Search

Anthocyanin is an important flavonoid with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigates the anthocyanin content of Cavendish banana inflorescence, a by-product often discarded as agricultural waste. The study employs two drying methods, namely oven-drying and freeze-drying, followed by accelerated solvent extraction using acidified water and methanol. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) results confirm banana inflorescence as a rich source of anthocyanins. According to LC-MS analysis, freeze-dried banana inflorescence extracted in methanol at 80 °C exhibits the highest anthocyanin content (130.01 mg/100 g). This sample also demonstrates superior characteristics, including a chroma value of 40.02 ± 0.01, a redness value of 38.09 ± 0.16, 18.46 ± 0.02 °Brix, a total phenolic content of 42.5 ± 1.00 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and a total antioxidant activity of 71.33 ± 0.08% when assessed with the DPPH method. Furthermore, the study identifies the predominant anthocyanin as cyanidin, along with the presence of other anthocyanins such as delphinidin (Dp), malvidin (Mv), petunidin (Pt), pelargonidin (Pg), and peonidin (Pn). Interestingly, the extracted anthocyanins demonstrate pH sensitivity, changing from red to brown as pH increases. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing Cavendish banana inflorescence for anthocyanin extraction, offering sustainable waste valorization methods with promising applications in biomimetics and bioinspiration fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins, key quality components of tea, act as an important bridge between plants and the environment due to their function on protecting plants from biotic and abiotic irritants. This study aimed to assess the interactions between anthocyanins metabolism and the environment. Purple (P) and green (G) leaves with different anthocyanin contents were inoculated with tea plant anthracnose. High-throughput metabolomics and 16S microbial diversity sequencing methods were used to screen the anthocyanin fractions of tea plant leaves responsive to anthracnose. The interconnections between metabolites and the resistance of phyllosphere microorganisms to fungal pathogens were then analyzed. The results showed that leaves with high anthocyanin content (0.14% of diseased area ratio) were less impacted by anthracnose infestation than leaves with low anthocyanin (3.12%). The cyanidin content decreased after infection in purple leaves (PR) and increased in green leaves (GR). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria was suppressed by the significant enrichment of Proteobacteria after anthracnose infection in green leaves. However, there were no significant differences between these two groups of microorganisms in purple leaves. Collinear network analysis revealed a strong correlation between Cyanobacteria and Dihydrosorbinol and between Proteobacteria and cyanidin metabolites. Among them, OTU456 (Bosea) was identified as the key taxonomic group of bacterial communities in the green-infected leaf network. In summary, the anthracnose resistance benefits from cyanidin mediated by proteobacteria in tea plants. These results deepen our understanding of the regulation of secondary metabolism in tea plants and the formation of plant resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds responsible for various physiological processes in plants and provide characteristic colors to fruits and flowers. Their biosynthetic pathway is well understood; however, the enzymatic degradation mechanism is less explored. Anthocyanase (β-glucosidase (BGL)), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are enzymes involved in degrading anthocyanins in plants such as petunias, eggplants, and Sicilian oranges. The aim of this work was to investigate the physicochemical interactions between these enzymes and the identified anthocyanins (via UPLC-MS/MS) in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) through molecular docking to identify the residues likely involved in anthocyanin degradation. Three-dimensional models were constructed using the AlphaFold2 server based on consensus sequences specific to each enzyme. The models with the highest confidence scores (pLDDT) were selected, with BGL, POD, and PPO achieving scores of 87.6, 94.8, and 84.1, respectively. These models were then refined using molecular dynamics for 100 ns. Additionally, UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified various flavonoids in cranberries, including cyanidin, delphinidin, procyanidin B2 and B4, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin, providing important experimental data to support the study. Molecular docking simulations revealed the most stable interactions between anthocyanase and the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-arabinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, with a favorable ΔG of interaction between −9.3 and −9.2 kcal/mol. This study contributes to proposing a degradation mechanism and seeking inhibitors to prevent fruit discoloration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavonoids play important roles in plant salt tolerance. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are extremely sensitive to soil salt increases. Therefore, improving the salt resistance of blueberries by increasing the flavonoid content is crucial for the development of the blueberry industry. To explore the underlying molecular mechanism, we performed an integrated analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome of blueberry leaves under salt stress. We identified 525 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) under salt stress vs. control treatment, primarily including members of the flavonoid class. We also identified 20,920 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on transcriptome data; of these, 568 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were annotated, and bHLH123, OsHSP20, and HSP20 TFs might be responsible for blueberry leaf salt tolerance. DEGs involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were significantly enriched at almost all stages of salt stress. Salt treatment upregulated the expression of most flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes and promoted the accumulation of flavonols, flavonol glycosides, flavans, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. Correlation analysis suggested that 4-coumarate CoA ligases (4CL5 and 4CL1) play important roles in the accumulation of flavonols (quercetin and pinoquercetin) and flavan-3-ol (epicatechin and prodelphinidin C2) under salt stress, respectively. The flavonoid 3′5′-hydroxylases (F3′5′H) regulate anthocyanin (cyanidin 3-O-beta-D-sambubioside and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside chloride) biosynthesis, and leucoanthocyanidin reductases (LAR) are crucial for the biosynthesis of epicatechin and prodelphinidin C2 during salt stress. Taken together, it is one of the future breeding goals to cultivate salt-resistant blueberry varieties by increasing the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, especially 4CL, F3′5′H, and LAR genes, to promote flavonoid content in blueberry leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conceived with the aim of translating the experience and knowledge of the research group into the design and creation of multi-active phytocomplex cocktails from lyophilised winery by-products (Grape Pomace—GP) and weeds (Sambucus ebulus L., Dwarf Elder—DE). Methods: Quantification of bioactive molecules was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Results: In the extract obtained from lyophilised GP, the most dominant component that was quantified was petunidin-3-glucoside. Prominent compounds that were quantified in DE extract were cyanidin derivatives. The total number of microorganisms in lyophilisates is low, but some of them still survive lyophilisation. Antibacterial activity was determined by microdilution, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested bacteria ranged from 0.78 mg/mL to 25.00 mg/mL. Antibacterial susceptibility testing (AST) revealed that Klebsiella spp. and Acinetobacter baumannii complex are extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Conclusions: The GP + DE cocktail showed very strong AB power against both tested XDR bacteria. The total phenolic content and antioxidative effect (determined spectrophotometrically) indicate their linear correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackcurrant is an anthocyanin-rich berry with proven antioxidant and photoprotective activity and emerging prebiotic potential, widely applied in cosmetic products. Hereby, highly efficient enzyme-assisted extraction of blackcurrant polyphenols was performed, giving extract with very high antioxidant activity. Obtained extract was characterized in terms of anthocyanin composition, incorporated into three different cosmetic formulations and subjected to Franz cell diffusion study. Experimental values obtained using cellulose acetate membrane for all four dominant anthocyanins (delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside) were successfully fitted with the Korsmeyer–Peppas diffusion model. Calculated effective diffusion coefficients were higher for hydrogel compared to oil-in-water cream gel and oil-in-water emulsion, whereas the highest value was determined for cyanidin 3-rutinoside. On the other hand, after a 72 h long experiment with transdermal skin diffusion model (Strat-M® membrane), no anthocyanins were detected in the receptor fluid, and only 0.5% of the initial quantity from the donor compartment was extracted from the membrane itself after experiment with hydrogel. Present study revealed that hydrogel is a suitable carrier system for the topical delivery of blackcurrant anthocyanins, while dermal and transdermal delivery of these molecules is very limited, which implies its applicability for treatments targeting skin surface (i.e., prebiotic, photoprotective). