The ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L. drives a microRNA-based cytotoxic effect on HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells.

An ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L. hazelnut was characterised by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. We here evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic response to such extract in HepG2 cells and tried to depict the underlying mechanism(s) in terms of microRNA-34b/c involvement. Following long-term exposure (144h) of HepG2 cells with 0.04-0.4 mg/ml of hazelnut extract, we demonstrated that miR-34 precursor RNA and both mature miR-34b and miR-34c molecules underwent a significant stimulation (>2-fold change, p < 0.05) in cells treated with the highest concentration. The epigenetic modulation was accompanied by the inhibition of cell proliferation, the decrease of viability and activation of apoptosis at 144h of treatment with 0.4 mg/ml of hazelnut.These in vitro findings demonstrate the cytotoxic effect of the C. avellana extract in HepG2 cells and open the way to in vivo validation of possible application of hazelnut-based extracts, and/or its metabolites, as promising epigenetics drugs.

Arthrobacter sp. Inoculation Improves Cactus Pear Growth, Quality of Fruits, and Nutraceutical Properties of Cladodes.

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of a strain of Arthrobacter sp., a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB), on plant phenology and qualitative composition of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. fruits and cladodes. The strain was inoculated in soil, and its effects on cactus pear plants were detected and compared to nontreated plants. Compared to the latter, the treatment with bacteria promoted an earlier plant sprouting (2 months before the control) and fruitification, ameliorating fruit quality (i.e., improved fresh and dry weight: + 24% and + 26%, respectively, increased total solid content by 30% and polyphenols concentrations by 22%). The quality and quantity of monosaccharides of cladodes were also increased by Arthrobacter sp. with a positive effect on their nutraceutical value. In summer, the mean values of xylose, arabinose, and mannose were significantly higher in treated compared to not treated plants (+ 3.54; + 7.04; + 4.76 mg/kg d.w. respectively). A similar trend was observed in autumn, when the cladodes of inoculated plants had higher contents, i.e., 33% xylose, 65% arabinose, and 40% mannose, respect to the controls. In conclusion, Arthrobacter sp. plays a role in the improvement of nutritional and nutraceutical properties of cactus pear plants due to its capabilities to promote plant growth. Therefore, these results open new perspectives in PGPB application in the agro-farming system as alternative strategy to improve cactus pear growth, yield, and cladodes quality, being the latter the main by-product to be utilized for additional industrial uses.

Epigenetic-based antioxidant effect of an ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L. on THLE-2 human primary hepatocytes.

The ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L hazelnut, prepared in our laboratories, has been previously characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. We here aimed at testing the antioxidant effect of such extract in H2O2-challenged THLE-2 human primary hepatocytes and verified whether it might be based on microRNA-34b/c expression changes. We here demonstrate that miR-34b/miR-34c undergo significant stimulation (≥2-fold change, p < 0.05) in THLE-2 when treated for 72h with not-toxic hazelnut concentrations (0.04-0.4 mg/ml), when compared with 0.06% ethanol control. When administered with H2O2 (1000-2000 µM, 24h), THLE-2 are significantly protected from oxidative stress if pre-treated with hazelnut, the H2O2-driven cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation being recovered by hazelnut extract, through miR-34b/c stimulation. Although preliminary, our findings pave the way for further preclinical studies aimed at validating the possible health-related application of hazelnut matrix, and/or its metabolites, as powerful epigenetic-based drugs, food supplements or nutraceuticals.

The Effects of the Cultivar and Environment on the Phenolic Contents of Hazelnut Kernels.

