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Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) and cold limit the growth and development of plants, which generates changes in gene expression. This allows plants to respond to stress through regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, that activate or repress the expression of stress-response genes. RNA-Seq data and WGCNA analyses were utilized to identify the hub genes. Our study found a total of 25, 24, and 29 transcription factors at different time points T1, T2, and T3, respectively, under combined stress (ultraviolet-B radiation and cold). RVE1 (MYB-related), COL2 (CO-like), and DBB1b (DBB) were identified as candidate hub genes. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment showed that RVE1, DBB1b, and COL2 were mostly involved in energy production, the antioxidant system (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), signaling through abscisic acid and CA2+, response to light stimulus, and cellular homeostasis. These findings provide the basis for further investigation related to UV-B radiation and cold stress response mechanisms in plants.

Objetivo: identificar productos potenciales de mango como una alternativa para la producción de mango de comercialización limitada en la zona sur de Sinaloa. Metodología: se implementaron dos primeras etapas: (1) Generación de alternativas de productos. (2) Selección de un producto. Resultados: en la Etapa 1 se identificaron: galleta rellena, ate y barra, por su facilidad de compra, contenido funcional e ingredientes naturales, siendo barra el producto con mayor potencial de éxito. En la Etapa 2, barras en presentaciones de amaranto, mezcla de frutos secos con chocolate y mezcla de cereales con yogurt, resultaron las más preferidas. Limitaciones: la identificación de atributos mediante encuestas puede ser subjetiva, por lo cual, se recomienda realizar pruebas sensoriales con consumidores. Conclusiones: podemos anotar que los tres productos potenciales, y sus atributos, identificados fueron: (1) Barra de mezcla de frutos secos con chocolate fue preferida debido a su aporte de energía, facilidad de compra e ingredientes naturales. (2) Barra de amaranto resultó preferida por sus aportes de proteínas, carbohidratos, fibra, ingredientes naturales y precio. Finalmente, (3) Barra de mezcla de cereales con yogurt es preferida por remplazar una comida, contenido de fibra y contribución a la salud.

Background: Phosphorus (P) is an important nutritional element needed by plants. Roots obtain P as inorganic phosphate (Pi), mostly in H2PO-4 form. It is vital to plants a sufficient supply of Pi since it participates in important processes like photosynthesis, energy transfer, protein activation, amongst others. The physicochemical properties and the adsorption of Pi to organic material usually makes the bioavailability in soil low causing that crops and undomesticated plants experience variations in accessibility or even a persistent phosphate limitation. There is little information on the influence of Pi availability in an important economic crop such as pepper. Methods and results: In this study, transcriptome data from pepper roots under low-Pi stress was analyzed in order to identify Pi starvation-responsive genes and their relationship with metabolic pathways and functions. An overall of 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; gene ontology analysis showed DEGs classification into 48 functional categories demonstrating the diversity of genes responding to the stress. The most relevant down regulated DEGs were related to rhythmic process, catalytic activity, and cellular anatomical entity; whereas the up-regulated DEGs were associated to cellular process, biological regulation, metabolic process and response to stimulus categories. KEGG enrichment revealed that metabolic pathways such as porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism was down-regulated, and galactose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism were up-regulated. Conclusion: Present results indicate that bell pepper follows diverse processes related to low Pi tolerance regulation, such as remobilization of internal Pi, alternative metabolic pathways to generate energy and regulators of root development.

El maíz es una de las principales fuentes en la nutrición humana, y por su aporte nutrimental y contenido de azúcares fermentables es utilizado en la preparación de bebidas artesanales o tradicionales que pueden ser alcohólicas o no alcohólicas. La disponibilidad del maíz está determinada por la región, variación genética y condición geográfica donde se cultiva. Algunos tipos de maíz disponibles en las diferentes regiones poseen características propias como pueden ser tamaño, color, forma del grano y contenido de compuestos antioxidantes. Debido que existe poca información sobre formulación de bebidas y su comportamiento frente a tratamientos de conservación tradicional o tecnologías alternativas, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de un tratamiento alternativo de conservación con termosonicación y un tratamiento tradicional térmico de pasteurización a 85 °C sobre color, calidad microbiológica, parámetros fisicoquímicos y propiedades nutracéuticas de bebidas de maíz blanco y morado. Los resultados en las bebidas mostraron ligeras modificaciones de color y reducción de la cantidad de microorganismos, y no se observaron diferencias en las parámetros fisicoquímicos y compuestos fenólicos. En la bebida de maíz blanco se encontró mayor contenido de ácido ferúlico, mientras que en la bebida de maíz morado mostró un mayor contenido de ácido clorogénico, cafeico y mayores niveles de capacidad antioxidante. En conclusión, el tratamiento térmico tradicional de pasteurización resultó más eficiente que la termosonicación para la reducción de cantidad de microorganismos y no afectó las propiedades fisicoquímicas. Por otro lado, la capacidad antioxidante fue mayor en la bebida de maíz morado y esta se incrementó después del tratamiento térmico.

