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Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrients, fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their pulps. Uniform dragon fruit samples underwent thorough analysis for proximate composition, mineral content, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin C, with statistical methods used to assess significant differences among the parameters studied. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant differences among the three dragon fruit cultivars. Among the proximate components, protein (0.40 ± 0.02 g/100 g), moisture (91.33 ± 0.88%), crude fibre (0.32 ± 0.07 g/100 g), and ash (1.27 ± 0.09 g/100 g) were more abundant in Hylocereus costaricensis than in Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus megalanthus . On the other hand, Hylocereus undatus had higher carbohydrate (17.02 ± 0.63 g/100 g) and energy (69.74 ± 2.44 kcal/100 g) contents. K (7.23 ± 0.35 mg/100 g), Ca (1.61 ± 0.13 mg/100 g), Fe (1.84 ± 0.05 mg/100 g), and Zn (0.37 ± 0.034 mg/100 g) are highly abundant in H. costaricensis . Additionally, Hylocereus costaricensis had the highest anthocyanin content (120.15 ± 3.29 mg/g FW) and total carotenoid content (72.51 ± 1.62 mg/g FW), along with the highest vitamin C content (8.92 ± 0.13 mg/g FW) and total soluble phenolic content (572.48 ± 20.77 mg/100 g). Its remarkable antioxidant activity was further highlighted by the lowest SC 50 value (13.50 ± 0.4 mg/mL) for its DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The total soluble sugar content was highest in Hylocereus megalanthus (8.72 ± 0.30 g/100 g FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct trait and genotype associations; among the studied cultivars, Hylocereus costaricensis demonstrated superior performance across multiple traits. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among several traits, while principal component analysis highlighted the contribution of each trait to overall variance, with PC1 explaining 73.95% of the total variance. This study highlights the nutritional variations among dragon fruit cultivars, with Hylocereus costaricensis showing superior performance, guiding dietary planning and functional food development., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2024 Yasmin et al.)

Prickly pear fruits are seasonal and have shades ranging from pale green to deep purple. Their pigments are associated with bioactive compounds, being sensitive to thermal transformation processes for their conservation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and the sensory analysis of freeze-dried prickly pear fruits from an inter-Andean valley in Peru. The prickly pear fruits of the morada, anaranjada, and blanca ecotypes came from an inter-Andean valley in Peru at 2972 m altitude. The sliced fruits were freeze-dried at -40 °C and 0.25 mTorr, and the total polyphenol content (TPC), vitamin C, and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined, as well as the color L* a* b*, color index (CI*), FTIR spectra, and mineral content. In the same way, sensory analysis of preferences with nine scales was applied. It was observed that in the freeze-dried fruits, TPC, AA, and vitamin C increased significantly ( p -value < 0.05), and their corresponding functional groups increased in intensity in their corresponding FTIR spectra; furthermore, trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Se, Zn, Si, and Mn were identified. On the other hand, freeze-drying provided deeper colors to the fruits, which most panelists said they "very much liked" during the sensory analysis, although the texture was not very well accepted, with most panelists reporting being "indifferent" towards it. The freeze-drying technique allows the bioactive and sensory attributes of prickly pear fruits from inter-Andean valleys to be preserved, making it a potential fruit for export and conservation due to its seasonality.

