Anti-Metastatic Effects of Standardized Polysaccharide Fraction from Diospyros kaki Leaves via GSK3ß/ß-Catenin and JNK Inactivation in Human Colon Cancer Cells.

A polysaccharide fraction from Diospyros kaki (PLE0) leaves was previously reported to possess immunostimulatory, anti-osteoporotic, and TGF-ß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitory activities. Although a few beneficial effects against colon cancer metastasis have been reported, we aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic activity of PLE0 and its underlying molecular mechanisms in HT-29 and HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. We conducted a wound-healing assay, invasion assay, qRT-PCR analysis, western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, luciferase assay, and small interfering RNA gene silencing in colon cancer cells. PLE0 concentration-dependently inhibited metastasis by suppressing cell migration and invasion. The suppression of N-cadherin and vimentin expression as well as upregulation of E-cadherin through the reduction of p-GSK3ß and ß-catenin levels resulted in the outcome of this effect. PLE0 also suppressed the expression and enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, while simultaneously increasing the protein and mRNA levels of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1). Furthermore, signaling data disclosed that PLE0 suppressed the transcriptional activity and phosphorylation of p65 (a subunit of NF-κB), as well as the phosphorylation of c-Jun and c-Fos (subunits of AP-1) pathway. PLE0 markedly suppressed JNK phosphorylation, and JNK knockdown significantly restored PLE0-regulated MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1 expression. Collectively, our data indicate that PLE0 exerts an anti-metastatic effect in human colon cancer cells by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMP-2/9 via downregulation of GSK3ß/ß-catenin and JNK signaling.

Gaseous ozone and ozonized mist in the control of Escherichia coli on 'Rama Forte' persimmon.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using two ozone applications (gaseous and mist) as a disinfection method for fresh persimmon. To test these sanitizers, in vitro and in vivo assays were performed, and the Escherichia coli was selected because it is a pathogen that causes foodborne diseases in humans. For in vitro experiments, a plate was inoculated with Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 and treated. For in vivo assays, persimmon fruit surface was inoculated with the bacteria and treated. For both assays, it was used 10,15,20,30,40 and 50 µL L-1 of gaseous ozone or ozonized mist for five minutes. The results demonstrated that the gas ozone application significantly reduced the growth of E. coli on the plate surface in vitro at doses of 30, 40 and 50 µL L-1 (with 0.83, 0.89 and 0.95 log CFU mL-1, respectively). The application of ozonized mist showed a significant reduction for 50 µL L-1 (with 1.28 log CFU g-1). And, for the in vivo assays, ozonized mist significantly reduced the number of bacteria on the persimmon surface, with a 1.57 log reduction, which was the largest for 40 µL L-1. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the ozone application can contribute to the control of microorganisms present on fruit surfaces.

Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts.

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

Density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory studies of dinaphthodiospyrol S from Diospyros kaki L.

In this work, we investigated Diospyros kaki extract and an isolated compound for their potential as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, a target enzyme involved in inflammatory disorders. The prepared extract was subjected to column chromatography, and dinaphthodiospyrol S was isolated. Then XO inhibitory properties were assessed using a spectrophotometry microplate reader. DMSO was taken as a negative control, and allopurinol was used as a standard drug. The molecular docking study of the isolated compound to the XO active site was performed, followed by visualization and protein-ligand interaction. The defatted chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the chloroform extract and the isolated compound. The isolated compound exhibited significant inhibitory activity against XO with an IC50 value of 1.09 µM. Molecular docking studies showed that the compound strongly interacts with XO, forming hydrogen bond interactions with Arg149 and Cys113 and H-pi interactions with Cys116 and Leu147. The binding score of -7.678 kcal/mol further supported the potential of the isolated compound as an XO inhibitor. The quantum chemical procedures were used to study the electronic behavior of dinaphthodiospyrol S isolated from D. kaki. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis was performed to understand the distribution of electronic density, highest occupied molecular orbital HOMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital LUMO, and energy gaps. The values of HOMO, LUMO, and energy gap were found to be -6.39, -3.51 and 2.88 eV respectively. The FMO results indicated the intramolecular charge transfer. Moreover, reactivity descriptors were also determined to confirm the stability of the compound. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) investigation was done to analyze the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites within a molecule. The oxygen atoms in the compound exhibited negative potential, indicating that they are favorable sites for electrophilic attacks. The results indicate its potential as a therapeutic agent for related disorders. Further studies are needed to investigate this compound's in vivo efficacy and safety as a potential drug candidate.