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron simsii Planchon is an important ornamental species in the northern hemisphere. Flower color is an important objective of Rhododendron breeding programs. However, information on anthocyanin synthesis in R. simsii is limited. In this research, the regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in R. simsii was performed through the integrated analysis of metabolome and RNA-seq. A total of 805 and 513 metabolites were screened by positive and negative ionization modes, respectively, In total, 79 flavonoids contained seven anthocyanidins, 42 flavanones, 10 flavans, 13 flavones, and seven flavonols. Methylated and glycosylated derivatives took up the most. Differentially accumulated metabolites were mainly involved in "flavone and flavonol biosynthesis", "cyanoamino acid metabolism", "pyrimidine metabolism", and "phenylalanine metabolism" pathways. For flavonoid biosynthesis, different expression of shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase, flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase, flavonol synthase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase/flavanone 4-reductase, F3′5′H, chalcone synthase, leucoanthocyanidin reductase, and 5-O-(4-coumaroyl)-D-quinate 3′-monooxygenase genes ultimately led to different accumulations of quercetin, myricetin, cyanidin, and eriodictyol. In flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathway, differential expression of F3′5′H, flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase and flavonol-3-O-glucoside/galactoside glucosyltransferase genes led to the differential accumulation of quercetin, isovitexin, and laricitrin. This research will provide a biochemical basis for further modification of flower color and genetic breeding in R. simsii and related Rhododendron species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates the effectiveness of using alternative solvents to obtain jambolan extracts with a high content of bioactive compounds compared to conventional organic solvents, being the first study to evaluate the best ecological solvent alternative for Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. Five alternative solvents were used for extraction: water at 25 °C (W25), water at 50 °C (W50), water at 75 °C (W75), water with citric acid at 2.4% (CA2), and water with citric acid at 9.6% (CA9) in comparison with three conventional solvents: ethanol (EtOH), water with ethanol at 50% (WE), and water with methanol at 50% (WM). A protocol was then established for the extraction and concentration of samples obtained with these solvents. The highest content of total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in the extracts was obtained with the solvent W75 (1347.27 mg GAE/100 g), while in the concentrates it was the solvents EtOH (3823.03 mg GAE/100 g) and WM (4019.39 mg GAE/100 g). Total monomeric anthocyanins (TMAs) increased by 209.31% and 179.95% in extractions with CA2 and CA9, respectively, compared to pulp (35.57 mg eq c-3-g/100 g), demonstrating that they are the most efficient alternative solvents in this extraction. The levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity varied according to the solvents used. Delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3,5-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, and malvidin 3-glucoside were identified in most of the samples by UPLC-MS/MS. This study suggests that a simple procedure using alternative solvents can be used as an environmentally friendly strategy to achieve efficient extraction of bioactive compounds in jambolan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, ground-cover Chrysanthemums), one of the important garden flowers, has a high ornamental and economic value. However, its ornamental value is significantly diminished by the low temperature experienced in northeastern China. Here, metabolomics and transcriptomics were performed on three Chrysanthemum cultivars before and after a low temperature to investigate the dynamic metabolite changes and the molecular regulatory mechanisms. The results showed that 1324 annotated metabolites were detected, among which 327 were identified as flavonoids derived from Chrysanthemum. The accumulation of metabolites and gene expression related to the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway significantly increased in the three cultivars under the low temperature, indicating flavonoid metabolism actively participates in the Chrysanthemum cold response. Specifically, the content of cyanidin and pelargonidin derivatives and the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes significantly increases in XHBF, providing a reasonable explanation for the change in petal color from white to purple under the low temperature. Six candidate UDP-glycosyltransferase genes involved in the glycosylation of flavonoids were identified through correlation networks and phylogenetic analysis. CmNAC1, CmbZIP3, and other transcription factors potentially regulating flavonoid metabolism and responding to low temperatures were discovered by correlation analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In conclusion, this study elucidated the specific response of flavonoids to low temperatures in Chrysanthemums, providing valuable insights and metabolic data for investigating cold tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal plant Abrus precatorius L. was traditionally used in the Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine in India. The Indian center of origin holds a vast variability in its seed color. The objective of this study was to assess the total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, as well as the antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content among the accessions. A total of 99 accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank were used in this study. The methods used for the estimation of total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, as well as the antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content were the pH differential method, Oomah method, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential, Dumas method and gravimetric method, respectively. The completely black colored accession was recorded with highest total monomeric anthocyanin (51.95 mg/100 g of cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent) and flavonol content (66.41 mg/g of quercetin equivalent). Red + black colored accessions have recorded the maximum value with respect to antioxidants (14.18 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent). The highest amount of protein content was found in a completely white colored accession (20.67%) and the maximum ash content was recorded in red + black colored accession (4.01%). The promising accessions identified can be used by pharmaceutical companies in drug development and in curing degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberry anthocyanin-derived cyanidin (BAC) was used to prepare a series of responsive food freshness packaging films by compounding it with quaternary chitosan (QC) and gelatin (G). The fundamental properties, pH sensitivity, and functional attributes of the films were examined. The BAC solutions exhibited notable variations in color (from red to pink to violet) under different pH conditions. The incorporation of BAC resulted in improved UV–vis shielding capabilities but compromised the mechanical strength of the films (with tensile strength values from 85.02 to 44.89 MPa, elongation at break from 13.08% to 3.6%, and water vapor transmission rates from 5.24 × 10−9 to 7.80 × 10−9 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1). The QC-G-BAC films, containing 5–15 wt% BAC, exhibited noticeable color changes in acidic/ammonia environments within a short timeframe, easily discernible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the inclusion of BAC significantly enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The addition of 5–15 wt% BAC to QC-G-BAC films could be employed for assessing the freshness of fresh shrimp (from red to dark red) and pasteurized milk (from red to dark earthy yellow). Among them, the total color difference (ΔE) of QC-G-BAC5 film was significantly correlated with the pH, acidity, and total colony count of pasteurized milk (R = 0.846, −0.930, −0.908, respectively). This new concept in smart packaging offers a straightforward and user-friendly freshness indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyracantha is a genus of wild perennial shrubs native in an area extending from Southwest Europe to Southeast Asia, and it is used in traditional medicine for the diuretic, cardiac, and tonic properties of its fruits, which can also be cooked to make jellies, jams, and sauces. This work aims to study and compare the antioxidant activity and the phenolic and anthocyanin composition of three varieties of Pyracantha coccinea: Red Column (PCR), Orange Glow (PCO), and Soleil d'Or (PCS), and one of Pyracantha angustifolia: Orange glow (PAO), collected from the spontaneous flora of the Mediterranean region (Southern Italy). Two different extraction processes were tested using methanol and an aqueous methanol solution (80% MeOH) to evaluate the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of freeze-dried berries. The highest total phenolic content was found in PCR and PAO berries (174.21 ± 0.149 and 168.01 ± 0.691 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry matter, respectively) extracted with an aqueous methanol solution (80% MeOH). Polyphenolic extracts analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS confirmed the presence of rutin, quercetin hexose, neoeriocitrin, procyanidin B, and resveratrol. Moreover, the total antioxidant activity of the berries' extracts was measured by comparing two different spectrophotometric methods (ABTS and DPPH), showing that the varieties with the highest total phenolic content, PCR and PAO, also had the highest scavenging activity. Finally, a suitable extraction process was chosen for the evaluation of the anthocyanins' composition of all frozen berries, and in all MS spectra of Pyracantha varieties, two ionic species at 449 m/z attributable to two cyanidin derivatives were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form an important group of organic pollutants due to their