Crataegus monogyna (CM) fruits are highly regarded for their rich nutritional content, boasting elevated levels of various beneficial secondary metabolites like total polyphenols, including anthocyanins, and ample amounts of ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity. Despite the acknowledged benefits of CM fruits, researchers have directed more attention toward its leaves and flowers. Consequently, the current research attempts to optimize extraction techniques for CM fruit using a multifaceted approach involving varied durations, temperatures, and concentrations of ethanol solvent to isolate the diverse range of bioactive components present effectively. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) is employed for the identification and quantification of polyphenolic compounds. According to the results, by following the optimum extraction parameters (50% ethanolic solvent, 50 °C extraction temperature, and 60 min extraction time), the total polyphenol content can be increased up to 410%, reaching 55.59 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. Using 50% ethanolic solvent, 80 °C extraction temperature, and extraction time of 90 min, the total anthocyanin content can be enhanced by more than 560%, reaching a quantity of 51.83 μg cyanidin equivalents/g. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of CM fruit extracts can reach 415.95 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw (by FRAP method), using 50% ethanolic solvent, 50 °C extraction temperature, and 60 min extraction time, and 270.26 μmol AAE/g dw (by DPPH method) and 1053.28 mg/100 g dw ascorbic acid content, using 50% ethanolic solvent, 80 °C extraction temperature, and 90 min extraction time. This comprehensive study seeks to augment the already substantial content of bioactive compounds found in CM, resulting in an extract with promising applications across the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of adding herbs, spices, and fruits into fermented Olympus Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) kombucha using thyme honey as a sweetener. This study evaluated how these additions affected the tea's physical, chemical, and functional characteristics. Two different enrichments were proposed: a "Golden Mountain tea and honey Kombucha" (KG) with fresh ginger, turmeric powder, and lemon zest and juice and a "Red Mountain tea and honey Kombucha" (KR) with dried hibiscus calyces, rose petals, and lavender blossoms. In KR, the levels of vitamin C increased from 33.2 ± 2.7 to 48.4 ± 4.5. Additionally, the levels of calcium increased from 31.0 ± 1.2 to 55.7 ± 1.2, while the levels of potassium practically doubled from 64.7 ± 0.6 to 115.7 ± 2.5. An increased potassium concentration was observed in KG, and ionic iron was found for the first time after both enrichments. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity, as assessed by the ABTS and DPPH methods, were found to be substantially enhanced in KR. In KG, the total phenolic content increased, together with antioxidant activity, as assessed by ABTS. Enrichment with hibiscus calyces, rose petals, and lavender blossoms significantly increased inhibitory effects against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. On the other hand, enrichment with ginger, turmeric, and lemon zest and juice decreased inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and increased those against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. KR had the strongest enzyme-inhibiting activity, with its α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity increased by approximately 18 times. Therefore, enrichment with selected herbs, spices, and fruits can transform fermented Olympus Mountain tea kombucha sweetened with honey into a novel beverage with enhanced functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxidation during organism growth and development might have catastrophic implications. It is critical to further investigate the antioxidant potential of plant anthocyanins. In this study, anthocyanins from Eleutherococcus brachypus fruits (EBF) were extracted by an ultrasonic-assisted method. The anthocyanins were then tested for stability under various storage conditions. Based on single-factor combination with response surface optimization, the best ethanol concentration for anthocyanin extraction was 75%, the ideal ultrasonic irradiation power was 160 W, the liquid-to-solid ratio was 10.18 mL/g, and the maximum anthocyanin yield was 1.86 mg/g. Anthocyanins are readily degraded by bright light and remain stable under acidic storage conditions (pH 3.0) and at temperatures below 60°C. The inhibition rates of anthocyanins against ABTS and DPPH radicals were 54.59% and 48.70%, respectively, using vitamin C (Vc) as a positive control. The data cited above make it clear that anthocyanins may act as natural antioxidants. In addition, this research provides a sound theoretical foundation for the creation of natural green antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the vitamin C content and antioxidant activity in different types of fruit: cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), service tree (Sorbus domestica), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), pawpaw (Asimina triloba L.), persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.). The aim of the work was to compare these used methods. The fruit's vitamin C content was determined by HPLC system Waters Separations Module 2695 with UV detector 2996. The content of vitamin C reached values from 72.238 µg. g-1 (Diospyros kaki L.) to 1114.61 µg.g-1 (Sorbus domestica). The antioxidant activity (DPPH) was determined spectrophotometrically. DPPH radical scavenging activity values were 2.28 (Mespilus germanica L.) - 12.34 µmol TE.g-1 DW (Cornus mas L.). Spearman's test showed