Three-dimensional fruit growth analysis clarifies developmental mechanisms underlying complex shape diversity in persimmon fruit.

The determination of fruit size and shape are of considerable interest in horticulture and developmental biology. Fruit typically exhibits three-dimensional structures characterized by geometric features that are dependent on the genotype. Although minor developmental variations have been recognized, few studies have fully visualized and measured these variations throughout fruit growth. Here, a high-resolution 3D scanner was used to investigate the fruit development of 51 persimmon (Diospyros kaki) cultivars with various complex shapes. We obtained 2380 3D models that fully represented fruit appearance, and enabled precise and automated measurements of shape features throughout fruit development, including horizontal and vertical grooves, length-to-width ratio, and roundness. The 3D fruit model analysis identified key stages that determined the shape attributes at maturity. Typically, genetic diversity was found in vertical groove development, and these grooves could be filled by tissue expansion in the carpel fusion zone during fruit development. In addition, transcriptome analysis of fruit tissues from groove and non-groove tissues revealed gene co-expression networks that were highly associated with groove depth variation. The presence of YABBY homologs was most closely associated with groove depth and indicated the possibility that this pathway is a key molecular contributor to vertical groove depth variation. Overall, our results revealed deterministic patterns of complex shape traits in persimmon fruit and showed that different growth patterns among tissues are the main factor contributing to the shape of both vertical and horizontal grooves.

Ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon calyx.

This study aimed to investigate the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon (Diospyros kaki) calyx by deep eutectic solvents (DES) with different molar ratios. For this reason, the prepared DES extracts' total phenolic-flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl radical scavenging activity [DPPH•], Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) were investigated as a result of the experimental design and optimization study conducted for this purpose. A sonication time of 20 min was determined as the optimal condition. Under these conditions, a molar ratio of 1.9:1 (lactic acid:choline chloride) and a water ratio of 70% provided the highest phenolic/flavonoid compounds and antioxidative activity. Correlations among water ratio, molar ratio, and sonication time were determined using principal component analysis (PCA). In conditions where total flavonoid compound, FRAP, and DPPH• are high due to PCA, it can be concluded that the sonication time is at high level; on the contrary, the water and molar ratios are at low level. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction using DES proved effective in persimmon calyx. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these environmentally friendly green solvents as an alternative to organic solvents in preparing extracts in various fields. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study shows the effectiveness of the ultrasound-assisted green extraction method using persimmon calyx specified as waste. These findings are compelling in the food industry in terms of consumers being now aware of green technology and the discovery that calyx is a good source of bioactive compounds.

Kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside): a novel neuroprotective agent from Diospryros kaki against cerebral ischemia-induced brain injury.