distribution in the environment and their carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects. In order to identify at the molecular level some of the players in the biodegradation and tolerance response to PAHs in plants, we have phenotyped 32 Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA mutant lines corresponding to 16 cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes that showed to be differentially expressed under contrasted stress conditions induced by phenanthrene, a 3-ring PAH. This screening has allowed us to identify CYP75B1 (At5g07990) T-DNA mutants as the only ones being sensitive to phenanthrene-induced stress, supporting that CYP75B1 protein is necessary for PAH tolerance. CYP75B1 codes for a 3′flavonol hydroxylase. CYP75B1 gene was heterologously expressed on yeast in order to investigate whether it affects the A. thaliana response to phenanthrene by participating in its metabolization. Heterologously-produced CYP75B1 enzyme shows to be catalytically efficient against its physiological substrates (e.g., naringenin) but unable to metabolize phenanthrene or 9-phenanthrenol. In contrast, CYP75B1 seems rather involved in phenanthrene tolerance as a crucial element by regulating concentration of antioxidants through the production of 3′-hydroxylated flavonoids such as quercetin and cyanidin. In particular, we report a highly increased generation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and singlet oxygen) in cyp75b1 mutants compared to control plants in response to phenanthrene treatment. Overall, CYP75B1 shows to play an important role in the response to the deleterious effects of phenanthrene exposure and this is related to oxidative stress sensitivity rather than metabolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified the in vitro activity of red cabbage and beetroot against the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their relationship with the biomolecules' content. Fermentation of cabbage increased the total phenolic (~10%) and flavonoid contents (~14%), whereas decreased total phenolics/flavonoids in beetroot. Fermented cabbage exhibited higher ability against AGEs, i.e., 17% in the bovine serum albumin–methylglyoxal (BSA-MGO) model and 25% in the BSA–glucose model, while beetroot exhibited 23% and 18%, respectively. The major compounds of cabbage products were cyanidin 3-(sinapoyl)(sinapoyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside, sinapic acid, and epicatechin. Syringic acid and epicatechin were predominantly present in fermented beetroot. 2,17-bidecarboxy- and 2,15,17-tridecarboxy-betanin were the major betalains. Fermented vegetables can be effective inhibitors of the AGE formation/accumulation and could be recommended in the prevention of diet-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the availability of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids in mutant bean seeds, focusing on M7 mutant lines, and their corresponding initial and local cultivars. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS and HPLC-MS/MS were used to analyze twenty-eight genotypes of common bean. The obtained results suggest that the mutations resulted in four newly synthesized anthocyanins in the mutant bean seeds, namely, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and petunidin 3-O-glucoside, in 20 accessions with colored seed shapes out of the total of 28. Importantly, the initial cultivar with white seeds, as well as the mutant white seeds, did not contain anthocyanins. The mutant lines were classified into groups based on their colors as novel qualitative characteristics. Five phenolic acids were further quantified: ferulic, p-coumaric, caffeic, sinapic, and traces of chlorogenic acids. Flavonoids were represented by epicatechin, quercetin, and luteolin, and their concentrations in the mutant genotypes were several-fold superior compared to those of the initial cultivar. All mutant lines exhibited higher concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These findings contribute to the understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of phenolic accumulation and anthocyanin production in common bean seeds, which is relevant to health benefits and might have implications for common bean breeding programs and food security efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea leaves are rich in diverse bioactive compounds. The tea accession TRI 2043 is unique due to its pigmented leaves caused by anthocyanins, clonal origin, resistance to blister blight disease, and high pubescence density. Because of its peculiarity, TRI 2043 is used to produce high-quality silver tip tea, a premium type of tea that commands high prices. This study was carried out to clarify and elucidate the types of anthocyanins in this particular accession. Four different anthocyanin species were identified and quantitated as cyanidin-3-O-β-d-galactoside and delphinidin-3-O-β-d-galactoside equivalents for leaf blades and stems of the cultivar TRI 2043. The characterization was performed by comparison with commercially available reference substances and further confirmed using ion mobility high-resolution time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (IMS-HRTOF-MS). Quantitation was carried out using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet–visible detection (UHPLC-UV-vis) with cyanidin-3-O-β-d-glucoside as an internal standard. E- and Z-geometric isomers of 6-p-coumaroyl derivates of delphinidin and cyanidin-3-O-β-d-galactopyranosides were observed, and collision cross section (CCS) values were determined for all four different anthocyanidin species. The content of anthocyanins in leaf blades of cultivar TRI 2043 was 856.32 ± 41.56 µg/g dry weight, with cyanidin being the more abundant anthocyanin (69.8%). Conversely, the stem material contained an anthocyanin amount of 459.5 ± 44.7 µg/g dry weight, with a higher content of delphinidin (69.6%). In summary, an enrichment strategy using analytical membrane chromatography was established to fully elucidate and quantify the anthocyanin profile of plant samples such as the special tea variety TRI 2043. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are colored water-soluble plant pigments. Upon consumption, anthocyanins are quickly absorbed and can penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Research based on population studies suggests that including anthocyanin-rich sources in the diet lowers the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The copigmentation caused by copigments is considered an effective way to stabilize anthocyanins against adverse environmental conditions. This is attributed to the covalent and noncovalent interactions between colored forms of anthocyanins (flavylium ions and quinoidal bases) and colorless or pale-yellow organic molecules (copigments). The present work carried out a theoretical study of the copigmentation process between cyanidin and resveratrol (CINRES). We used three levels of density functional theory: M06-2x/6-31g+(d,p) (d3bj); ωB97X-D/6-31+(d,p); APFD/6-31+(d,p), implemented in the Gaussian16W package. In a vacuum, the CINRES was found at a copigmentation distance of 3.54 Å between cyanidin and resveratrol. In water, a binding free energy ∆G was calculated, rendering −3.31, −1.68, and −6.91 kcal/mol, at M06-2x/6-31g+(d,p) (d3bj), ωB97X-D/6-31+(d,p), and APFD/6-31+(d,p) levels of theory, respectively. A time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) was used to calculate the UV spectra of the complexes and then compared to its parent molecules, resulting in a lower energy gap at forming complexes. Excited states' properties were analyzed with the ωB97X-D functional. Finally, Shannon aromaticity indices were calculated and isosurfaces of non-covalent interactions were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural phytochemicals are well known to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. Anthocyanins are vacuolar pigments belonging to the parent class of flavonoids. They are well known for their potent antioxidant and gut microbiome-modulating properties, primarily responsible for minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and several other diseases associated with metabolic syndromes. Berries are the primary source of anthocyanin in the diet. The color and stability of anthocyanins are substantially influenced by external environmental conditions, constraining their applications in foods. Furthermore, the significantly low bioavailability of anthocyanins greatly diminishes the extent of the actual health benefits linked to these bioactive compounds. Multiple strategies have been successfully developed and utilized to enhance the stability and bioavailability of anthocyanins. This review provides a comprehensive view of the recent advancements in chemistry, biosynthesis, dietary sources, stabilization, bioavailability, industrial applications, and health benefits of anthocyanins. Finally, we summarize the prospects and challenges of applications of anthocyanin in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to highlight the cell protective effect of Tropea red onion (TRO) hydroalcoholic extract and some of its components against "non-essential" heavy metals. For this purpose, the cytoprotective roles of cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin against Cd, Hg and Pb and of TRO extract against Hg and Pb have been investigated, and data are reported here. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed evaluation of the protective effect against cell damage induced by "non-essential" heavy metals through the simultaneous administration of cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin with CdCl2, HgCl2 or PbCl2 and the TRO extract against HgCl2 and PbCl2. Present data are also compared with our previous results from the TRO extract against Cd. