Search Results (549)

This study examined the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) 7S and SPI 11S on the anthocyanin (AN) retention rate of Lonicera caerulea L. under different processing conditions and further analyzed the molecular interaction mechanisms between 7S/11S and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G). The results demonstrated that SPI increased the retention rate of anthocyanins to varying degrees while also enhancing the digestive stability. Multispectral results indicated that static quenching occurred between 7S/11S and C3G, and the polarity changes in the amino acid microenvironment varied with pH. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that hydrogen bonds dominated the interaction under both pH conditions, while a certain degree of hydrophobic interaction was additionally observed under neutral conditions. After binding with C3G, the proportion of β-sheet structures in SPI decreased and the proportion of other structures increased. Finally, molecular docking further simulated the binding between SPI and C3G and revealed the important roles of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, which also promoted the combination of SPI and C3G to form a stable complex. This study provides a mechanistic reference for using proteins as effective carriers to protect anthocyanins, with implications for developing functional food components with enhanced stability. Full article

Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside (C3G) is the primary anthocyanin-active component in bilberry, exhibiting various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulating effects. To address the clinical need for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevention and treatment, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of C3G on NAFLD pathology and elucidate its molecular mechanisms of protection via the AMPK pathway. After a one-week acclimatization period, 20 six-week-old SPF mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet control (NCD), high-fat diet model (HFD), HFD + L-C3G (100 mg/kg/day), and HFD + H-C3G (200 mg/kg/day). Except for the NCD group, the remaining groups were fed a 60% high-fat diet for four weeks to establish an early-stage NAFLD model, with successful model construction verified by weight and liver weight gain. From the fifth week onward, C3G groups received daily administration for four consecutive weeks, while control groups were given an equal volume of distilled water. Liver function, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory levels were assessed using ELISA, H&E staining, and other methods. The results showed that C3G restored liver function in NAFLD mice, improved lipid metabolism disorders, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and alleviated liver pathological damage. Mechanistic studies revealed that C3G regulated the expression of mRNA and proteins related to the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the pathway by upregulating AMPK and its upstream regulators while inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. This study confirmed that C3G can ameliorate high-fat diet-induced NAFLD lesions by activating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB pathway, providing a potential intervention strategy for NAFLD prevention and treatment. Full article

The presented study aimed to fully characterise berry powders derived from raspberry, blackberry and strawberry (RB, BB, SB) as well as raspberry and blackberry seed powders (RBS, BBS) in terms of proximate composition, the individual profile of minerals, sugars, organic and fatty acids, and phenolic and volatile compounds. Additionally, testing of powders’ colour and antioxidant activity, as well as spectroscopic analysis, were also performed. Higher total and individual sugars, organic and phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins content distinguished berry powders from the seed powders. Individually, RB contained significant amounts of citric and chlorogenic acids, BB was superior in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside content, while SB was characterised by high sucrose, fructose, omega-3, and mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe) content. Berry seed powders exhibited remarkable TDF content, beneficial PUFA/SFA ratio, lighter colour, higher individual flavan-3-ols quantity, TPC and DPPH activity compared to berry powders. Mentioned discrepancies between berry and berry seed powders on a compositional level were also visible on ATR-FTIR spectra across all detected regions reflecting bonds attributed to cellulose, lipids, phenols and sugars. Pleasant, predominantly green, fruity and floral aromas were associated with berry powders, whilst additional herbal notes were characteristic of berry seed powders, all derived from the alcohols, aldehydes, esters and ketones as paramount volatile compounds. All examined powders can bear a nutritional claim of “high in” fibre (20.47–65.33%) and Mg (114.52–128.70 mg/100 g), enabling the design of food products packed with nutrients and bioactives while simultaneously reducing fresh fruit and fruit-processing waste. Full article