Our previous study demonstrated neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of a standardized flavonoid extract from leaves of Diospyros kaki L.f. (DK) on middle cerebral artery occlusion-and-reperfusion (MCAO/R)-induced brain injury and its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify flavonoid components responsible for the effects of DK using in vitro and in vivo transient brain ischemic models. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) subjected to oxygen- and glucose-deprivation (OGD) were performed to evaluate in vitro neuroprotective activity of DK extract and nine isolated flavonoid components. MCAO/R mice were employed to elucidate in vivo neuroprotective effects of the flavonoid component that exhibited the most potent neuroprotective effect in OHSCs. DK extract and seven flavonoids [quercetin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside), kaempferol, astragalin, and kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) compound (9)] attenuated OGD-induced neuronal cell damage and compound (9) possessed the most potent neuroprotective activity in OHSCs. The MCAO/R mice showed cerebral infarction, massive weight loss, characteristic neurological symptoms, and deterioration of neuronal cells in the brain. Compound (9) and a reference drugs, edaravone, significantly attenuated these physical and neurological impairments. Compound (9) mitigated the blood-brain barrier dysfunction and the change of glutathione and malondialdehyde content in the MCAO mouse brain. Edaravone suppressed the oxidative stress but did not significantly affect the blood-brain barrier permeability. The present results indicated that compound (9) is a flavonoid constituent of DK with a potent neuroprotective activity against transient ischemia-induced brain damage and this action, at least in part, via preservation of blood-brain barrier integrity and suppression of oxidative stress caused by ischemic insult.

Pectin Modulates Calcium Absorption in Polarized Caco-2 Cells via a Pathway Distinct from Vitamin D Stimulation.

Pectin, a type of soluble fiber, promotes morphological changes in the small intestinal villi. Although its physiological significance is unknown, we hypothesized that changes in villus morphology enhance the efficiency of nutrient absorption in the small intestine and investigated the effect of pectin derived from persimmon on calcium absorption using polarized Caco-2 cells. In polarized Caco-2 cells, pectin altered the mRNA expression levels of substances involved in calcium absorption and the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration and significantly reduced calcium absorption. Although this was comparable to the results of absorption and permeability associated with the addition of active vitamin D, the simultaneous action of pectin and active vitamin D did not show any additive effects. Furthermore, as active vitamin D significantly increases the activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is known to be involved in the regulation of intestinal absorption of calcium and lipids, we also investigated the effect of pectin on intestinal ALP activity. As a result, it was found that, unlike the effect of active vitamin D, pectin significantly reduced intestinal ALP activity. These results suggest that pectin stimulates polarized Caco-2 cells through a mechanism distinct from the regulation of calcium absorption by vitamin D, modulating total calcium absorption from the elongated villi through morphological changes in the small intestine by suppressing it at the cellular level.

Immature Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Ethanol Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Modulating Lipid Metabolism.

In this study, immature persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) ethanol extract was administered to an obese animal model fed a high-fat diet to measure weight change, adipose tissue weight, serum lipid level, and expression level of adipose-related genes to evaluate its efficacy. Administration of D. kaki ethanol extract (DKE) (100 and 500 mg/kg/d) decreased the body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and serum triglyceride levels in mice fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, it improved the leptin and adiponectin levels in the blood as well as gene expression in the liver. It also inhibited the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, inhibiting the production of triglyceride biosynthetic enzyme fatty acid synthesis and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and decreased the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins that induce adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, these data suggest that DKE exerts beneficial effects on high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Comparative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Distinct Ascorbic Acid (AsA) Accumulation Patterns between PCA and PCNA Persimmon Developing Fruit.

Persimmon fruit has a high nutritional value and significantly varies between pollination-constant astringent (PCA) and pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA) persimmons. The astringency type affects sugar, flavonoids, and tannin accumulation and is well known in persimmon fruit. However, the impact of the fruit astringency type on ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation is limited. In this study, typical PCA varieties ('Huojing' and 'Zhongshi5') and PCNA varieties ('Yohou' and 'Jiro') of persimmon fruit were sampled at four developing stages (S1-S4) to provide valuable information on AsA content variation in PCA and PCNA persimmon. Persimmon fruit is rich in ascorbic acid; the AsA content of the four varieties 'Zhongshi5', 'Huojing', 'Jiro', and 'Youhou' mature fruit reached 104.49, 48.69, 69.69, and 47.48 mg/100 g. Fruit of the same astringency type persimmon showed a similar AsA accumulation pattern. AsA content was significantly higher in PCA than PCNA fruit at S1-S3. The initial KEGG analysis of metabolites showed that galactose metabolism is the major biosynthetic pathway of AsA in persimmon fruit. There were significant differences in galactose pathway-related metabolite content in developing PCA and PCNA fruit, such as Lactose, D-Tagatose, and D-Sorbitol content in PCA being higher than that of PCNA. Combined gene expression and WGCNA analyses showed that the expression of the GME (evm.TU.contig4144.37) gene was higher in PCA-type than in PCNA-type fruit in S1-S3 and exhibited the highest correlation with AsA content (r = 690 **, p < 0.01). Four hub genes, including the DNA methylation gene, methyltransferase gene, F-box, and Actin-like Protein, were identified as potential regulators of the GME gene. These results provide basic information on how astringency types affect AsA accumulation and will provide valuable information for further investigation on AsA content variation in persimmon fruit.