a positive relationship between both monitored parameters. The content of vitamin C in the studied species showed a positive relationship with antioxidant activity. Due to the high content of vitamin C and antioxidant activity, future analyses should focus on the determination of other bioactive substances in these fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Fruit juice concentrates can be used as an alternative osmotic agent to enrich fruits with naturally occurring sugars as well as bioactive compounds. This has a positive effect on the nutritional value of osmodehydrated fruits compared with samples dehydrated in a sucrose solution. The use of a strawberry or cherry fruit concentrate has a positive effect on the color of osmotically dehydrated strawberries, while chokeberry juice concentrate has a specific strong sensory profile, which is passed to osmodehydrated strawberries. The growing interest in high-quality food leads to looking for new solutions in the production of natural fruit snacks. Osmotic dehydration is one of the processes, which can be used to obtain a minimally processed product as well as to give it specific characteristics. Usually, a sucrose solution is used as an osmotic agent; however, the use of chokeberry, strawberry, or cherry juice concentrates can be beneficial in the process of the osmotic dehydration of fruits. The process of the dehydration of strawberries with the use of fruit juice concentrates (chokeberry, strawberry, or cherry) and a sucrose solution as a standard was carried out at a temperature of 30 °C for 3 h. The kinetics of the processes (weight reduction, water loss, and solid gain) were evaluated as well as physical (water activity, color parameters L*, a*, b*, ΔE, texture with maximum force and compression work, and structure) and chemical properties (dry matter content, total polyphenols content, total anthocyanin content, vitamin C, antioxidant activity with DPPH and ABTS radicals, spectral analysis with FTIR method, sucrose, glucose and fructose content, and thermal decomposition with TG analysis). The use of fruit juice concentrates positively influences the enrichment of the final product with bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanin and vitamin C. Strawberry and chokeberry juice concentrates have proven to be good hypertonic media for increasing the antioxidant activity of dehydrated fruit. Moreover, the use of fruit concentrates has a positive effect on the sugar profile of dehydrated strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated unripe fruits of ten apple cultivars removed during fruit thinning for their antioxidant activity and mineral content. The unripe fruits were collected from Chuncheon and Jeongseon located at Gangwon-Do of Korea. Antioxidant activities such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity, FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), vitamin C and mineral contents were measured. In the unripe fruits obtained from Chuncheon and Jeongseon, TPC was in the range 8.97–81.4 and 7.11–42.15 mg GAE/g, TFC was in the range 9.38–33.81 and 6.83–19.24 mg QE/g, DPPH was in the range 27.17–82.58 and 29.73–73.24, FRAP was in the range 33.54–371.12 and 26.76–185.69 µM trolox /g, and Vitamin C was in the range 1.1–4.9 and 1.1–2.8 mg/AA/g, respectively. Among the cultivars tested, 'Hongro' and 'Honggeum' had consistently highest antioxidant activity, while 'Summer King,' 'Tsugaru,' and 'Arisoo' had the lowest value. 'Picnic' had the highest mineral contents expect P and K in Joengsoen, while 'Summer King' and 'Tsugaru' had the lowest value in both locations. These differences could be due to the genetic characteristics and/or their growth environments. These results could provide information to help with better utilization of thinned unripe fruits of apples in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruits are rich in ascorbic acid (AsA) and anthocyanin, which are essential antioxidants for human health. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of these antioxidant accumulation, especially AsA accumulation in strawberry fruits, remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified FaAKR23 was a regulator of AsA and anthocyanin accumulation. We transiently expressed FaAKR23 in strawberry fruits and conducted metabolic and molecular analyses to explore the role of FaAKR23 in AsA and anthocyanin accumulation. Transient silencing of FaAKR23 (FaAKR23-RNAi) in strawberry fruits significantly decreased the AsA and anthocyanin contents compared with control (empty vector-RNAi, EV-RNAi). Correspondingly, expression of some structural genes and regulatory factors involved in these two antioxidants' accumulation was dramatically repressed. In addition, transcriptome analysis of EV-RNAi and FaAKR23-RNAi fruits suggested that FaAKR23 was also involved in starch and sucrose metabolism as well as plant–pathogen interaction. Overall, these results not only provide the coordinated regulatory function of FaAKR23 on AsA and anthocyanin accumulation but also offer a promising candidate gene for strawberry breeding with high antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, people of different cultures have acknowledged the relationship between food properties and health. The pseudo-fruits of different Rosa species contain high levels of vitamin C and other beneficial biological active agents such as phenolics, and others. The purpose of the research was to determine the variability of the phenolic compound profiles in the fruit of different species of Rosa L. and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of fruit extracts in vitro. The total contents of phenolics, flavonoids, procyanidins, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were performed using the spectrophotometric method. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual phenolics in rosehip samples was carried out by applying the HPLC method. The largest amounts of phenolic compounds 26.49 ± 1.32 mg GRE/g were found in rosehip samples of the Rosa pisocarpa species. (+)-Catechin was the predominant phenolic compound in rosehip fruit samples, and the highest content 522.48 ± 26.12 µg/g was found in rosehip samples of the Rosa subcanina species. A strong correlation was found between the total amount of phenolic compounds determined in rosehip extracts and the radical scavenging and reducing the activity of their extracts in vitro (r = 0.759 and 0.761, accordingly, p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (B. aegyptiaca) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of memory impairment. This work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of BA fruit pulp extract on excitotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG was administered 30 minutes after treatment with B. aegyptiaca aqueous fruit pulp extract (50, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg) for 30 days. The negative control group received only MSG, while the control group was given distilled water daily. Behavioral tests parameters (using the novel object recognition, Y-maze, and Barnes maze tests), oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), nitric oxide, and acetylcholinesterase activity and hippocampal architecture were evaluated. Results obtained revealed that different doses of B. aegyptiaca significantly reversed the deleterious effect of MSG on memory. This was displayed by a significant (p < 0.05) increment in the percentage of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and a significant (p < 0.001) increase in discrimination index in novel object recognition observed with 500 mg/kg extract dose. Moreover, the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg doses) significantly (p < 0.001) increased direct search strategy and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the time taken to find the target hole in the Barnes maze. A modulation of hyperactivity was observed after administration of all extract doses compared to the negative control group in the open arena. Furthermore, the highest dose of the extract caused a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in antioxidant enzymes activity, associated with a significant (p < 0.001) decrement in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations and a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity. Treatment with the extract also restored normal hippocampal cell architecture. B. aegyptiaca fruit pulp extract could thus confer neuroprotection through its antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at Biochemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad Pakistan, during the year 2017-18 to assess the total phenols and antioxidants potential of mango, grapes, banana, guava, mulberry, strawberry, loquat, melon, apricot and phalsa. Fruits samples were obtained from the market of Faisalabad Pakistan, washed, dry at room temperature, extracted their juice/pulp. Thejuice was stored at 4 °C for further analysis. Juice samples were processed for Vitamin-C, pH, TSS, total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that among all the ten fruits vitamin C was higher in mango (24.33 mg/100 mL) followed by phalsa (19.74 mg/100 mL) and Grapes (11.25 mg/100 mL), whereas lower value was observed in melon (3.3 mg/100 mL) and loquat (3.4 mg/100 mL). Vitamin C for other fruits lies between these. Highly acidic pH of fresh juices of all the fruits was observed except in melon (5.82) and guava (5.38) which is less acidic. Percentage of TSS was higher in phalsa, mulberry and mangoes (13.8, 13.5 and 13.9% respectively) and lesser in melon (5.6%). Antioxidant capacity (% DPPH reduction) was found higher in grapes (91.9%) and mango (91.2%) which was statistically at par with melon (90.9%), while lesser value was observed in mulberry (51.6%). Total phenolics were significantly higher in grapes (1266.4 pg GAE/mL), whereas minimum phenolic contents were found in melon (4.1 pg GAE/mL). Therefore, it was concluded that grapes are more nutritious and healthy fruit than other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus grandis or Citrus maxima, widely recognized as Pomelo is widely cultivated in many countries because of their large amounts of functional, nutraceutical and biological activities. In traditional medicine, various parts of this plant including leaf, pulp and peel are used for generations as they are scientifically proven to have therapeutic potentials and safe for human use. The main objective of this study was to review the different therapeutic applications of Citrus grandis and the phytochemicals associated with its medicinal values. In this article different pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiepileptic, stomach tonic, cardiac stimulant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities of the plant are highlighted. The enrichment of the fruit with flavonoids, polyphenols, coumarins, limonoids, acridone alkaloids, essential oils and vitamins mainly helps in exhibiting the pharmacological activities within the body. The vitamins enriched fruit is rich in nutritional value and also has minerals like calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium, which helps in maintaining the proper health and growth of the bones as well as the electrolyte balance of the body. To conclude, various potential therapeutic effects of Citrus grandis have been demonstrated in recent literature. Further studies on various parts of fruit, including pulp, peel, leaf, seed and it essential oil could unveil additional pharmacological activities which can be beneficial to the mankind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]