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was also determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the bovine brain peroxidation assay. Both of the assays indicated a good antioxidant capacity of the extract. Cell viability and the impact on necrotic cell death were examined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. After 24 h of exposure, Caco-2 cell viability decreased by approximately 50% at 0.25 μM for Cd, Hg and Pb and, after 72 h, the ranking order of "non-essential" heavy metal toxicity on cell viability was PbCl2 > CdCl2 > HgCl2. Cell viability was assessed by treating the cells with the biomolecules at doses of 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL for 24 and 72 h. The same analysis was carried out on Caco-2 cells treated with combinations of TRO extract, cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, or quercetin and "non-essential" heavy metals. Treatments with the bioactive metabolites did not significantly improve cell viability. The identical treatment of Caco-2 cells produced instead LDH release, suggesting a decrease in cell viability. Consistently with the finding that TRO extract showed a good antioxidant activity, we suggest that its higher cytotoxicity, compared to that of the individual assayed phytochemicals, may be derived by the combined antioxidant and chelating properties of all the molecules present in the extract. Therefore, from all the acquired experimental evidence, it appears that the TRO extract may be a better promising protective agent against the toxic effect of Cd, Hg and Pb compared to its bioactive metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petal blotch is a specific flower color pattern commonly found in angiosperm families. In particular, Rosa persica is characterized by dark red blotches at the base of yellow petals. Modern rose cultivars with blotches inherited the blotch trait from R. persica. Therefore, understanding the mechanism for blotch formation is crucial for breeding rose cultivars with various color patterns. In this study, the metabolites and genes responsible for the blotch formation in R. persica were identified for the first time through metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses using LC-MS/MS and RNA-seq. A total of 157 flavonoids were identified, with 7 anthocyanins as the major flavonoids, namely, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl) glucoside 5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, and peonidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, contributing to pigmentation and color darkening in the blotch parts of R. persica, whereas carotenoids predominantly influenced the color formation of non-blotch parts. Zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin mainly contributed to the yellow color formation of petals at the semi-open and full bloom stages. The expression levels of two 4-coumarate: CoA ligase genes (Rbe014123 and Rbe028518), the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (Rbe013916), the anthocyanidin synthase gene (Rbe016466), and UDP-flavonoid glucosyltransferase gene (Rbe026328) indicated that they might be the key structural genes affecting the formation and color of petal blotch. Correlation analysis combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further characterized 10 transcription factors (TFs). These TFs might participate in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in the blotch parts of petals by modulating one or more structural genes. Our results elucidate the compounds and molecular mechanisms underlying petal blotch formation in R. persica and provide valuable candidate genes for the future genetic improvement of rose cultivars with novel flower color patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FLH 13-11 is an F1 interspecific hybrid muscadine grape genotype that was developed to produce new anthocyanins for pigment color stability. This hybrid resulted from a cross between 'Marsh' (Vitis munsoniana) and 'Magoon' (V. rotundifolia) and has been cultivated for the wine and juice industry. This report characterizes anthocyanins produced in fully ripe berries and reveals a significant difference in total anthocyanin contents from two continuous cropping seasons. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS) were used to profile anthocyanins in berries. The resulting data showed that fourteen anthocyanins were detected, six from 2011 and nine from 2012, with only one produced in both seasons. However, the anthocyanidin profiles of the berries were the same. Five anthocyanins were annotated as diglucosides of anthocyanidins based on MS/MS features, including delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside produced in both seasons, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside mainly formed in 2011, petunidin 3,5-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, and peonidin 3,5-glucoside only detected in 2012. Also, three anthocyanidin-diglucoside-like anthocyanins and three monoglucosides, including peonidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside like, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside-like anthocyanins, were detected in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These results indicate that FLH 13-11 can produce both anthocyanidin-diglucosides and -monoglucosides, and their biosynthesis is closely dependent on cropping years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation and composition of anthocyanins in leaves of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, detached and kept for five days under natural light conditions, were investigated. The presence of fifteen derivatives of cyanidin, petunidin, and delphinidin was found. Changes in the content of each anthocyanin in the leaves before and after exposure to light on the abaxial (naturally upper) and adaxial (naturally lower) sides of the leaves were compared. When the adaxial side was exposed to light, the anthocyanin contents of the leaves did not change. In contrast, when the abaxial side of detached leaves was exposed to light, there was enhanced accumulation of delphinidin-rhamnoside-glucoside, cyanidin-rhamnoside-glucoside, cyanidin-glucoside-glucoside, and two unknown derivatives of petunidin and delphinidin. Application of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) on the abaxial side exposed to light inhibited the accumulation of these anthocyanins. This effect could probably be due to the presence of these anthocyanins in the epidermal cells of K. blossfeldiana leaves and was visible in the microscopic view of its cross-section. These anthocyanins were directly exposed to JA-Me, leading to inhibition of their formation and/or accumulation. The lack of significant effects of JA-Me on anthocyanin mono- and tri-glycosides may indicate that they are mainly present in the mesophyll tissue of the leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower color is an important trait for the ornamental value of colored rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), as the plant is becoming more popular. However, the color fading of red petals of rapeseed is a problem for its utilization. Unfortunately, the mechanism for the process of color fading in rapeseed is unknown. In the current study, a red flower line, Zhehuhong, was used as plant material to analyze the alterations in its morphological and physiological characteristics, including pigment and phytohormone content, 2 d before flowering (T1), at flowering (T2), and 2 d after flowering (T3). Further, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses were also performed to reveal the molecular regulation of petal fading. The results show that epidermal cells changed from spherical and tightly arranged to totally collapsed from T1 to T3, according to both paraffin section and scanning electron microscope observation. The pH value and all pigment content except flavonoids decreased significantly during petal fading. The anthocyanin content was reduced by 60.3% at T3 compared to T1. The content of three phytohormones, 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, melatonin, and salicylic acid, increased significantly by 2.2, 1.1, and 30.3 times, respectively, from T1 to T3. However, auxin, abscisic acid, and jasmonic acid content decreased from T1 to T3. The result of metabolomics analysis shows that the content of six detected anthocyanin components (cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin) and their derivatives mainly exhibited a decreasing trend, which was in accordance with the trend of decreasing anthocyanin. Transcriptomics analysis showed downregulation of genes involved in flavonol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, genes regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis were preferentially expressed at early stages, indicating that the degradation of anthocyanin is the main issue during color fading. The corresponding gene-encoding phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling, JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN, was deactivated to repress anthocyanin biosynthesis, resulting in fading petal color. The results clearly suggest that anthocyanin degradation and phytohormone regulation play essential roles in petal color fading in rapeseed, which is a useful insight for the breeding of colored rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pericarp colors are critical agronomic traits that affect the quality and economic values of fruits. Although a diversity of bitter melon pericarp (BMP) colors is available, the fruit pigmentation mechanisms remain elusive. Hence, this study aimed to unveil the key metabolites and molecular mechanisms underlying variation in BMP coloration through integrative metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of four differently colored genotypes, including K1102 (grayish orange), 262 (grayish yellow), 1392 (very soft green), and K115 (dark grayish cyan). The four BMPs exhibited significant metabolite profile and transcriptional differences, as over 112 and 1865 DAMs (differentially accumulated metabolites) and DEGs (differentially expressed genes), respectively, were identified. The variation in the content of six anthocyanins, including malvidin 3-O-glucoside, petunidin 3-O-glucoside, rosinidin O-hexoside, cyanidin, cyanidin 3-p-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside, might be the major driving factor of BMP color changes. Notably, malvidin 3-O-glucoside, rosinidin