Investigation into Polyphenol Profile and Biological Activities of Enriched Persimmon/Apple Smoothies during Storage.

Smoothies are becoming an increasingly popular product as a healthy alternative to snacks. The consumer expects from this product that, apart from its nutritional value, it will also be qualitatively stable during storage. Therefore, in this study, original smoothies obtained with persimmon fruit puree and apple juice (Dk/Md) enriched with Arbutus unedo fruits, Myrtus communis purple berry extract, Acca sellowiana, and Crocus sativus petal juice were evaluated for their polyphenol composition, antioxidant activity, and inhibition on targeted digestive enzymes, over six months of storage. The amount of polyphenols evaluated by UPLC-PDA analysis decreased in six months from 23.5% for both Dk/Md and enriched C. sativus smoothies to 42.5% for enriched A. sellowiana, with anthocyanins the most sensitive compounds (71.7-100% loss). Values of antioxidant assays generally strongly decreased during the first three months (up to ca. 60%) and to a lesser extent in the following three months (0.4-27%). In addition, inhibitory activity on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase, especially on the last two enzymes, was negatively affected by time storage. The outcome of this study indicates that persimmon fruit is a good option for producing smoothies, and enrichment with other plant extracts can enhance the bioactive compound content and biological activities. It is recommended that appropriate storage strategies to preserve the properties of those smoothies should be developed.

Preferential transport activity of DkDTX5/MATE5 affects the formation of different astringency in persimmon.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are specialized metabolites that influence persimmon fruit quality. Normal astringent (A)-type and non-astringent (NA)-type mutants show significant variation in PA accumulation, but the influencing mechanism remains unclear. In this study, among the six identified DTXs/MATEs proteins associated with PA accumulation, we observed that allelic variation and preferential transport by DkDTX5/MATE5 induced variation in PA accumulation for A-type and NA-type fruit. The expression pattern of DkDTX5/MATE5 was correlated with PA accumulation in NA-type fruit. Upregulation and downregulation of DkDTX5/MATE5 promoted and inhibited PA accumulation, respectively, in the NA-type fruit. Interestingly, transporter assays of Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that DkDTX5/MATE5 preferentially transported the PA precursors catechin, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate, resulting in their increased ratios relative to the total PAs, which was the main source of variation in PA accumulation between the A-type and NA-type. The allele lacking Ser-84 in DkDTX5/MATE5 was identified as a dominantly expressed gene in the A-type and lost its transport function. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that DkDTX5/MATE5 binds to PA precursors via Ser-84. These findings clarify the association between the transporter function of DkDTX5/MATE5 and PA variation, and can contribute to the breeding of new cultivars with improved fruit quality.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated Diospyros kaki L. (Persimmon): determination of chemical composition and evaluation of their antimicrobials and anticancer activities.

The eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) using biological materials is an encouraging and innovativeness approach to nanotechnology. Among other synthesizing methods, biological methods are chosen because of their high efficiency and purity in many aspects. In this work, using the aqueous extract obtained from the green leaves of the D. kaki L. (DK); silver nanoparticles were synthesized in a short time and simply with an eco-friendly approach. The properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized using various techniques and measurements. In the characterization data of AgNPs, Maximum absorbance at 453.34 nm wavelengths, the average size distribution of 27.12 nm, the surface charge of -22.4 mV, and spherical appearance were observed. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was used to assess the compound composition of D. kaki leaf extract. The chemical profiling of the crude extract of D. kaki leaves revealed the presence of a variety of phytochemicals, predominantly phenolics, resulting in the identification of five major high-feature compounds: two major phenolic acids (Chlorogenic acid and Cynarin), and tree flavonol glucosides (hyperoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, and quercetin-3- D-xyloside). The components with the highest concentrations were cynarin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3- D-xyloside, hyperoside, and quercetin-3-glucoside, respectively. Antimicrobial results were determined by a MIC assay. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the human and food pathogen Gram (+ and -) bacteria and good antifungal activity against pathogenic yeast. It was determined that 0.03-0.050 µg/mL concentrations ranges of DK-AgNPs were growth suppressive concentrations on all pathogen microorganisms. The MTT technique was used to study the cytotoxic effects of produced AgNPs on cancer cell lines (Glioblastoma (U118), Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), Human Ovarian Sarcoma (Skov-3) cancer cell lines, and Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDF) healthy cell line). It has been observed that they have a suppressive effect on the proliferation of cancerous cell lines. After 48 h of treatment with Ag-NPs, the DK-AgNPs were found to be extremely cytotoxic to the CaCo-2 cell line, inhibiting cell viability by up to 59.49% at a concentration of 50 g mL-1. It was found that the viability was inversely related to the DK-AgNP concentration. The biosynthesized AgNPs had dose-dependent anticancer efficacy. Because of the high concentration of bioactive chemicals in Diospyros kaki, it may be employed as a biological resource in medicinal applications. DK-AgNPs were shown to be an effective antibacterial agent as well as a prospective anticancer agent. The results provide a potential approach for the biogenic production of DK-AgNPs utilizing D. kaki aqueous leaf extract.

Green Technologies for Persimmon By-Products Revalorisation as Sustainable Sources of Dietary Fibre and Antioxidants for Functional Beverages Development.

The use of green technologies such as ultrasound and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for revalorisation of food and agricultural by-products represents a sustainable way to tackle waste and promote a healthier environment while delivering much-needed functional food ingredients for an increasingly unhealthy population. The processing of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) generates large amounts of by-products rich in fibre-bound bioactive phytochemicals. This paper assessed the extractability of bioactive compounds through NADES and the functional properties of the persimmon polysaccharide-rich by-products to evaluate their suitability to be used as functional ingredients in commercial beverages. Although higher amounts of carotenoids and polyphenols were extracted after eutectic treatment vs. conventional extraction (p < 0.05), the fibre-bound bioactives remained abundant (p < 0.001) in the resulting persimmon pulp by-product (PPBP) and persimmon pulp dietary fibre (PPDF), showing also a strong antioxidant activity (DPPH•, ABTS•+ assays) and an improved digestibility and fibre fermentability. The main structural components of PPBP and PPDF are cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. PPDF-added dairy-based drink showed more than 50% of preference over the control among panellists and similar acceptability scores to the commercial ones. Persimmon pulp by-products represent sustainable source of dietary fibre and bioactives and are suitable candidates to develop functional ingredients for food industry applications.

Therapeutic effects of a standardized-flavonoid Diospyros kaki L.f. leaf extract on transient focal cerebral ischemia-induced brain injury in mice.