Seven accessions of Jatropha platyphylla were evaluated for their phenotypic traits and genetic diversity using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Cluster analyses with nine traits were performed: number of branches per plant; fruit per bunch; bunch per branch; bunch per plant; total seed production; total fruit production, protein content, oil content, and fatty acid profile. Genotypes from Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico (PR11) yielded the highest values in all traits. The correlation analysis of the quantitative traits showed high correlations between seed and total fruit production (r = 0.99). Unsaturated linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid (57.64% - 52.39%). Within a genetic improvement program, two of the most important variables to be considered are oil content and phenotypic characteristics of the plant. J. platyphylla has shown viable selection traits that provide a possibility of producing interspecies hybrids and giving them added value. ISSRs primers generated variable banding patterns that were found to be polymorphic; the polymorphic information content (PIC) of these loci ranged from 0.21 to 0.45 with an average of 0.34. The unweighted pair group method (UPGMA) cluster analysis of the data showed the formation of three groups, where the most divergent accession pair was the genotype from Quelite (QP11) and Rosario (PR11).

Corn stover, a corn harvest by-product, can be used to add value to feeds for farmed fish through their extracts, which are rich in phenolic compounds (PCs) and could confer antioxidant properties and possible health benefits to fish. In this study, PCs from corn husk extracts (CHE) were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of fly-mass spectroscopy (UPLCESI-Q-ToF-MS/MS), and used to provide antioxidant potential to diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings. Three experimental diets for tilapia were formulated with 0, 100 and 200 mg PCs from CHE/kg feed and their antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH• and ORAC assays. A total of 180 Nile tilapia fingerlings (0.35 ± 0.06 g) were fed for 14 days to determine the effect of experimental diets on feed intake and growth performance. PCs from CHE such as ferulic, p-coumaric and chlorogenic acids were the most abundant. The inclusion of PCs into tilapia diets increases linearly (p < 0.05) their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC). Growth performance and feed intake increased linearly (p < 0.05) as the level of CHE inclusion increased. Results suggest that the CHE can provide antioxidant potential to tilapia diets, promote growth performance and feed intake without toxic effects.RESUMENLa mazorca de maíz, un subproducto de la cosecha de maíz, puede usarse para agregar valor a los alimentos para peces de cultivo a través de sus extractos, que son ricos en compuestos fenólicos (PCs) y los cuales podrían conferir propiedades antioxidantes y posibles beneficios a la salud de los peces. En este estudio, las PCs de los extractos de cáscara de maíz (CHE) se identificaron mediante cromatografía líquida de ultra resolución-tiempo de vuelo con cuadrupolo acoplado a espectrometría de masas con ionización por electrospray (UPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS/MS), y se utilizaron para proporcionar potencial antioxidante a las dietas para alevines de tilapia del Nilo. Se formularon tres dietas experimentales para tilapia con 0, 100 y 200 mg de PCs de CHE/kg de alimento y su capacidad antioxidante se determinó mediante ensayos DPPH• y ORAC. Se alimentaron un total de 180 alevines de tilapia del Nilo (0.35 ± 0.06 g) durante 14 días para determinar el efecto de las dietas experimentales, sobre el consumo de alimento y el crecimiento. Los PCs de CHE como los ácidos ferúlico, p-cumárico y clorogénico fueron las más abundantes. La inclusión de PCs en las dietas para tilapia, aumenta linealmente (p

The effects of hydrostatic (HHP) and dynamic (HPH) high-pressure treatments on the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as the physicochemical quality attributes of ‘Ataulfo’ mango nectar were assessed. HHP reduced PME relative activity by 28% at 100 MPa for 5 min but increased PPO activity almost five-fold. Contrarily, HPH did not affect PME activity, but PPO was effectively reduced to 10% of residual activity at 300 MPa and at three passes. Color parameters (CIEL*a*b*), °hue, and chroma were differently affected by each type of high-pressure processing technology. The viscosity and fluid behavior were not affected by HHP, however, HPH changed the apparent viscosity at low dynamic pressure levels (100 MPa with one and three passes). The viscosity decreased at high shear rates in nectar samples, showing a shear-thinning effect. The results highlight how different effects can be achieved with each high-pressure technology; thus, selecting the most appropriate system for processing and preserving liquid foods like fruit beverages is recommended.