O-hexoside, and petunidin 3-O-glucoside are the dominant pigments in K115, while carotenoids and other flavonoids may contribute to other colors. Candidate flavonoid structural and regulatory (MYBs, NACs, MADSs, bHLHs, and bZIPs) genes were identified. Of them, gene13201 (anthocyanin reductase), gene8173 (polyphenol oxidase), gene2136 (NAC43), gene19593 (NAC104), and gene15171 (tetrapyrrole-binding protein) might play essential roles in K115 pericarp color development. Our findings deepen our understanding of BMP pigmentation and provide fundamental resources for higher-valued bitter melon breeding perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS), available worldwide, have various applications in both non-medicinal and medicinal fields. The growing global interest in the health benefits of HS is linked to its potential prevention or management of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this research was to find the optimal extraction method that ensures the maximum yield of multiple beneficial bioactive components, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, β-carotene, antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). To this end, stirring, pulsed electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction were evaluated, either alone or in combination. Under optimized extraction conditions, the obtained extract exhibited an elevated total polyphenol content (37.82 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (dw)), total anthocyanin content (610.42 μg of cyanidin equivalents/g dw), total carotenoids content (921.84 μg of β-carotene equivalents/g dw), and ascorbic acid content (507.44 mg/100 g dw). Remarkably, the extracts exhibited strong antioxidant properties (487.51 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw and 243.42 μmol AAE/g dw as evidenced by FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively). This research advances the parameters that should be employed to produce the optimal and nutritionally enhanced HS flower extracts, that can be used in the commercial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackberries have gained considerable attention due to their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits. This study compared the metabolite profiles of six blackberry cultivars and investigated their biological activities. The metabolites extracted from blackberries were analyzed using metabolomics, and their biological activities and mechanisms were confirmed using in vitro models and network pharmacology. Among the cultivars examined, "Kiowa" ripe berries exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These effects were primarily attributed to the accumulation of flavonoids (quercitrin and luteolin) and anthocyanin (cyanidin 3-O-glucoside) in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Furthermore, our research identified 13 blackberry metabolites that interacted with 31 genes, including AKT1, CASP3, JUN, MAPK8, NOS3, NQO1, and HMOX1 which play roles in reducing oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage, and suppressing inflammation. These findings suggest that blackberry metabolites, such as quercitrin, luteolin, and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, may exert therapeutic effects by modulating specific genes and pathways associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. This research is promising not only for plant breeders but also for those interested in harnessing the health-promoting properties of blackberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower color is one of the most important ornamental traits of tulips (Tulipa gesneriana). Five typical tulip cultivars were selected to identify the flavonoid components and analyze their key gene expression in their tepals. Firstly, after preliminary determination of the pigment type, the flavonoids were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. A total of 17 anthoxanthins were detected in the five cultivars. The total anthoxanthin content in the white tulip and the red tulip showed a similar decreasing trend, while an increasing trend was observed in the black tulip. Similarly, a total of 13 anthocyanins were detected in five tulip cultivars. The black tulip contained the largest number of anthocyanins, mainly delphinidin derivatives (Dp) and cyanidin derivatives (Cy). The total anthocyanin content (TAC) in the orange, red, and black cultivars was higher than that in the white and yellow cultivars and presented an overall increase trend along with the flower development. TgCHS, TgFLS, TgF3H, TgF3′H, TgF3′5′H, and TgDFR, as key structural genes, were involved in the flavonoid synthesis pathway, and the expression patterns of these genes are basically consistent with the components and accumulation patterns of flavonoids mentioned above. Taken together, the flower color in tulips was closely related to the composition and content of anthocyanins and anthoxanthins, which were indeed regulated by certain key structural genes in the flavonoid pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garden roses, known as Rosa × hybrida, hold a prominent position as one of the most important and economically valuable plants in horticulture. Additionally, their products—essential oil, rose water, concrete, and concentrate—find extensive use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, due to their specific fragrances and potential health benefits. Rose flowers are rich in biologically active compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. This study aims to investigate the potential of five new garden rose genotypes with intensely colored flowers to serve as sources of biologically active compounds. Phenolic profile was evaluated by determination of total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and monomeric anthocyanins (TAC) contents and LC-MS/MS analysis of selected compounds. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH and FRAP assays, neuroprotective potential via acethylcholinesterase inhibition assay, and antidiabetic activity viaα-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The flowers of investigated genotypes were rich in phenolics (TPC varied from 148 to 260 mg galic acid eq/g de, TFC from 19.9 to 59.7 mg quercetin eq/g de, and TAC from 2.21 to 13.1 mg cyanidin 3-O-glucoside eq/g de). Four out of five genotypes had higher TPC than extract of R. damascene, the most famous rose cultivar. The dominant flavonoids in all investigated genotypes were glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol. The extracts showed high antioxidant activity comparable to synthetic antioxidant BHT, very high α-glucosidase inhibitory potential, moderate neuroprotective activity, and low potential to inhibit α-amylase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed coat color is an important consumer-related trait of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) and has been a subject of study for over a century. Utilizing newly available resources, including mapping populations, a high-density genotyping platform, and several genome assemblies, the red seed coat color has been mapped to two loci, Red-1 (R-1) and Red-2 (R-2), on Vu03 and Vu07, respectively. A gene model (Vigun03g118700) encoding a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, a homolog of anthocyanidin reductase 1, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of epicatechin from cyanidin, has been identified as a candidate gene for R-1. Possible causative variants have also been identified for Vigun03g118700. A gene model on Vu07 (Vigun07g118500), with predicted nucleolar function and high relative expression in the developing seed, has been identified as a candidate for R-2. The observed red color is believed to be the result of a buildup of cyanidins in the seed coat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Anthocyanins, the main pigments in plants, are influenced by both temperature and photoperiod. However, the specific mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation in tea plants in response to these two environmental factors remain unclear. (2) Methods: This study subjected potted 'Ziyan' tea plants to four types of day-length and temperature treatments (HL (28 °C, 16 h), HS (28 °C, 8 h), LL (18 °C, 16 h), and LS (18 °C, 8 h)), and then conducted targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the samples. (3) Results: Long photoperiods and low temperatures both promoted anthocyanin accumulation in the new shoots of the tea plants. Furthermore, the enhancing effects of these two environmental factors on anthocyanin accumulation are additive and exhibit interactive effects. Through a combined analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics, five key differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and twenty-two key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, the latter being found to participate in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways under varying light and temperature conditions. In summary, extended photoperiods primarily increase the content levels of ten metabolites, including cyanidin and naringenin-7-O-glucoside, by upregulating CHS, F3H, and ANS genes. In contrast, low temperatures primarily enhance the synthesis of seven anthocyanins, including cyanidin and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, by upregulating the ANS and UFGT genes. (4) Conclusions: Collectively, the differences in the expression levels of CHS, F3H, ANS, and UFGT might be responsible for 'Ziyan' tea plants' purple shoot coloration, providing important data towards the discovery of candidate genes and molecular bases controlling the purple leaves of these tea plants under varied photoperiods and temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taro is a plant in the Araceae family, and its leafstalk possesses significant botanical and culinary value owing to its noteworthy medicinal and nutritional attributes. Leafstalk colour is an essential attribute that significantly influences its desirability and appeal to both breeders and consumers. However, limited information is available about the underlying mechanism responsible for the taro plant's colouration. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to elucidate the information on purple leafstalks in taro through comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome analysis. In total, 187 flavonoids, including 10 anthocyanins, were identified. Among the various compounds analysed, it was observed that the concentrations of five anthocyanins (keracyanin chloride (cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside chloride), cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, tulipanin (delphinidin 3-rutinoside chloride), idaein chloride (cyanidin 3-O-galactoside), and cyanidin chloride) were found to be higher in purple taro leafstalk compared to green taro leafstalk. Furthermore, a total of 3330 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. Subsequently, the correlation network analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the expression levels of these differentially expressed genes and the content of anthocyanin. There were 18 DEGs encoding nine enzymes detected as the fundamental structural genes contributing to anthocyanin biosynthesis, along with seven transcription factors (3 MYB and 4 bHLH) that may be promising candidate modulators of the anthocyanin biosynthesis process in purple taro leafstalk. The findings of the current investigation not only provide a comprehensive transcriptional code, but also give information on anthocyanin metabolites as well as beneficial insights into the colour mechanism of purple taro leafstalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the optoelectronic features of five natural dyes (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) in gas and ethanol phases for potential dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Calculations cover HOMO and LUMO energy levels, charge transfer potential gaps, and light absorption properties correlated with oscillator strengths. Photovoltaic aspects, including light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), electron injection efficiency (ΔGinject), regeneration efficiency (ΔGregen), open-circuit voltage (VOC), excited-state lifetime (τ), and the electronic coupling constant (|VRP|), were computed to assess DSSC suitability. DFT analysis reveals that cyanidin, delphinidin, and petunidin exhibit favorable LUMOs for efficient electron injection into the semiconductor's conduction band. Cyanidin demonstrates a high quantum yield for light absorption. Delphinidin and petunidin act as effective light absorbers with high excitation energies and oscillator strengths, while petunidin and delphinidin display strong LHE, indicating excellent electron-donating capabilities. Peonidin shows promising ΔGinject despite needing more energy for injection. Pelargonidin excels in ΔGregen and |VRP|, enhancing DSSC performance. Petunidin and delphinidin exhibit a high VOC. Petunidin efficiently transmits energy through a large τ, while pelargonidin's |VRP| confirms its potential as a favorable sensitizer. In summary, each dye possesses unique properties, and understanding them aids in selecting the most suitable dye for enhanced DSSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat is a tree native to southeastern Mexico and Guatemala. Its flower is used in Mexican folk medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including conditions of blood pressure. However, scientific information on its usefulness in this pathology is lacking. The present study evaluates the effect of a methanolic extract (ME) from the flower and its active constituents on heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in anesthetized rats (MAPHR). The study also analyzed the effects on rat-isolated aortic rings (RIAR) and the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MABR). Active fractions were chromatographed, which led to the isolation of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) identified through HPLC. The Chiranthodendron pentadactylon flowers produced hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects associated with C3G. The vasorelaxant effect is a mechanism underlying the synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO). Neither cholinergic receptors nor prostaglandins are involved. ME and C3G cause cardiovascular depression in anesthetized rats via cholinergic and prostanoid mechanisms. Our research expands the scientific understanding of the flowers on the rat cardiovascular system. This amplifies the appreciation of the flower's ethnomedicine employed to control blood pressure. However, researchers need to conduct toxicity studies to determine the safety of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grumixama is an anthocyanin-rich berry commonly found in South America, yet not widely consumed by Brazilians due to the lack of studies covering its technological properties. Therefore, the stability of anthocyanins and the activity of oxidoreductase enzymes in grumixama juice during thermal treatment (60 °C to 100 °C) and storage (at 25 °C and 7 °C) were evaluated. As a result, the pasteurization of grumixama juice at 80 °C for 60 s completely inactivated peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), eliminated microorganisms, and induced low degradation of the total anthocyanins (40%) and minimal degradation of the total phenolic compounds. Four anthocyanins were monitored in the pasteurized juice, namely delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, and two unidentified anthocyanins. Despite the temperature range, the qualitative chromatographic profile of the anthocyanins did not change, while the contents were affected. The binominal temperature/time of 80 °C/60 s effectively inactivated PPO and POD enzymes, promoted moderate alterations in the contents of total anthocyanins and total phenolic compounds, and ensured the microbiological quality of grumixama juice. Grumixama juice can be used as a health food due to its high content of antioxidant phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a focus on breeding wheat with high anthocyanin levels in order to improve food quality and human health. The objective of this study was to examine the antioxidant and geroprotective properties of wheat bran extracts using both in vitro and in vivo research methods. Two wheat lines were used: one with uncolored pericarp (anthocyanin-free) and another with colored pericarp (anthocyanin-containing). These lines differed in a specific region of chromosome 2A containing the Pp3/TaMyc1 gene, which regulates anthocyanin production. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of cyanidin glucoside and cyanidin arabinoside in the anthocyanin-containing wheat bran extract (+AWBE), while no anthocyanins were found in the anthocyanin-free wheat bran extract (−AWBE). The +AWBE showed higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and membrane protective activity (AAPH oxidative hemolysis model) compared to the −AWBE. Both extracts extended the lifespan of female Drosophila, indicating geroprotective properties. This study demonstrates that wheat bran extracts with high anthocyanin levels have antioxidant and geroprotective effects. However, other secondary metabolites in wheat bran can also contribute to its antioxidant and geroprotective potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is the characterization of the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) from a collection of 79 wild specimens in northern Spain to assess variations in the species at the local level and evaluate its interest as a source of biocompounds. Also, a first study was carried out on the microflora present in this fruit, providing information relevant to its commercial exploitation. Moreover, the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and microbial composition in overripe fruits were determined, seeking a better use for this currently wasted resource. A wide variability in levels of phenolics was detected. Elderberries showed high antioxidant activity related to a high cyanidin derivative content, making them of interest to industry. Microflorae were present in very variable concentration ranges, so their levels should be monitored in those applications that require strict control. Overripe fruits are of interest as a source of anthocyanidins, since their concentration and antioxidant capacity remain after the optimal ripening period, promoting sustainability and a better use of natural resources. The database generated is of particular interest for further breeding trials based on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid-3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) is the key enzyme for the biosynthesis of delphinidin-based anthocyanins, which are generally required for purple or blue flowers. Previously, we isolated a full-length cDNA of PgF3′5′H from Platycodon grandiflorus, which shared the highest homology with Campanula medium F3′5′H. In this study, PgF3′5′H was subcloned into a plant over-expression vector and transformed into tobacco via Agrobacterium tumefaciens to investigate its catalytic function. Positive transgenic tobacco T0 plants were obtained by hygromycin resistance screening and PCR detection. PgF3′5′H showed a higher expression level in all PgF3′5′H transgenic tobacco plants than in control plants. Under the drive of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, the over-expressed PgF3′5′H produced dihydromyricetin (DHM) and some new anthocyanin pigments (including delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin derivatives), and increased dihydrokaempferol (DHK), taxifolin, tridactyl, cyanidin derivatives, and pelargonidin derivatives in PgF3′5′H transgenic tobacco plants by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, resulting in a dramatic color alteration from light pink to magenta. These results indicate that PgF3′5′H products have F3′5′H enzyme activity. In addition, PgF3′5′H transfer alters flavonoid pigment synthesis and accumulation in tobacco. Thus, PgF3′5′H may be considered a candidate gene for gene engineering to enhance anthocyanin accumulation and the molecular breeding project for blue flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are antioxidant phytochemicals