This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of Diospyros kaki L.f. leaves (DK) on transient focal cerebral ischemic injury and underlying mechanisms using a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of mice. The animals received the MCAO operation on day 0. The daily administrations of DK (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) and edaravone (6 mg/kg, i.v), a reference drug with radical scavenging activity, were started 7 days before (pre-treatment) or immediately after the MCAO operation (post-treatment) and continued during the experimental period. Histochemical, biochemical, and neurological changes and cognitive performance were evaluated. MCAO caused cerebral infarction and neuronal cell loss in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus in a manner accompanied by spatial cognitive deficits. These neurological and cognitive impairments caused by MCAO were significantly attenuated by pre- and post-ischemic treatments with DK and edaravone, suggesting that DK, like edaravone, has therapeutic potential for cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage. DK and edaravone suppressed MCAO-induced changes in biomarkers for apoptosis (TUNEL-positive cell number and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression) and oxidative stress (glutathione and malondialdehyde contents) in the brain. Interestingly, DK, but not edaravone, mitigated an increase in blood-brain permeability and down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression caused by MCAO. Although the exact chemical constituents implicated in the effects of DK remain to be clarified, the present results indicate that DK exerts neuroprotective and therapeutic activity against transient focal cerebral ischemia-induced injury probably by suppressing oxidative stress, apoptotic process, and mechanisms impairing blood-brain barrier integrity in the brain.

A galacturonic acid-rich polysaccharide from Diospyros kaki peel: Isolation, characterization, rheological properties and antioxidant activities in vitro.

This research elucidated the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of a galacturonic acid-rich polysaccharide (PPP-2) isolated from Diospyros kaki peel. PPP-2 was extracted by subcritical water and subsequently purified by DEAE-Sepharose FF column. PPP-2 (12.28 kDa) mainly contained galacturonic acid, arabinose, and galactose with the molar ratios of 87.15: 5.86: 4.31. The structural characteristics of PPP-2 were revealed through FT-IR, UV, XRD, AFM, SEM, Congo red, methylation, GC/MS assay and NMR spectrum. PPP-2 owned the triple helical structure and degradation temperature of 251.09 ℃. The backbone of PPP-2 was formed by â†’4)-α-d-GalpA-6-OMe-(1→ and â†’4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→ with the side chains of â†’5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,6)-ß-d-Galp-(1→ and α-l-Araf-(1→. Moreover, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PPP-2 to ABTS•+, DPPH•, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were 1.96, 0.91, 3.63, and 4.08 mg/mL, respectively. Our results suggested that PPP-2 might be a novel candidate of natural antioxidant in pharmaceuticals or functional food.

In-vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in-vivo muscle relaxant potential of the extract and constituent isolated from Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon).

Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon) is cultivated specious of the Diospyros genus. D. kaki is a multi-medicinal application in the folk system for the cure of ischemic stroke, angina, atherosclerosis, muscle relaxation, internal hemorrhage, hypertension, high cough, and infectious disease. The main objective of this study was the isolated bioactive metabolites from chloroform fractions of D. kaki. The extract and fractions were then tested for various in-vitro (antioxidant and lipoxygenase) and in-vivo (muscle relaxant) activities. The repeated chromatographic separation of chloroform extract afforded compound 1. Compound 1, n-hexane, and chloroform fractions were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in vivo muscle relaxant potency. The chloroform extract has 79.54% interaction with DPPH at higher concentrations (100 µg/ml) while the compound exhibited a maximum effect of 95.09% at 100 µg/ml. Compound 1 exhibited significant lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 36.98 µM followed by a chloroform extract of 57.09 µM. Similarly, compound 1 and chloroform extract showed excellent muscle relaxant effects at a higher dose. From this investigation, it is concluded that extracts and pure compounds exhibited promising antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and muscle relaxant activity. This study excellently rationalizes the traditional usage of D. kaki in curing various diseases. Furthermore, the docking results indicate, that the isolated compound fits well into the active site of the lipoxygenase, and makes strong interactions with the target protein.

Persimmon Leaves: Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial Potential-A Review.