The present study investigated the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the efficient recovery of anthocyanins and antioxidant phenolics from Damask rose (DR). A wide range of environmentally friendly solvents was screened, and choline chloride–propylene glycol (ChCl-PG) was identified as the most effective extraction medium. The extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models to maximize anthocyanin and phenolic contents, as well as antioxidant activity. Under the optimal parameters, the DR extracts exhibited relatively high levels of bioactive compounds, including total anthocyanin content of 5.2–5.3 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents g⁻¹ sample, total phenolic content of 63.4–64.2 mg gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹ sample, along with substantial antioxidant potential (DPPH: 68.2–68.8% inhibition, FRAP: 581.6–591.9 μmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ sample). Chromatographic analysis of the optimum extract revealed cyanidin as the predominant anthocyanidin in DR, and its stability was further evaluated, revealing improved preservation under dark conditions at lower temperatures over a 15-day storage period. Moreover, the IC₅₀ values confirmed antimicrobial effects against the tested foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the DR extract remained stable against S. aureus and S. cerevisiae throughout the storage period. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NaDES-UAE is a promising and sustainable approach for obtaining anthocyanin-rich DR extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: At present, there are only a few studies on characteristic changes in polyphenols and cell wall polysaccharides and their correlations in Z. mioga flower buds during development. Methods: Polyphenols were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Content and enzyme activities of cell wall components were examined using a microplate reader. Expression of genes related to these components was detected using de novo-Seq. Results: Most polyphenols accumulated significantly, with the highest levels being found in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and epicatechin. PCA results show that changes in polyphenols were largely dependent on the germination and ripening stage, which might represent its specific period. Additionally, the increased flavonoid and anthocyanin fractions might be due to the up-regulated expression of DFR1/2, ANS and BZl. During development, PME, PG and β-galactosidase synergistically break down protopectin to soluble pectin; PME coordinates with cellulase in cellulose degradation, while xylanase dominates hemicellulose degradation. Lac collaborated with PME, PG and cellulase to regulate lignin synthesis. Key upregulated genes driving cell wall polysaccharide alterations include PME35, PG and GAUT7 for pectin metabolism, CESA2/3 for cellulose synthesis, and Lac25, POD6/7/47/52 and CCR6 for lignin synthesis. Correlation analysis revealed that the synergistic effects of p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, protopectin, pectin, lignin and cellulose might be responsible for the sensory quality formation in Z. mioga. Conclusions: This study further investigates the binding mode of polyphenols and cell wall polysaccharides, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the development of sensory qualities in Z. mioga flower buds during growth and maturation. Full article

Aronia fruit dust, generated in the industrial environment during processing, is considered a by-product discharged as waste, but it still contains high amounts of bioactive compounds such as polyphenolics, particularly anthocyanins. For the efficient isolation of anthocyanins and other flavonoids from this type of material, ultrasound-assisted extraction, at previously established optimal conditions, with a temperature of 70 °C, extraction time of 80 min, and ultrasonic power of 206 W, was applied. The extraction solvent was acidified with organic acids (citric, malic, and ascorbic acids) at low concentrations (4% and 8%) prior to spray drying to investigate the effects of the liquid feed pH value on the quality of the obtained aronia powders. Three anthocyanins—cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside—along with the flavonoids rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin were identified. The use of malic and citric acids in combination with maltodextrin produced aronia powders with a higher bulk density, smaller particle size, and more uniform particle size distribution compared to formulations containing ascorbic acid. Full article