that confer a beneficial effect on human health. We have previously developed and characterized eight lettuce (Latuca sativa L.) lines that accumulated high levels of diverse flavonoids and their precursors in controlled environment conditions. Three Rutgers Scarlet lettuce (RSL) lines selected in tissue culture for deep-red color (RSL-NAR, RSL-NBR, RSL-NFR) accumulate anthocyanins and quercetin, three lines identified in a chemically mutagenized red lettuce population accumulate kaempferol (KfoA and KfoB) or naringenin chalcone (Nco), and two lines that were spontaneous green mutants derived from the red line RSL-NAR (GSL, GSL-DG) accumulate quercetin. These eight lines were field-grown in the Salinas Valley of California for four years together with seven control accessions of varying colors (light green, dark green, red, and dark red). At market maturity, a substantial variation in plant composition was observed, but the three RSL lines consistently accumulated high levels of cyanidin, GSL and GSL-DG accumulated the highest levels of quercetin, KfoA and KfoB accumulated kaempferol, and Nco amassed naringenin chalcone, confirming that these mutant lines produce high levels of beneficial phytochemicals under field conditions. Mutant lines and control accessions were also assessed for their biomass production (plant weight, height, and width), overall content of pigments (leaf chlorophyll and anthocyanins), resistance to diseases (downy mildew, lettuce drop, and Impatiens necrotic spot virus), postharvest quality of processed tissue (deterioration and enzymatic discoloration), and composition of 23 mineral elements. All but one mutant line had a fresh plant weight at harvest comparable to commercial leaf cultivars; only Nco plants were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller. Therefore, except for Nco, the new, flavonoid hyperaccumulating lines can be considered for field cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are potent antioxidants that play a role in defense against pathogens, UV-radiation, and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavanone 4-reductase (FNR) reduce dihydroflavonols and flavanones, respectively, using NAD(P)H to produce flavan-(3)-4-(di)ols in flavonoid biosynthesis. Anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) reduces anthocyanidins to flavan-3-ols. In addition to their sequences, the 3D structures of recombinant DFR, FNR and ANR from sorghum and switchgrass showed a high level of similarity. The catalytic mechanism, substrate-specificity and key residues of three reductases were deduced from crystal structures, site-directed mutagenesis, molecular docking, kinetics, and thermodynamic ana-lyses. Although DFR displayed its highest activity against dihydroflavonols, it also showed activity against flavanones and anthocyanidins. It was inhibited by the flavonol quercetin and high concentrations of dihydroflavonols/flavonones. SbFNR1 and SbFNR2 did not show any activity against dihydroflavonols. However, SbFNR1 displayed activity against flavanones and ANR activity against two anthocyanidins, cyanidin and pelargonidin. Therefore, SbFNR1 and SbFNR2 could be specific ANR isozymes without delphinidin activity. Sorghum has high concentrations of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in vivo, supporting the observed high activity of SbDFR against flavonols. Mining of expression data indicated substantial induction of these three reductase genes in both switchgrass and sorghum in response to biotic stress. Key signature sequences for proper DFR/ANR classification are proposed and could form the basis for future metabolic engineering of flavonoid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell cultures have emerged as a promising tool for producing active molecules due to their numerous advantages over traditional agricultural methods. Flavonols, and anthocyanin pigments in particular, together with other phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, are known for their beneficial health properties, mainly due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The synthesis of these molecules is finely regulated in plant cells and controlled at the transcriptional level by specific MYB and bHLH transcription factors that coordinate the transcription of structural biosynthetic genes. The co-expression of peach PpMYB10.1 and PpbHLH3 in tobacco was used to develop tobacco cell lines showing high expression of both the peach transgenes and the native flavonol structural genes. These cell lines were further selected for fast growth. High production levels of chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin 3-rutinoside), and other phenolics were also achieved in pre-industrial scale-up trials. A single-column-based purification protocol was developed to produce a lyophile called ANT-CA, which was stable over time, showed beneficial effects on cell viability, and had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities. This lyophile could be a valuable ingredient for food or cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the coloring mechanism in black radish, the integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses of root skin from a black recombinant inbred line (RIL 1901) and a white RIL (RIL 1911) were carried out. A total of 172 flavonoids were detected, and the analysis results revealed that there were 12 flavonoid metabolites in radish root skin, including flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins. The relative concentrations of most flavonoids in RIL 1901 were higher than those in RIL 1911. Meanwhile, the radish root skin also contained 16 types of anthocyanins, 12 of which were cyanidin and its derivatives, and the concentration of cyanidin 3-o-glucoside was very high at different development stages of black radish. Therefore, the accumulation of cyanidin and its derivatives resulted in the black root skin of radish. In addition, a module positively related to anthocyanin accumulation and candidate genes that regulate anthocyanin synthesis was identified by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Among them, structural genes (RsCHS, RsCHI, RsDFR, and RsUGT75C1) and transcription factors (TFs) (RsTT8, RsWRKY44L, RsMYB114, and RsMYB308L) may be crucial for the anthocyanin synthesis in the root skin of black radish. The anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in the root skin of black radish was constructed based on the expression of genes related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways (Ko00941 and Ko00942) and the relative expressions of metabolites. In conclusion, this study not only casts new light on the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in the root skin of black radish but also provides a molecular basis for accelerating the cultivation of new black radish varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed's (Brassica napus L.) colorful petals have important ornamental values. However, the mechanisms of regulating petals coloration in rapeseed are still unknown. In our study, we investigated the key differential coloring substances in nine rapeseed cultivars with different petal colors, and 543 metabolites were detected and characterized through UPLC-HESI-MS/MS. Among them, the kinds and contents of flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanidins were the main contributors to petals' coloration. Tamarixetin-, quercetin-, butin-, naringenin- and luteolin-derivates were the main pigment bases in white and yellow petals. Peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, peonidin-3-O-(6″-O-caffeoyl)glucoside, and quercetin-derivatives were the main coloring substances in pink petals. Acylated cyanidin derivatives might lead to a series of different purple petal colors. Glycosylated anthocyanins were responsible for the coloration of rapeseed red petals, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-derivatives were mainly detected from the red petals. These results provide comprehensive insights into the difference in flavonoid metabolites in rapeseed petals with different colors and supply theoretical supports for the breeding of novel colorful rapeseed cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different technological approaches were used in this study for the valorization of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) fruits in marmalade, jam, jelly, and nutraceuticals. Marmalade showed the highest concentrations of polyphenols (7.61 ± 0.05 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (DW)) and flavonoids (4.93 ± 0.22 mg catechin equivalents/g DW), whereas jam retained the highest content of anthocyanins (66.87 ± 1.18 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents/g DW). A good correlation between polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity was found, the highest value being 21.29 ± 1.36 mmol Trolox/g DW for marmalade. Alternatively, the fresh pulp was enriched with inulin, followed by inoculation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, and freeze-dried, allowing a powder to be obtained with a viable cell content of 6.27 × 107 CFU/g DW. A chromatographic analysis of blackthorn skin revealed that myricetin (2.04 ± 0.04 mg/g DW) was the main flavonoid, followed by (+)–catechin (1.80 ± 0.08 mg/g DW), (−)-epicatechin (0.96 ± 0.02 mg/g DW), and vanillic acid (0.94 ± 0.09 mg/g DW). The representative anthocyanins were cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, and peonidin 3-O-glucoside, with an average concentration of 0.75 mg/g DW. The skin extract showed comparable IC50 values for tyrosinase (1.72 ± 0.12 mg/mL), α-amylase (1.17 ± 0.13 mg/mL), and α-glucosidase (1.25 ± 0.26 mg/mL). The possible use of kernels as calorific agents was demonstrated through the evaluation of calorific power of 4.9 kWh/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Sw) is an underutilized wild fruit native to South America. It is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. In this study, Andean blueberry juice powders were produced via spray drying, using maltodextrin (MD), gum Arabic (GA) or a combination of both (MD:GA) as wall materials. The spray-dried juices were analyzed