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Abstract: The physicochemical, nutritional, and functional variations of Myrtillocactus geometrizans and Myrtillocactus schenckii, were assessed. Variations of characteristics among species and geographic origin were lower compared to prickly pear. Titratable acidity, and total soluble solids varied by 7.7%, and 11%, respectively. Variations of protein (18.5%) and fibre (5.2%) contents were lower when compared to prickly pear. Iron and copper contents make Myrtillocactus a good source of minerals contributing 16% and 20% of daily requirements. Myrtillocactus also could be an outstanding source of fibre (up to 36.9%). Gallic and caffeic acids, and vanillin were identified by HPLC. Betalains, soluble phenolics, and vitamin C contribute to the high antioxidant activity (TEAC) which, if compared with commonly consumed fruits, was higher. The potential for the production of high-quality industrialised products derived from Myrtillocactus is feasible, as long as compositional variations from batch to batch are kept in check. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Essential oil samples of Cinnamosma fragrans from two regions in Madagascar, Tsaramandroso (38 samples) and Mariarano (30 samples), were analysed by GC/MS. Fifty-seven components were identified, accounting from 88.3% to 99.4% of the oils’ composition. The major components were linalool (72.5±23.3%) in Tsaramandroso and 1,8-cineole (47.3±10.2%) in Mariarano. Samples B8 (95.8% linalool) from Tsaramandroso and B143 (71.6% 1,8-cineole) from Mariarano containing the highest proportions of the two main components identified, were selected to determine antimicrobial activities against 10 microbial strains. Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most sensitive strains to both oils. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were lower for B143 against all tested Gram-negative strains than pure 1,8-cineole. B8 showed higher MIC values than pure linalool against Salmonella typhimurium and Vibrio alginolyticus, and similar MIC values to linalool towards the other Gram-negative strains. Both essential oils exhibited higher MIC values towards Fusarium oxysporum than their respective pure major component. These results suggested the occurrence of synergism or antagonism effects between the different oil constituents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• 12 isoflavonoid compounds identified out of 38 detected of EERBP by HPLC-ESI/MS. • Inhibition (81%) on mycelial growth of C. musae by EERBP (1.6 g GAE L−1). • Two fractions of EERBP detected and isolated by TLC-bioautography method. • An additive effect observed through the biological activity of these 2 fractions. This study set out to highlight the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of an Ethanolic Extract of Red Brazilian Propolis (EERBP) and identify bioactive fractions effective against Colletotrichum musae. Active fractions were detected by the thin-layer chromatography-bioautography method and characterised by HPLC-MS n. The in vitro results showed that EERBP had strong antifungal properties against C. musae (81 ± 1% inhibition at 1.6 g GAE L−1). Medicarpin, (3 S)-vestitol and (3 S)-neovestitol were the main compounds identified in the EERBP extract (45% of all detected peaks). Two isolated fractions displayed inhibition percentages of 35 ± 4 and 42 ± 1%, respectively, on C. musae mycelial growth compared to the EERBP extract. The biological activity of the two fractions displayed an additive effect. A further in vivo investigation revealed that EERBP is a potential natural alternative for controlling banana crown rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]