Developing eco-friendly metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with plant-based reducing and stabilizing agents offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. Nonetheless, the detailed mechanisms by which phytochemicals influence NPs formation, antimicrobial properties, and cytocompatibility remain poorly understood, especially in systems mediated by Vaccinium. This study aimed to synthesize TiO₂ NPs and ZnO NPs using Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry) extract, analyze their structural and surface characteristics, assess their antimicrobial effectiveness and cytotoxicity, and explore potential molecular mechanisms through computational docking. ZnO NPs were produced via alkaline precipitation (pH 12) from ZnCl₂, while food-grade TiO₂ was mixed with blueberry extract. A comprehensive characterization was carried out using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for polyphenol profiling. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Cytotoxicity was assessed using Gallus gallus domesticus leukocytes and Artemia salina bioassays, and molecular docking simulations were performed to examine polyphenol interactions with the bacterial DNA gyrase subunit B (GyrB). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of wurtzite ZnO (with a crystallite size of 18.2 nm) and anatase TiO₂ (12.8 nm after functionalization). HPLC identified key polyphenols, including quercetin, cyanidin, malvidin, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, with patterns indicating stronger adsorption onto TiO₂ NPs surfaces. ZnO NPs showed higher antimicrobial effectiveness (>90% inhibition at 2 mg/mL; MIC 0.5–1 mg/mL) compared to TiO₂ (72% inhibition at 16 mg/mL; MIC 8–16 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity results indicated concentration-dependent effects. Molecular docking simulations revealed favorable binding energies (−6.2 to −8.4 kcal/mol) for blueberry polyphenols with GyrB, suggesting potential synergistic antimicrobial effects and ROS production. The study highlights a successful green synthesis of bioactive TiO₂ NPs and ZnO NPs using Vaccinium corymbosum extract, where polyphenol surface functionalization enhances both colloidal stability and biological activity. This comparative research offers mechanistic insights into how polyphenol-coated NPs work and supports the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial oxide nanomaterials. Full article

Honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea) represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids, and iridoids. This study compared the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of resin-purified extracts from ripe, unripe, and unripe lactofermented honeysuckle berries. Polyphenols and iridoids were identified using UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC-PDA. A total of 6 anthocyanins, 7 phenolic acids, 9 flavan-3-ols, 8 iridoids, 8 flavonols, 3 flavones, and 1 flavanonol were identified in the extracts. The extract from ripe fruits was characterized by a high cyanidin glycoside content (273.59 mg/g) and high iridoid content (138.30 mg/g). The amount of individual iridoids varied among the extracts, with the highest level of loganic acid detected in the unripe fruit extract (39.42 mg/g) and the highest level of sweroside in the ripe fruit extract (55.59 mg/g). Phenolic acid content was approximately twofold higher in extracts from unripe and fermented fruits compared with ripe fruit extracts, suggesting a decrease during ripening, while fermentation did not significantly affect phenolic acid content. Among flavonols, quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives were identified, with quercetin 3-O-rutinoside being the predominant compound in all extracts. The ripe fruit extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity (in ABTS and DPPH assays), ferric ion-reducing power (FRAP), and α-amylase inhibition, while all extracts exhibited comparable α-glucosidase inhibition. These findings indicate that L. caerulea extracts, especially from ripe fruits, are a rich source of biologically active compounds with potential relevance for managing oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Full article