Los cambios en los estilos de vida y alimentación de la población mexicana, han propiciado un desarrollo significativo de enfermedades crónicas degenerativas, como la diabetes, la obesidad, la hipertensión y el síndrome metabólico (MetS), que generan un grave problema de salud pública. La evidencia reciente demuestra que estas comorbilidades representan un factor predominante en el desarrollo de complicaciones por enfermedades respiratorias. El desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos y la búsqueda de compuestos, provenientes de fuentes rentables como las plantas, pueden coadyuvar a la mitigación del problema. Chrysobalanus icaco es una planta utilizada a nivel mundial, que sobresale por sus usos medicinales y culinarios. Diferentes metabolitos secundarios han sido aislados e identificados de las frutas, las hojas, las raíces, las semillas y los tallos de C. icaco. La mayoría de los estudios se han enfocado a los compuestos fenólicos, terpenoides y alcaloides, así como también a sus propiedades funcionales. El objetivo de la investigación fue mostrar la situación actual del síndrome metabólico en México, así como detallar los fitoquímicos y cualidades hipoglucémicas, antiobesogénicas y antiinflamatorias de Chrysobalanus icaco, un fruto consumido con fines medicinales y alimenticios en el sur de México.

Blueberry is a fruit consumed fresh and as an ingredient in formulations such as jam, juice, and wine. Wine is a widely consumed beverage and produced from different berries and fruits. Blueberry wine contains bio-compounds that could have a beneficial effect on health. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize blueberry wine by two response variables (total soluble solids and fermentation time) to obtain the highest alcohol percentage, pH, and lightness. In order to optimize the fermentation process, a central composite design was used. The optimized blueberry wine was obtained at total soluble solids of 25°Brix and fermentation time of 16 d. The optimized blueberry characteristics estimated were: alcohol percentage of 11.91%, pH of 2.98, and lightness (L*) of 26.22, and the optimized blueberry characteristics experimental were: alcohol percentage of 11.93±0.02%, pH of 2.97±0.01, and L* of 25.42±1.80. The optimized blueberry wine had a total phenolic content of 360.27±18.09 mg of gallic acid equivalents L-1, total anthocyanin content of 46.27±3.66 mg cyanidin-3 glucoside L-1, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DDPH assays of 1,539.8±92.18 and 1,688.07±57.57 mM Trolox equivalent L-1, respectively. The results suggest that optimized blueberry wine can be considered a drink with potential health applications. Blueberry is a fruit consumed fresh and as an ingredient in formulations such as jam, juice, and wine. Wine is a widely consumed beverage and produced from different berries and fruits. Blueberry wine contains bio-compounds that could have a beneficial effect on health. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize blueberry wine by two response variables (total soluble solids and fermentation time) to obtain the highest alcohol percentage, pH, and lightness. In order to optimize the fermentation process, a central composite design was used. The optimized blueberry wine was obtained at total soluble solids of 25°Brix and fermentation time of 16 d. The optimized blueberry characteristics estimated were: alcohol percentage of 11.91%, pH of 2.98, and lightness (L*) of 26.22, and the optimized blueberry characteristics experimental were: alcohol percentage of 11.93±0.02%, pH of 2.97±0.01, and L* of 25.42±1.80. The optimized blueberry wine had a total phenolic content of 360.27±18.09 mg of gallic acid equivalents L-1, total anthocyanin content of 46.27±3.66 mg cyanidin-3 glucoside L-1, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DDPH assays of 1,539.8±92.18 and 1,688.07±57.57 mM Trolox equivalent L-1, respectively. The results suggest that optimized blueberry wine can be considered a drink with potential health applications.

Pumpkin pulp is the main waste generated by pumpkin seed growers. This agro-industrial waste is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein), which exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. In this study, vegetable oils (canola, corn, and soybean oil) were used as green solvent alternatives to conventional organic solvents for carotenoid extraction from dried pumpkin pulp (DPP) waste. The highest carotenoid extraction yield (CEY) was obtained with canola oil, at a 1:10 DPP/oil ratio. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process parameters (temperature, time, and stirring rate) through a Box-Behnken design (BBD) maximizing CEY in canola oil. The extraction temperature and stirring rate were found to have a significant linear and quadratic effect, respectively, on CEY. Optimum conditions were achieved at 21.8 min, 250 rpm, and 60°C. Under these optimized conditions, the estimated value for CEY was 378.1 µg β-carotene equivalents/g of DPP, corresponding to 61.6% of the total carotenoid content present in the DPP. In contrast, the observed experimental value was 373.2 µg β-carotene equivalents/g of DPP (61.2%). The experimental value was very close to the estimated value, which verifies the model's adequacy and fit. This study shows an alternative method to extract carotenoids from DPP with canola oil, obtaining an oil naturally enriched with carotenoids that could be used as a potential functional ingredient in the development of food, cosmetics, and medicinal products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pumpkin by-products are a potential carotenoid source. Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative solvent for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin residues to obtain an enriched carotenoid oil that can be used to formulate food products.