for the recovery percentage of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins, as well as for their physicochemical and technological properties. Results showed that the type of carrier agent used caused statistically significant differences in the bioactive content and the antioxidant activity of the powders (p < 0.05). It was found that the MD samples has the highest monomeric anthocyanins content (0.88 ± 0.02 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/g) and the highest anthocyanins recovery (96.3 ± 1.7%), while the MD:GA powders showed the highest values of total polyphenol content (5.70 ± 0.09 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), DPPH scavenging capacity (2.49 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and phenolics recovery (87.2 ± 1.1%). Furthermore, all the spray-dried powders exhibited low moisture content (<5.5%) and water activity (<0.40), as well as high solubility in water (>94%) and good flowability. Future prospects include evaluating the stability of the Andean blueberry juice powders during storage and exploring the formulation of new foods and beverages that incorporate these spray-dried powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower color is an important characteristic of ornamental plants and is determined by various chemical components, including anthocyanin. In the present study, combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis was used to explore color variations in the chrysanthemums of three cultivars, of which the color of JIN is yellow, FEN is pink, and ZSH is red. A total of 29 different metabolites, including nine anthocyanins, were identified in common in the three cultivars. Compared with the light-colored cultivars, all of the nine anthocyanin contents were found to be up-regulated in the dark-colored ones. The different contents of pelargonidin, cyanidin, and their derivates were found to be the main reason for color variations. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the color difference was closely related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. The expression level of anthocyanin structural genes, including DFR, ANS, 3GT, 3MaT1, and 3MaT2, was in accordance with the flower color depth. This finding suggests that anthocyanins may be a key factor in color variations among the studied cultivars. On this basis, two special metabolites were selected as biomarkers to assist in chrysanthemum breeding for color selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for natural pigments in the food industry is increasing. Color and stability of anthocyanins of chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) fruit added to an isotonic beverage as microcapsules and free extract were evaluated at two temperatures (4 and 25 °C) in the absence of light. Anthocyanins degradation followed first-order kinetics in the evaluated conditions. The stability of anthocyanins, measured by the variables reaction rate (K), half-life time (t1/2), and anthocyanin retention (AR), was affected significantly (p < 0.01) by temperature. At the end of storage at 4 °C, AR was 91.2 ± 0.28% and 89.63 ± 0.22% in the beverages with microcapsules (BM) and with anthocyanins from extract (BE), respectively, without a significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between them. However, at 25 °C, AR in the BM was 53.72 ± 0.27%, a significantly lower value (p ≤ 0.05) than that in BE (58.83 ± 1.37%). The color difference values (ΔE) in beverages stored at 4 °C were 3.81 and 2.17 for BM and BE, respectively, while at 25 °C, it was 8.57 and 8.21, respectively. The most stable anthocyanin was cyanidin 3-galactoside. Chagalapoli anthocyanins, both as microcapsules or as an extract, are adequate for adding natural color to isotonic beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels-hyperglycemia, caused by a lack of insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or a combination of both. The incidence of DM is increasing, resulting in billions of dollars in annual healthcare costs worldwide. Current therapeutics aim to control hyperglycemia and reduce blood glucose levels to normal. However, most modern drugs have numerous side effects, some of which cause severe kidney and liver problems. On the other hand, natural compounds rich in anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) have also been used for the prevention and treatment of DM. However, lack of standardization, poor stability, unpleasant taste, and decreased absorption leading to low bioavailability have hindered the application of anthocyanins as therapeutics. Therefore, nanotechnology has been used for more successful delivery of these bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the potential of anthocyanins for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications, as well as the strategies and advances in the delivery of anthocyanins using nanoformulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple Chinese cabbage (PCC) has become a new breeding trend due to its attractive color and high nutritional quality since it contains abundant anthocyanidins. With the aim of rapid evaluation of PCC anthocyanidins contents and screening of breeding materials, a fast quantitative detection method for anthocyanidins in PCC was established using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). The PCC samples were scanned by NIR, and the spectral data combined with the chemometric results of anthocyanidins contents obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography were processed to establish the prediction models. The content of cyanidin varied from 93.5 mg/kg to 12,802.4 mg/kg in PCC, while the other anthocyanidins were much lower. The developed NIR prediction models on the basis of partial least square regression with the preprocessing of no-scattering mode and the first-order derivative showed the best prediction performance: for cyanidin, the external correlation coefficient (RSQ) and standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of the calibration set were 0.965 and 693.004, respectively; for total anthocyanidins, the RSQ and SECV of the calibration set were 0.966 and 685.994, respectively. The established models were effective, and this NIR method, with the advantages of timesaving and convenience, could be applied in purple vegetable breeding practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New antiviral treatments are needed to deal with the unpredictable emergence of viruses. Furthermore, vaccines and antivirals are only available for just a few viral infections, and antiviral drug resistance is an increasing concern. Cyanidin (a natural product also called A18), a key flavonoid that is present in red berries and other fruits, attenuates the development of several diseases, through its anti-inflammatory effects. Regarding its mechanism of action, A18 was identified as an IL-17A inhibitor, resulting in the attenuation of IL-17A signaling and associated diseases in mice. Importantly, A18 also inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway in different cell types and conditions in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we report that A18 restricts RSV, HSV-1, canine coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication, indicating a broad-spectrum antiviral activity. We also found that A18 can control cytokine and NF-κB induction in RSV-infected cells independently of its antiviral activity. Furthermore, in mice infected with RSV, A18 not only significantly reduces viral titers in the lungs, but also diminishes lung injury. Thus, these results provide evidence that A18 could be used as a broad-spectrum antiviral and may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic targets to control these viral infections and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Delonix regia, then in vivo evaluate its safety as a natural colorant and sweetener in beverages compared to synthetic colorant and sweetener in rats, then serve the beverages for sensory evaluation. Delonix regia flowers had high protein, polysaccharide, Ca, Na, Mg, K, and Fe contents. The Delonix regia pigment extract (DRPE) polysaccharides were separated and purified by gel permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, characterized by rich polysaccharides (13.6 g/L). The HPLC sugar profile detected the monosaccharides in the extracted polysaccharides, composed of mannose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, and gluconic acid, and the structure of saccharides was confirmed by FTIR, which showed three active groups: carbonyl, hydrocarbon, and hydroxyl. On the other hand, the red pigment constituents of DRPE were detected by HPLC; the main compounds were delphinidin and cyanidin at 15 µg/mL. The DRPE contained a considerable amount (26.33 mg/g) of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds (64.7 mg/g), and flavonoids (10.30 mg/g), thus influencing the antioxidant activity of the DRPE, which scavenged 92% of DPPH free radicals. Additionally, it inhibited the population of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocyogenes, Salmonella typhimurum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the range of 30–90 μg/mL, in addition to inhibiting 85% of pancreatic cancer cell lines. On the in vivo level, the rats that were delivered a diet containing DRPE showed regular liver markers (AST, ALP, and ALT); kidney markers (urea and creatinine); high TP, TA, and GSH; and low MDA, while rats treated with synthetic dye and aspartame showed higher liver and kidney markers; lowered TP, TA, and GSH; and high MDA. After proving the safety of DRPE, it can be safely added to strawberry beverages. Significant sensorial traits, enhanced red color, and taste characterize the strawberry beverages supplemented with DRPE. The lightness and redness of strawberries were enhanced, and the color change ΔE values in DRPE-supplemented beverages ranged from 1.1 to 1.35 compared to 1.69 in controls, indicating the preservative role of DRPE on color. So, including DRPE in food formulation as a natural colorant and sweetener is recommended for preserving health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]