Background: Nymphaea atrans exhibits a gradual flower color transition from nearly white to rose-red during anthesis, yet the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unclear. In the present study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to systematically investigate anthocyanin accumulation patterns and regulatory mechanisms during the color transition of N. atrans. Methods: Petals were collected at three flowering stages: day 1 (D1), day 3 (D3), and day 5 (D5). Targeted metabolomics was performed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS to profile anthocyanin and other flavonoid metabolites. Transcriptome analysis was conducted via RNA-seq. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, followed by functional enrichment and integration analysis. Results: The results revealed significant accumulation of seven anthocyanins, including cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-glucoside, at stages D3 (day 3 after flowering, light pink petals) and D5 (day 5 after flowering, deep pink petals), accompanied by the upregulation of key enzyme-encoding genes, chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, di-hydroflavonol 4-reductase, and anthocyanidin synthase in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Genes involved in JA biosynthesis and key regulatory genes in the JA signaling pathway were significantly up-regulated, indicating that the JA signaling pathway may play an important regulatory role in the synthesis of anthocyanins in N. atrans. Conclusions: This study unravels the metabolic and molecular underpinnings of flower color transition in N. atrans, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of floral pigmentation and molecular breeding of ornamental water lilies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory mediators within the tumor microenvironment contribute to lung cancer progression by enhancing cellular motility and invasive capacity through cytokine-dependent signaling networks. Modulation of these inflammation-associated pathways by dietary bioactive compounds may provide complementary strategies for limiting cancer aggressiveness. Our objective was to examine the inhibitory effects of a cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)-rich fraction from Kum Akha pigmented black rice (CKAB-P1) on inflammation-stimulated A549 cancer cell progression. Methods: CKAB-P1 was obtained through solvent-partition extraction and chemically characterized using the pH differential method and high-performance liquid chromatography. A549 cells were pretreated with CKAB-P1 or C3G, followed by stimulation with conditioned medium predominantly containing IL-6 and IL-1β derived from LPS-exposed THP-1 macrophages (THP-1-CS). Effects on cancer cell migration and invasion were evaluated using wound-healing, Transwell invasion, gelatin zymography, and Western blot analyses. Results: CKAB-P1 contained 106.62 ± 3.54 mg/g extract of total anthocyanins, with C3G representing the major constituent (59.42 ± 2.54 mg/g extract). Exposure of THP-1-CS stimulated migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer, and neutralization of IL-6 and IL-1β reduced these pro-migratory effects, confirming cytokine involvement. Treatment with CKAB-P1 (10–40 μg/mL) or C3G (2.5–20 μg/mL) markedly attenuated inflammation-enhanced migration and invasion (p < 0.05). A reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, along with decreased expression of invasion-associated protein expressions (uPA, uPAR, and MT1-MMP), was observed. Furthermore, both CKAB-P1 and C3G attenuated phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3. Conclusions: These findings suggest that anthocyanin-enriched black rice fraction may limit inflammation-driven A549 lung cancer cell aggressiveness through modulation of the cytokine-driven JAK1/STAT3 signaling cascade, indicating its potential relevance as a bioactive dietary component targeting tumor-associated inflammatory signaling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis support learning and cognitive function, and hippocampal neurons play central roles in these processes. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (CNP), a Southeast Asian berry, has reported neuroprotective activities, but its direct effects on hippocampal neurons remain unclear. We investigated whether CNP extract modulates hippocampal neuronal transcriptomes, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Methods: Primary hippocampal neurons isolated from male and female Wistar rat pups were treated with CNP extract in vitro. Cytotoxicity was assessed to define non-cytotoxic concentrations. Transcriptomic responses were profiled by RNA sequencing and validated by RT-qPCR. Neuritogenesis was quantified by neurite morphology and Sholl analysis. Synaptogenesis was evaluated by synaptic immunocytochemistry. Molecular docking of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and resveratrol was used to generate mechanistic hypotheses. Results: At 0.1–10 µg/mL, CNP was non-cytotoxic, whereas a 100 µg/mL dose reduced viability; therefore, 10 µg/mL was used in subsequent experiments. Exploratory RNA-seq profiling identified thousands of differentially expressed genes enriched in synapse- and neurite-related pathways, including synaptogenesis signaling, axon guidance, and neuritogenesis. RT-qPCR showed upregulation of Igf1 in males and Glul in females, with sex-dependent modulation of Bdnf and Cask. CNP increased neurite length, branching, and Sholl complexity in both sexes, with a more pronounced effect in males. A male-biased effect was also observed in synapse-related marker colocalization, with increased Syn1–Psd95 colocalization detected in males. Docking suggested plausible interactions of C3G and resveratrol with regulators such as MYC, TP53, and CREB1. Conclusions: CNP extract alters transcriptional networks and enhances neurite outgrowth in primary hippocampal neurons in a sex-dependent manner, with male-biased effects on Syn1–Psd95 colocalization. These findings support further dose–response, mechanistic, and sex-stratified in vivo studies to evaluate its neurobiological potential. Full article