En el sur de Sinaloa, México en los municipios El Rosario y Escuinapa se cultivan 21,204 ha de mango (Mangifera indica L.) de las variedades Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins, Kent y Keitt, con producción en 2018 de 195,969 t. El mango Keitt es de interés por ser de maduración tardía (agosto-septiembre). Experiencias empíricas señalan que si se amplía el periodo de cosecha y los frutos tienen mayor vida útil se mejorará la rentabilidad; por ello, se planteó la evaluación del desarrollo y maduración con el uso de giberelinas (AG3 200 mg L-1, Biogib®) y citocininas (Agromil Plus® 2.5 mL L-1), así como un fungicida (Manzate® 2.0 g L-1) para combatir la antracnosis. Los biorreguladores, solos o mezclados, se aplicaron cuatro veces antes de la cosecha en las fechas 3 de mayo, 6 de junio, 2 de julio y 6 de agosto de 2016, cuando los frutos alcanzaron longitudes de 8.1, 10.5, 11.6 y 12.4 cm, respectivamente. Los frutos tratados con Agromil Plus + AG3 + Manzate incrementaron 1.9 cm de diámetro y 3.6 cm en longitud, comparado con los frutos testigo. La caída acumulada de frutos fue alta en el testigo (46 frutos/árbol) y Agromil Plus (50 frutos/ árbol), pero disminuyó con AG3 a 28 frutos/árbol, mientras que la mezcla AG3 + Agromil Plus + Manzate disminuyó a 14.7 frutos/árbol. Dicha mezcla también resultó el mejor tratamiento para mantener la vida útil y reducir la antracnosis de los frutos; así lo muestran los incrementos en firmeza de 95.3 newtons, acidez titulable de 0.21 % de ácido cítrico, reducción en sólidos solubles totales de 3.7 ºBrix, relación SST/acidez en 27 y severidad de antracnosis 24 %, a los 15 d de almacenamiento, comparados con los frutos testigos. El uso de AG3 en precosecha puede mejorar la calidad y la vida útil del mango Keitt cuando se combina con citocininas y se protege a los frutos contra antracnosis con fungicida.

Four experimental diets were formulated with 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg of phenolic compounds (PCs) kg-1 feed, derived from mango peel. The control diet did not contain PCs. A total of 120 male zebrafish (Danio rerio) (average weight: 166 mg) were fed for eight weeks to assess the ability of PCs to prevent lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant status. Growth performance was calculated at the end of the experimental trial. Lipid peroxidations in muscle and antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver were evaluated at the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference in growth performance among treatments. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in muscle were significantly lower in fish fed diets containing 50 and 100 mg of PCs per kg of feed. Incorporation of PCs into zebrafish diet did not have any significant effects on glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. However, catalase (CAT) activity increased significantly in fish with diets containing 100, 150 and 200 mg of PCs kg-1 feed. These results suggest a potential protective effect against in vivo lipid peroxidation and CAT-modulating effects.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer, exporter, and consumer of avocados. “Hass” avocado is the most commercialized cultivar, while the native Mexican avocado varieties have been displaced. Thus, studies regarding their chemical and nutraceutical characterization are scarce. We studied the total lipid content, fatty acid profile, carotenoid content, and free radical-scavenging activity of the fruit pulp from 12 accessions of the native Mexican avocado (Persea americana var. drymifolia). The results show that the chemical and nutraceutical characteristics depend on the accession type. The total lipid content ranged from 13.22 to 23.41%. The major saturated fatty acid in all the avocado accessions was palmitic acid (15.54–22.68%). Monounsaturated fatty acids, like oleic (56.58–74.19%), linoleic (5.62–16.85%) and linolenic (0.63–2.85%) acids were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids in all the native Mexican avocado accessions. The total carotenoid content (1.57 to 7.83 mg eq. of β-carotene 100 g-1 fresh weight) and the free radical-scavenging activity (7.58–88.62 mMol trolox equivalent 100 g−1 fresh weight) also varied significantly (p

