was highly significant for all phenolic acid classes. Broad-sense heritability estimates for all six phenolic acid classes were high, ranging from 0.64 to 0.96. Stability analysis demonstrated widespread instability for phenolic acid content across environments. Stability of the predominant caffeoylquinic acid esters class positively influenced stability of total phenolic acid content for some but not all genotypes. High heritability, coupled with highly significant genotype × environment interactions suggests that stability estimates may improve the efficiency of breeding new genotypes with predictable performance across environments.
Potato, tomato, eggplant and pumpkin were deep fried, sautéed and boiled in Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), water, and a water/oil mixture (W/O). We determined the contents of fat, moisture, total phenols (TPC) and eighteen phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant capacity in the raw vegetables and compared these with contents measured after cooking. Deep frying and sautéing led to increased fat contents and TPC, whereas both types of boiling (in water and W/O) reduced the same. The presence of EVOO in cooking increased the phenolics identified in the raw foods as oleuropein, pinoresinol, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, and the contents of vegetable phenolics such as chlorogenic acid and rutin. All the cooking methods conserved or increased the antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS. Multivariate analyses showed that each cooked vegetable developed specific phenolic and antioxidant activity profiles resulting from the characteristics of the raw vegetables and the cooking techniques.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Anthocyanins represent water-soluble flavonoid species, commonly found in higher plants, the richest plant source representing berries. While all anthocyanins present with antioxidant activity, the delphinidins represent the most potent antioxidant anthocyanin species owed to largest number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring. The richest known natural source of delphinidins is the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) from which an extract Delphinol®, standardized to 25% delphinidin, is commercially available. Delphinol® significantly reduces oxidative stress (oxidized LDL and F2-isoprostane) and blood glucose in controlled clinical trials. In human umbilical vein endothelium delphinidins concentration-dependently decrease intracellular oxygen radicals. Furthermore, delphinidins increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and decreases expression of vaso-constrictory endothelin-1. Delphinidins inhibit the expression of cell adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM, thus counteracting vascular inflammatory situations. Furthermore, delphinidins decrease platelet activity and may contribute to thrombosis prevention. Research on delphinidins showed improved endothelial function with elevated endothelial NO generation, lowered platelet aggregability and anti-inflammatory vascular effects. Delphinidins dose-dependently inhibit NF-κB-, activator protein-1- as well as COX-2 expression in UV-exposed epidermis. Delphinidins are found to be internalized into keratinocytes and pre-clinical investigations show significant UV-photo-protective 1effects with topical application of 40 nM delphinidin, both when applied prior to UV exposure as well as after exposure. Delphinidins may counteract skin-aging due to inhibition of UV-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase in fibroblasts. In a rodent osteoporosis model delphinidin was found to inhibit differentiation of osteoclasts, resulting in an inhibited bone demineralization, while other anthocyanins were ineffective. Future research on Delphinol® and delphinidins may be expected to identify further health benefits.
Anthocyanins are one of the six subgroups of large and widespread group of plant constituents known as flavonoids. They are responsible for the bright attractive orange, red, purple, and blue colors of most fruits, vegetables, flowers and some cereal grains. More than 300 structurally distinct anthocyanins have been identified in nature. Earlier, anthocyanins were only known for their coloring properties but now interest in anthocyanin pigments has intensified because of their possible health benefits as dietary antioxidants, which help to prevent neuronal diseases, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, diabetes, inflammation and many such others diseases. Ability of anthocyanins to counter oxidants makes them atherosclerosis fighters. Therefore, anthocyanin rich foods may help boost overall health by offering an array of nutrients. However, the incorporation of anthocyanins into food and medical products is challenging task due to their low stability towards environmental conditions during processing and storage. Encapsulation seems to be an efficient way to introduce such compounds into these products. Encapsulating agents act as a protector coat against ambient adverse conditions such as light, humidity and oxygen. Encapsulated bioactive compounds are easier to handle and offer improved stability. The main objective of this review is to explore health benefits of anthocyanins and their extraction, characterization, encapsulation and delivery.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and of flavonoid compounds, which are important antioxidant components believed to reduce the risk of various diseases. We investigated the antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in eggplant leaves and fruits to identify genetic resources with high antioxidant capacity for use in food or as feed additives, and also determined the influence of days to flowering, leaf blade colors, and latitudes of origin on the antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in eggplant leaves. The accessions originating from 45°N showed the highest flavonoid contents (AVG. = 15.4 μg mg -1 ) followed by accessions from 30°~45°N (AVG. = 13.0 μg mg -1 ), 15°~30°N (AVG. = 11.0 μg mg -1 ), and 0°~15°N (AVG. = 9.5 μg mg -1 ). The same pattern was also found in 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2- picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) antioxidant activities. High ABTS and DPPH activity and flavonoid content were found in the early-flowering accessions. All flavonoids of the greenish violet leaves were significantly higher than those of green leaves. The flavonoid concentration in eggplant leaves was 10 to 20 fold greater, at an average of 15.6 μg mg -1 , than that of the fruit (AVG. = 0.9 μg mg -1 ).