Global climate change poses a significant threat to viticulture, primarily due to high temperatures. This study examined temperature-induced changes in phenolic profiles in berries of three wine grape cultivars under 25, 35, and 45 °C for 0–48 h using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. To investigate the molecular response to severe heat stress, transcriptomic analysis was conducted in Cabernet Sauvignon berries subjected to a 45 °C treatment. Results showed that the 45 °C treatment decreased the levels of anthocyanins (particularly delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) in grape berries. Acylated anthocyanins, such as malvidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside, exhibited enhanced stability at elevated temperatures. Additionally, high temperatures increased the levels of protocatechuic and gentisic acids and decreased those of rutin, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of OMT, LDOX, GST, F3′5′H, and 3AT was positively correlated with changes in anthocyanin levels under high temperatures, suggesting their roles in the observed phenolic alterations. These findings highlight the molecular responses of winegrapes to heat stress, providing a foundation for future viticulture strategies under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Antioxidants play an essential role in human health by reducing damage caused by free radicals. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and the antioxidant capacity of two sour cherry cultivars (Cigánymeggy, Oblacsinszka) grown under conventional and organic production systems were evaluated over two consecutive years at different stages of ripening. Results showed that the concentrations of different antioxidant compounds varied during ripening, but more significant differences were observed between the growing seasons, whereas no significant differences were found between the investigated genotypes or cultivation methods. In 2024, total polyphenol values during the harvest period ranged from 1116.33 to 1874.39 mg GAE/100 g DM, while in 2025 they ranged from 909.81 to 1668.96 mg GAE/100 g DM. Polyphenol profile analysis showed that the main polyphenolic compounds of sour cherries, including cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-sophoroside, were detected in both years, indicating that the major anthocyanin components were consistently present despite harvesting year effects. Full article

Berberis darwinii is a native Chilean berry distributed across contrasting agro-ecological zones, highlighting its broad ecological amplitude and agronomic relevance. The objective of this study was to identify productive, functional, and balanced elite accessions of B. darwinii by integrating phenotypic, fruit quality, nutritional, and antioxidant traits under contrasting water availability. Ninety-six accessions were evaluated in a common-garden experiment over two consecutive growing seasons (irrigated and rainfed) for morphological, productive, and fruit quality traits. Substantial variation was observed in plant height, shoot number, leaf area, and spine density. Across seasons, some accessions combined high yields (up to 8.5 t ha⁻¹), fruit diameters exceeding 8 mm, and elevated soluble solids (up to 33 °Brix). Because water regime, season, and plant age were not experimentally separated, these contrasts indicate adaptive performance under contrasting water availability rather than direct irrigation effects. Functional analyses revealed high biochemical diversity, with total polyphenols reaching 18,168.7 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ dry weight, anthocyanins up to 5747.7 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside 100 g⁻¹ dry weight, and ORAC values up to 35.4 mmol Trolox 100 g⁻¹ fresh weight. Multivariate analyses supported the selection of elite candidates for low-input domestication and functional ingredient development. This integrated common-garden framework links intra-specific phenotypic variation with phenolic/antioxidant diversity, supporting trait-based selection and interpretation of stress-associated secondary metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) against cognitive impairment in aging mice induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Methods: Spatial learning and memory, hippocampal histopathology, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as underlying regulatory pathways, were assessed in C3G-treated D-galactose-induced aging mice via Morris water maze, H&E staining, biochemical assays, qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: Results showed C3G improved cognitive function by reducing escape latency and increasing target quadrant time along with platform crossings, while also alleviating hippocampal damage. It dose-dependently enhanced total antioxidant capacity and activities of key antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px and SOD), reduced malondialdehyde, and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). At the molecular level, C3G treatment was associated with changes in the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways at mRNA and protein levels. It enhanced Nrf2 expression and reduced Keap1 expression, accompanied by upregulated mRNA levels of Nqo1 and Hmox1. Meanwhile, C3G decreased IKKβ and p65 protein expression and downregulated mRNA levels of Ikbkb, Nfkb1, and RelA. The combined contribution of these pathways in reducing ROS and inflammation may constitute the molecular basis underlying the neuroprotective effects of C3G. Conclusions: C3G alleviates cognitive dysfunction and brain damage in D-gal-induced aging mice, with effects associated with modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. These findings offer preliminary insights for its dietary application in brain aging intervention. Full article