The aim of this study was the characterization of chromatic, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of fifteen native maize genotypes of the races: conico norteno, elotes conicos, raton, conico norteno × elotes conicos, raton × elotes conicos, Celaya × elotes conicos, elotes conicos × conico norteno from the northeast of Mexico. The results showed that the values of the color parameters L*, C* and h in genotypes range from 25.13 to 63.64, 2.41 to 33.58 and 14.36 to 359.19, respectively. The percentage of nutritional component varied from carbohydrates (71.30–74.88), protein (9.72–12.57) and moisture (7.98–9.67). The samples were rich in P, K, Mg, Zn and Fe. The total phenols content (free + bound) ranged from 349.39 to 485.71 mgGAE/100 g, showing bound fractions higher content than free fractions. The total flavonoids (free + bound) were from 24.00 to 105.75 mgCE/100 g, and for eight of the genotypes the bound fractions were higher than free fractions. Condensed tannins were only found in free fractions with values ranging from 33.70 to 158.55 mgCE/100 g. Total anthocyanins ranged from 1.38 to 74.52 mgC3GE/100 g. In HPLC analysis, ferulic acid (103.34–164.90 mg/100 g) was the main phenolic compound followed by coumaric acid (5.57–15.52 mg/100 g) and they were only identified in bound extracts. Finally, the antioxidant capacity (free + bound) expressed in µmolTE/100 g was from 1127.70 to 1875.70, 2826.90 to 4263.90, 730.94 to 1340.65 and 3484.80 to 5592.60 in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC, respectively, and IC50 to DPPH and ABTS were expressed in mg/mL. In conclusion, significant correlation was found between chromatic versus antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin content. In addition, higher phenolic content were found in bound extracts, and a genetic diversity was observed between maize genotypes.

Blue maize owes its coloration to a high anthocyanin content, and is therefore a promising source of unstable bioactive compounds. Spray-drying microencapsulation (SDM) can maintain the integrity of labile compounds during storage and digestion. We microencapsulated blue maize polyphenols by SDM in two matrices, maltodextrin (MD) and maltodextrin-pectin (MP) mixture. Morphology, degradation kinetics during storage and release were analyzed. Particle size ranged from 3 to 5 µm, with spherical morphology and surface depressions. The compounds and antioxidant activity had longer half-life in the MP matrix. Both matrices showed near complete release under simulated digestion (~ 95%), the majority of the compounds in the MP matrix were released during the intestinal phase, while those in the MD matrix were released during the gastric phase. These results suggest that microencapsulating blue maize polyphenols allows their incorporation into other products, and the addition of pectin improves the protective properties of MD, possibly due to its lower reactivity.

The chemical constituents of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) vary by environmental stimuli and cultivar. The effect of cultivars produced under hydroponic and greenhouse conditions on the mineral composition, chemical and nutraceutical quality of the calyx was evaluated. An experiment was conducted in greenhouse and hydroponic conditions, in a randomized complete design with three replicates and four plants per experimental unit. Treatments were formed by a six roselle cultivars: Cruza Negra, Criolla Huajicori, UAN25-1, UAN16-2, 4Q4, and UAN6-Puga. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that ‘Cruza Negra’ is the best cultivar because it presents the highest values of total and insoluble fiber (395 and 260 g kg-1 dry basis [db]), total phenols (29.178 mg kg-1 db), anthocyanins (18.133 mg kg-1 db), 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; 645 mg kg-1 db), and the absorption capacity of oxygen radicals (ORAC; 240 mg kg-1 db). The highest contribution of minerals was observed in ‘Cruza Negra’ (K, Na, Zn, and Cu) and ‘Criolla Huajicori’ (Ca, Mg, S, and Mn), contributing significantly to the recommended daily intake (RDI). Variability was evident in all the quality characteristics evaluated in the greenhouse roselle calyx. Ash, total and insoluble fiber, phenols, anthocyanins, DPPH, and ORAC contributed the most to the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of the roselle calyx. These variables were influenced by the cultivar

A potential alternative to the use of chemical products with oomyceticidal action for the control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetables is the use of antimicrobial metabolites, biosynthesized in Bacillus species. The objective of this study was to induce the biosynthesis of lipopeptides in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 by using glutamic acid, iron, cellulose, chitin, or inactive Colletotrichum spp. cells. The in vitro oomyceticidal effect of the bacterial lipopeptides on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici was evaluated. The lipopeptides identified and quantified in the crude extracts by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were fengycin and surfactin. The bacterial culture with inactive fungal cells yielded the greatest biosynthesis of lipopeptides, at 1847.02± 11.8 and 2563.45± 18.4 μg/ml of fengycin and surfactin, respectively and the treatments that obtained lower production of these lipopeptides, were those to which iron and cellulose were added with 608.05 ± 22.6 and 903.74± 22.1; 563.31± 11.9 and 936.96± 41.1 μg/ml for fengicin and surfactin, respectively. The lipopeptide extracted showed 100% germination inhibition on zoospores of P. capsici, revealing encystment, malformations in the germ tube and cellular degradation. Lipopeptides have the potential to control P. capsici; however, the biosynthesis of these lipopeptides requires further study to determine their biological mode of action and optimize lipopeptide performance and profile.