Persimmon is a delicious fruit, and its leaves are considered a valuable ingredient in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Traditionally, persimmon leaves (PL) are used as a functional tea in Asian culture to cure different ailments, and are also incorporated into various food and cosmeceutical products as a functional ingredient. PL mainly contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, along with other constituents such as carotenoids, organic acids, chlorophylls, vitamin C, and minerals. The major phenolic compounds in PL are proanthocyanidins, quercetin, isoquercetin, catechin, flavonol glucosides, and kaempferol. Meanwhile, ursolic acid, rotungenic acid, barbinervic acid, and uvaol are the principal terpenoids. These compounds demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-tyrosinase, antiallergic, and antiglaucoma properties. This review summarizes the latest information on PL, mainly distribution, traditional uses, industrial potential, and bioactive compounds, as well as their potential action mechanisms in exhibiting biological activities. In addition, the effect of seasonality and geographical locations on the content and function of these biomolecules are discussed.

Investigating phenotypic relationships in persimmon accessions through integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis of corresponding fruits.

Together with phenological and genomic approaches, gel-based and label-free proteomic as well metabolomic procedures were separately applied to plants to highlight differences between ecotypes, to estimate genetic variability within/between organism populations, or to characterize specific mutants/genetically modified lines at metabolic level. To investigate the possible use of tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics in the above-mentioned contexts and based on the absence of combined proteo-metabolomic studies on Diospyros kaki cultivars, we here applied integrated proteomic and metabolomic approaches to fruits from Italian persimmon ecotypes with the aim to characterize plant phenotypic diversity at molecular level. We identified 2255 proteins in fruits, assigning 102 differentially represented components between cultivars, including some related to pomological, nutritional and allergenic characteristics. Thirty-three polyphenols were also identified and quantified, which belong to hydroxybenzoic acid, flavanol, hydroxycinnamic acid, flavonol, flavanone and dihydrochalcone sub-classes. Heat-map representation of quantitative proteomic and metabolomic results highlighted compound representation differences in various accessions, whose elaboration through Euclidean distance functions and other linkage methods defined dendrograms establishing phenotypic relationships between cultivars. Principal component analysis of proteomic and metabolomic data provided clear information on phenotypic differences/similarities between persimmon accessions. Coherent cultivar association results were observed between proteomic and metabolomic data, emphasizing the utility of integrating combined omic approaches to identify and validate phenotypic relationships between ecotypes, and to estimate corresponding variability and distance. Accordingly, this study describes an original, combined approach to outline phenotypic signatures in persimmon cultivars, which may be used for a further characterization of other ecotypes of the same species and an improved description of nutritional characteristics of corresponding fruits.

A Review: Pharmacological Effect of Natural Compounds in Diospyros kaki Leaves from the Perspective of Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels. Current research suggests that oxidative stress is one of the key factors in the development of many chronic diseases, and it has been a concern for many years. Many natural compounds have been studied for their special free-radical-scavenging properties. The major chemical constituents of the leaves of Diospyros kaki are flavonoids and triterpenoids, both of which are potential antioxidants that can prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species and ameliorate diseases associated with oxidative stress. In addition to the major constituents such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, the leaves of Diospyros kaki include compounds such as phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. Studies have shown these compounds have certain antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Experiments have shown that flavonoids or the extracts from the leaves of Diospyros kaki have a variety of good pharmacological activities, which could activate oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis. It also could achieve the effect of anti-cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress. The main chemical substance of the leaves of Diospyros kaki regulating oxidative stress may be these multi-hydroxyl structure compounds. These natural products exhibit significant antioxidant activity and are an important basis for the leaves of Diospyros kaki to treat human diseases by regulating oxidative stress. This review summarizes the structural types of natural products in the leaves of Diospyros kaki and elaborates the mechanism of the leaves of Diospyros kaki in neuroprotection, anti-diabetes, renal protection, retinal degenerative diseases, and anti-cancer from a new perspective of oxidative stress, including how it supplements other pharmacological effects. The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of the leaves of Diospyros kaki are summarized in this paper. The relationship between the chemical components in the leaves of Diospyros kaki and their pharmacological effects is summarized from the perspective of oxidative stress. This review provides a reference for the study of natural anti-oxidative stress drugs.