Different climatic conditions are known to affect the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. Therefore, the phenolic contents in new growing areas could affect the quality and flavor of hazelnuts. The aim of this study was to determine the variability of the phenolic contents of the kernels in different commercial hazelnut cultivars depending on their growing area. Five cultivars ('Tonda Gentile delle Langhe', 'Merveille de Bollwiller', 'Pauetet', 'Tonda di Giffoni', and 'Barcelona' (syn. 'Fertile de Coutard')) grown in different European collection orchards were included in the study. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds. Thirteen phenols were identified in the hazelnut kernels, including 7 flavanols, 2 hydroxybenzoic acids, 3 flavonols, and one dihydrochalcone. Catechin and procyanidin dimers were the main phenolic compounds found in the hazelnut kernels. The highest contents of catechin and total flavanols were determined in cultivars cultivated in Spain and northern Italy, and the lowest in Slovenia and France. Flavanols were the major phenolic groups independent of the place of cultivation, as they accounted for more than 50% of all phenolic compounds identified. The flavanols were followed by hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonols, and dihydrochalcones. Higher contents of flavanols and flavonols were found in kernels from areas characterized by higher natural irradiation, which stimulates their accumulation. The contents of hydroxybenzoic acids correlated with altitude, which stimulated phenolic acid synthesis. A negative correlation was observed between the dihydrochalcone content and annual rainfall, probably due to hydric stress.

Advances in cultivar choice, hazelnut orchard management, and nut storage to enhance product quality and safety: an overview.

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a major species of interest for nutritional use within the Betulaceae family and its nuts are widely used throughout the world in the chocolate, confectionery, and bakery industries. Recently its cultivation has been expanded in traditional producer countries and established in new places in the southern hemisphere, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Introducing hazelnut in new environments could reduce its productivity, lead the trees to experience eco-physiological disorders, and expose the crop to high pressure from common and new pests and diseases. Thus, new approaches in cultivar choice guidance, in the sustainable orchard management and even in nut storage and kernel quality evaluation are urgently required to improve the hazelnut production and processing chain. The main objective of this study was to systematize the published information regarding recent findings about the cultural operations that directly influence nut and kernel quality, support varietal choice for new plantations, and list the recent advances in nut storage and in quality and safety evaluation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Characterization of Narcissus poeticus from Sirente -Velino (Apennines - Italy): Galantamine Accumulation and Distribution of Allergenic Compounds in the Flower.

Species of Narcissus (family Amaryllidaceae) are a potential source for large-scale extraction of alkaloids and fragrances. The bulbs typically accumulate a large number of alkaloids, including galantamine, a benzazepine alkaloid proven to be a cholinesterase inhibitor and which is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The presence of galantamine in N. poeticus L. collected in Abruzzo (Italy) was assessed and several levels of alkaloid were found in all parts of the plant (flower, stem, bulb and root) and not only in the bulb. The amount of galantamine obtained was tested by using two different extraction solvents. Extraction of N. poeticus absolute from the flowers was also performed, as this product is an important floral note in perfumery, and the distribution of allergenic compounds in the coronas and in the tepals was assessed. Moreover, the in vitro propagation of N.:Poeticus was tested as it may be a valuable resource from which to produce biomolecules, as an alternative to chemical synthetic processes.

A manifesto for the valorization of wild edible plants.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wild foods constitute an essential component of people's diets around the world, but despite their widespread use and their cultural importance, wild edible plants (WEPs) lack recognition as significant contributors to the human diet in developed countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We stimulate national and international bodies dealing with food and agriculture, to increase their attention and investments on WEPs, leveraging the results of scientific investigation, enhancing the link between in situ conservation strategies and sustainable use of plant genetic diversity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: WEPs should be reconsidered throughout their value chain, capturing their important socio-cultural, health, and economic benefits to indigenous and local communities and family farmers who are engaged in their production and wild-harvesting.

Protein and mineral nutrient contents in kernels from 72 sweet almond cultivars and accessions grown in France, Greece and Italy.

Almond protein and potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents were determined in 72 cultivars and accessions grown in France, Greece and Italy, as part of the networking of European SAFENUT AGRI GEN RES project, which aimed to explore and valorize the almond genetic resources in Europe. Great variation was found in the nutrient content and the amount of nutrient supplied when consuming the recommended daily amount of one serving of almond, among the different genotypes assayed. The variation among the different genotypes was greatest for Ca, followed by the protein content; the latter also exhibited the lowest variation considering the harvest year. Results from a principal component analysis showed that P and Mg were the most discriminant elements for categorizing samples. Cluster analysis showed groups of samples with interesting characteristics for breeding. There was no clear distinction among the different origins of samples. Correlation analyses between weather conditions and the nutrients assayed showed that the mean temperature recorded in the period between March and September was positively correlated with Ca and P only in France, a place where the greatest climatic difference between years was observed.