Background: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium and produces several secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. One of its most important morphological characteristics is the presence of flagella. Currently the existing staining techniques for bacterial flagellar visualization have limitations; as increased time requirement and unstable reactions of the reagents. Objective: Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe a modification in the flagellar staining methodology, to visualize flagella in B. amyloliquefaciens bacteria by light microscopy. Methodology: Mordant was used (80 mL of 25% tannic acid solution and 15 mL of 2.5% chromium trioxide, it was mixed and left to rest for 5 days at 4 °C) and crystal violet, in bacterial colonies of 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 h of growth. Results: After a growth period of 20-24 h, in bacterial cells of B. amyloliquefaciens, the presence of peritric flagella was observed (flagella distributed on the surface of the bacteria), which was possible through the modified flagellar staining technique developed. Implications: The correct, fast and practical visualization of bacterial flagella is important for morphological identification. Conclusion: In this research it was possible to demonstrate the visualization of bacterial flagella, with a modified technique and less manipulation of the bacteria.

Abiotic factors can alter the chemical profile of crops and the number of compounds they contain. In this study, the anthocyanin and anthocyanidin contents, determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS), and the colour attributes of the calyces of three cultivars of Hibiscus sabdariffa subjected to three water stress regimes during the stage of physiological maturity were investigated. The total anthocyanin content in calyx increased relative to the control content under a 65% moisture irrigation regime. Among the cultivars, UAN16-2 showed the greatest increases in the contents of cyanidin, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside. The content of cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside showed the greatest increase, increasing by 55% relative to the control level. The contents of these compounds are correlated with colour attributes such as luminosity. Water stress under the 33% moisture condition during plant development led to decreased anthocyanin contents in all of the roselle cultivars.

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing natural products found in bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants with complex and diverse structures. The widespread distribution of alkaloids along with their wide array of structures makes their classification often difficult. However, for their study, alkaloids can be classified depending on their chemical structure, biochemical origin, and/or natural origin. Alkaloids can be derived from several biosynthetic pathways, such as the shikimate pathway; the ornithine, lysine, and nicotinic acid pathway; the histidine and purine pathway; and the terpenoid and polyketide pathway. Traditionally, plant alkaloids have played a pivotal role in folk medicines since ancient times as purgatives, antitussives, sedatives, and treatments for a wide variety of ailments. Currently, several alkaloids have served as models for modern drugs, and there are several alkaloids used in pharmacology, such as codeine, brucine, morphine, ephedrine, and quinine. Herein, this work is a comprehensive revision from the Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases on the recent information (2010–2019) regarding plant-derived alkaloids, their structural classification and bioactive properties.

Feruloylated arabinoxylans were obtained from nixtamalized maize bran under alkaline conditions (0.5 N NaOH) at different times (2 h, 4 h and 6 h). They were analyzed for neutral sugars composition, dietary fiber and ferulic acids content, as well as the antioxidant capacity, to establish if they can be considered as soluble antioxidant dietary fiber. The yields of the arabinoxylans following alkaline extraction treatments were 4.89%, 8.23% and 7.17% for 2 h, 4 h and 6 h, respectively. The purity of arabinoxylans ranged from 55.58 to 61.16%, while arabinose to xylose (Ara/Xyl) ratio ranged from 0.82 to 0.87 which indicated that all arabinoxylans had a moderately branched structure. The soluble dietary fiber accounted for more than 85% of the chemical composition of feruloylated arabinoxylans. Monomeric and oligomeric forms of ferulic acid were influenced by the alkali extraction time. The monomeric form was the main phenolic acid in feruloylated arabinoxylans (77.05–86.97%), followed by dimers (11.57–14.20%), and trimer (0.93–9.36%). Total phenols ranged from 9.01 to 6.48 mg FAE/g, while antioxidant capacity ranged from 29.49 to 31.69 µmol TE/g, 16.60 to 21.27 µmol TE/g, 39.23 to 58.33 µmol TE/g and 17.03 to 60.65 µmol TE/g in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC methods, respectively. The phenol content and antioxidant capacity were in the order: 2 h extract > 4 h extract > 6 h extract and in accordance to the ferulic acid content. The results indicated that alkali extracted feruloylated arabinoxylans obtained from nixtamalized maize bran byproduct are synonymous with soluble antioxidant dietary fiber.

This research evaluated the nutritional, nutraceutical, antimicrobial, as well as the growing promoter effect of Moringa oleifera (MOR) leaves flour in fodders for fattening Japanese quails. The antimicrobial activity was measured using the method of Kirby-Bauer. A completely random design with 4x2 factorial arrangement was used, fodders included 0, 7, 14, and 21% of MOR, with and without Virginiamycin (100 ppm), during 35 d of fattening, 480 one-day old unsexed quails were used, each treatment had 5 replicates with 12 quails/cage. MOR inhibited the growth of bacteria gram (+) and gram (-). The inclusion of MOR in the period from 1 to 14 d inhibited the weight gain (p

Antioxidant capacities of hydrophilic (phenolic compounds; H-MPE) and lipophilic (carotenoids; L-MPE) antioxidants from mango peel by ABTS and DPPH assays were determined. The ability of H-MPE and L-MPE to inhibit fish oil peroxidation by the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured and compared against synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to study their antioxidant potential in the stabilization of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in the fish oil. H-MPE and L-MPE showed significantly higher antioxidant capacity than BHT (P

The fruit of 18 Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme accessions from Mexico were evaluated for total phenolics (TP) by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay, phenolic profiles by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS), antioxidant activity (AoxA) by 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenil-1-pycrilhydrazyl (DPPH), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and antimutagenic activity (AmuA) by the Ames assay. TP was measured as Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE) and the AoxA as Trolox Equivalents (TE). TP varied from 37 to 86 mg GAE 100 g−1 fresh weight (fw). The AoxA by ABTS (568-1187 µmol TE 100 g−1 fw) and DPPH (157-350 µmol TE 100 g−1 fw) correlated with TP and the levels of caffeoylquinic acids and rutin. The AmuA did not correlate with the levels of phenolics. Some accessions had higher AoxA and AmuA than those reported for commercial cultivars and also showed high levels of caffeoylquinic acids and rutin; thus, their consumption could have good health promoting effects.

Lamiaceae plants are a widespread family of herbaceous plants with around 245 plant genera and nearly 22,576 species distributed in the world. Some of the most representative and widely studied Lamiaceae plants belong to the Ocimum, Origanum, Salvia, and Thymus genera. These plants are a rich source of bioactive molecules such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In this sense, there is a subgroup of flavonoids classified as flavones. Flavones have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic potential; thus, efficient extraction techniques from their original plant matrixes have been developed. Currently, conventional extraction methods involving organic solvents are no longer recommended due to their environmental consequences, and new environmentally friendly techniques have been developed. Moreover, once extracted, the bioactivity of flavones is highly linked to their bioavailability, which is often neglected. This review aims to comprehensively gather recent information (2011–2021) regarding extraction techniques and their important relationship with the bioavailability of flavones from Lamiaceae plants including Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, and Origanum.

Low temperature (LT) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation are abiotic factors that cause plant stress and limit crop production because of their detrimental effects on photosynthetic components. There is evidence of chlorophyll and carotenoid degradation by LT and UV-B radiation, as well as the production of phenolic compounds as defense components against these stress factors; however, there is scarce information about the interactions between LT and UV-B radiation. Therefore, in this study, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds were analyzed in response to LT, UV-B radiation and the combination of both (LT + UV-B) in leaves of bell pepper plants. The LT + UV-B condition produced the greater degradation of chlorophyll in the bell pepper leaves and the higher accumulation of carotenoids, chlorogenic acid and the flavonoids apigenin-7- O -glucoside (A-7-G) and luteolin-7- O -glucoside (L-7-G) compared to the LT and UV-B conditions applied separately. UV-B radiation induced a higher total flavonoid concentration than LT, but the highest flavonoid concentration was observed in the leaves exposed to LT + UV-B. The higher accumulation of chlorogenic acid and A-7-G biosynthesis in leaves exposed to LT than control, indicate a higher resistance of plants to UV-B radiation damage because chlorogenic acid and A-7-G both have high UV-B absorbance capacities. However, a higher concentration of L-7-G, respect to A-7-G, in leaves exposed to UV-B and LT + UV-B indicates a higher necessity to quench ROS, because L-7-G has a higher antioxidant capacity than A-7-G. The increment of carotenoid and L-7-G concentrations in bell pepper plants exposed to LT and UV-B radiation stress displayed a high correlation with the raise of total reducing capacity in their leaves.

Lippia alba essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid (SFE) extraction methods. These were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-flame ionization detector (GC-FID-MS). Antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH and ABTS methods, and total soluble phenolics (TSP) were also determined. While in the SFE extract 14 compounds were identified (mostly: myrcenone 3.4%, α-terpineol 1.0% and β-caryophyllene 2.3%), in the HD extract 17 compounds were identified (mostly: eucalyptol 15.6%, myrcenone 9.3% and Z-ocimenone 5.8%). The results showed that L. alba essential oils obtained by SFE was IC50=17.35 mg/mL and by HD was IC50 = 12.45 mg/mL in DPPH assay. L. alba has an excellent eucalyptol content. Key words: Antioxidants, bioactive compounds, supercritical fluid, green technologies.

Jatropha platyphylla is a species of the Euphorbiaceae family with kernels rich in oil and protein with no toxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological variability and oil content of J. platyphylla in tropical deciduous forests of Mexico to determine the characteristics and establish domestication strategies. Principal component and cluster analyses were performed with 11 traits: plant height, stem diameter, canopy spread, number of branches, total fruit production, dry fruit weight, seed weight, seed diameter, kernel weight, shell weight and oil content. Significant differences were found in eight of the traits. Grid maps of the distribution pattern, total fruit production and oil percentage were generated. In principal components analysis the three components explained 70.2% of the variance in the data and showed that the traits that contributed most to the variance were the morphological characteristics of seeds. In the cluster analysis, seven clusters were obtained, of which three clusters grouped the germplasms with the highest oil percentages. The variations in oil content and morphological variables suggested opportunities for viable selection in domestication and genetic improvement programs, considering that J. platyphylla is a wild species. Exploring adapted varieties and producing interspecies hybrids can create added value to these little explored species.

Mango bark is an important agro-industrial residue from mango pruning. In traditional medicine, the aqueous extract from mango bark (MBE) has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of many diseases. However, there is scarce information using cellular models to evaluate the potential use of this plant material for human consumption. In this study, the phenolic content from the MBE from four varieties (Kent, Keitt, Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins) was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS-TOF). Additionally, the cellular antioxidant activity of the MBE from the four mango varieties were compared. Finally, the intestinal permeability of the main polyphenols found in the MBE (mangiferin and gallic acid) was evaluated. RESULTS Mangiferin and gallic acid were the main constituents in the MBE from the four mango varieties. Furthermore, the Ataulfo variety showed the highest cellular antioxidant activity (67%) at the concentration of 100 µg mL?1. The intestinal permeability of mangiferin present in the bark extracts was 3- to 4.8-fold higher than those of mangiferin as standard, whereas the intestinal permeability of gallic acid varied among the tested extracts. CONCLUSION MBE has the potential to exert antioxidant activity at the cellular level and can have an impact on human health. It may also be a good source for the extraction of polyphenols mainly mangiferin. ? 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that have an impact on gut microbiota composition and activity, which in turn results in the improvement of health conditions. Nowadays, the production of prebiotics from agro-industrial by-products is under investigation. In this regard, polysaccharides are usually found in these sources and their potential use as prebiotics has been studied recently since these compounds act as substrates for the human gut microbiota, and they have the potential to modulate its composition through many mechanisms. Additionally, the use of agricultural by-products is advantageous because it is a cheap and abundantly available material. This review focuses on the recent scientific literature regarding the prebiotic properties of polysaccharides from agro-industrial by-products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Currently, the maintenance of gut homeostasis is a target for the improvement of human health. This review can broaden the perspective on the utilization of agro-industrial by-products that can compete in the market with the commercial ones or act as a source for new food ingredients.

Background: Mexican damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex. Schult), specifically damiana of California has a high demand in the international market for its popularity as aphrodisiac, but its marketing has been affected by the adulteration of its products due to a lack of authentication mechanisms and limited information on the differences between the two currently known varieties. The aim of this study was to establish a leaf standard monograph with scientific bases of the varieties aphrodisiaca and diffusa of Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex. Schult, cultivated at the same agronomic and environmental conditions.Material and Methods: Damiana leaves were collected from a cultivar located in the municipality of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico in 2016. The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of macroscopic and both optical and electronic microscopic characteristics of leaves of the two varieties for their distinction.Results: The leaves of diffusa variety were twice as large as those of the aphrodisiaca variety, whereas papillose glandular trichomes were observed with greater density in the aphrodisiaca variety than those on diffusa leaves where unicellular trichomes were the ones observed in greater density. The leaves of both varieties are dorsiventral and hypostomatic with paracytic stomata.Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative leaf standards provide reference information for the proper identification and monograph preparation of the aphrodisiaca and diffusa varieties of Turnera diffusa. Pharmacognostic characteristics such as the type of stomata, trichomes, and leaf identify the species, whereas characteristics as leaf size and trichome density differ between varieties.Keywords: Turnera diffusa, var. diffusa, var. aphrodisiaca, medicinal plant, trichomes, microscopy.