Optimal Brassicaceae family microgreens from a phytochemical and sensory perspective.

Microgreens, also called superfoods, emerge because of their high levels of nutrients, diverse flavour profiles, and sustainable cultivation methods, which make them culinary delights and valuable to a healthy and flavorful diet. The present study investigated Brassicaceae family microgreens, proposing a novel system (quality indices) that allows scoring among them. Fourteen Brassica microgreen species were morphological, phytochemical, and sensorial investigated. The morphological assessment revealed that radish microgreens exhibited the highest leaf area (p < 0.05), while red mizuna demonstrated superior yield. Cauliflower microgreens contained the highest concentrations of ascorbic acid (HPLC-DAD) and total phenolic content (p < 0.05). Phytochemical analysis using HPLC-MS/MS identified over 18 glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. Red mustard and red cabbage showed the highest glucosinolate content (p < 0.05). Watercress exhibited the highest phenolic compound content (p < 0.05), primarily flavonoids, while broccoli and radish contained the highest isothiocyanate levels. Cauliflower microgreens resulted in the most consumer-accepted variety. Appling quality indices scoring system identified radish, cauliflower, and broccoli microgreens as the most promising species. This study underscores the potential of Brassica microgreens as an excellent source of health-promoting phytochemicals with favorable market acceptance, providing valuable insights for both nutritional research and commercial applications.

Brassicaceae microgreens: A novel and promissory source of sustainable bioactive compounds.

Microgreens are novel foods with high concentrations of bioactive compounds and can be grown easily and sustainably. Among all the microgreens genera produced, Brassicaceae stand out because of the wide evidence about their beneficial effects on human health attributed to phenolic compounds, vitamins, and particularly glucosinolates and their breakdown products, isothiocyanates and indoles. The phytochemical profile of each species is affected by the growing conditions in a different manner. The agronomic practices that involve these factors can be used as tools to modulate and enhance the concentration of certain compounds of interest. In this sense, the present review summarizes the impact of substrates, artificial lighting, and fertilization on bioactive compound profiles among species. Since Brassicaceae microgreens, rich in bioactive compounds, can be considered functional foods, we also included a discussion about the health benefits associated with microgreens' consumption reported in the literature, as well as their bioaccessibility and human absorption. Therefore, the present review aimed to analyze and systematize cultivation conditions of microgreens, in terms of their effects on phytochemical profiles, to provide possible strategies to enhance the functionality and health benefits of Brassicaceae microgreens.

Isothiocyanate-Rich Extracts from Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. Botrytis) and Radish (Raphanus sativus) Inhibited Metabolic Activity and Induced ROS in Selected Human HCT116 and HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and radish contain isothiocyanates exhibiting chemoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. This research aimed to assess the impact of cauliflower (CIE) and radish (RIE) isothiocyanate extracts on the metabolic activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and LDH production of selected human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT116 and HT-29 for early and late colon cancer development, respectively). Non-cancerous colon cells (CCD-33Co) were used as a cytotoxicity control. The CIE samples displayed the highest allyl isothiocyanate (AITC: 12.55 µg/g) contents, whereas RIE was the most abundant in benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC: 15.35 µg/g). Both extracts effectively inhibited HCT116 and HT-29 metabolic activity, but the CIE impact was higher than that of RIE on HCT116 (IC50: 0.56 mg/mL). Assays using the half-inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of all treatments, including AITC and BITC, displayed increased (p < 0.05) LDH (absorbance: 0.25-0.40 nm) and ROS release (1190-1697 relative fluorescence units) in both cell lines. BITC showed the highest in silico binding affinity with all the tested colorectal cancer molecular markers (NF-kB, ß-catenin, and NRF2-NFE2). The theoretical evaluation of AITC and BITC bioavailability showed high values for both compounds. The results indicate that CIE and RIE extracts display chemopreventive effects in vitro, but additional experiments are needed to validate their effects.

Synthesis and Biological Importance of 2-(thio)ureabenzothiazoles.

The (thio)urea and benzothiazole (BT) derivatives have been shown to have a broad spectrum of biological activities. These groups, when bonded, result in the 2-(thio)ureabenzothizoles (TBT and UBT), which could favor the physicochemical and biological properties. UBTs and TBTs are compounds of great importance in medicinal chemistry. For instance, Frentizole is a UBT derivative used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The UBTs Bentaluron and Bethabenthiazuron are commercial fungicides used as wood preservatives and herbicides in winter corn crops. On these bases, we prepared this bibliography review, which covers chemical aspects of UBTs and TBTs as potential therapeutic agents as well as their studies on the mechanisms of a variety of pharmacological activities. This work covers synthetic methodologies from 1935 to nowadays, highlighting the most recent approaches to afford UBTs and TBTs with a variety of substituents as illustrated in 42 schemes and 13 figures and concluded with 187 references. In addition, this interesting review is designed on chemical reactions of 2-aminobenzothiazoles (2ABTs) with (thio)phosgenes, iso(thio)cyanates, 1,1'-(thio)carbonyldiimidazoles [(T)CDI]s, (thio)carbamoyl chlorides, and carbon disulfide. This topic will provide information of utility for medicinal chemists dedicated to the design and synthesis of this class of compounds to be tested with respect to their biological activities and be proposed as new pharmacophores.

Experimental carcinogenesis with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthrazene (DMBA) and its inhibition with isothi-ocyanates / Carcinogénesis experimental con 7, 12-dimetilbenzantraceno (DMBA) y su inhibición con isitiocianatos

Introduction: DMBA is a chemical carcinogen that induces carcinomas within a few weeks of its application. We developed an experimental model of carcinogenesis induced by DMBA dissolved in 0,5% paraffin oil (DMBA-PO), verifying the inhibitory effect of the carcinogenicity of phenyl isothiocyanate (PhITC), phenethyl (PhnITC) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). Material and Methods: For this, 88 hamsters were distributed into three groups: one exposed to DMBA-PO (Group 1, n=12), three subgroups (n=12) exposed to PhITC, PhnITC, BITC and DMBA-PO (Group 2, n=36) and four control subgroups (n=10) that were not exposed to the carcinogen in which PO (paraffin oil) and isothiocyanates were applied (Group 3, n=40). Results: The experiment had a duration of 20 weeks, at the end of which the inhibitory effect was established by comparing the lesions developed in the groups that received isothiocyanates with the group that was only treated with DMBA-PO. The carcinogenic effect of DMBA-PO is 100% (35 carcinomas) and the inhibitory effect was 0, whereas in the presence of isothiocyanates the carcinogenic effect decreases, with an inhibitory effect of 86% for BITC (5 carcinomas) and 74% for PhITC (9 carcinomas). Conclusion: The inhibitory effect for PhnITC is 80% in relation to invasive OSCC (1 carcinoma).

Introducción: El DMBA es un carcinógeno químico que induce carcinomas a las pocas semanas de su aplicación. Desarrollamos un modelo experimental de carcinogénesis inducida por DMBA disuelto en aceite de parafina al 0,5% (DMBA-Ap) comprobando el efecto inhibidor de la carcinogénesis de los isotiocianatos fenil (PhITC), fenetil (PhnITC) y bencil isotiocianato (BITC). Material y Métodos: Para ello, se distribuyeron 88 hámsteres en 3 grupos: uno expuesto al DMBA-Ap (Grupo 1, n=12), tres subgrupos (n=12) expuestos a PhITC, PhnITC, BITC y DMBA-Ap (Grupo 2, n=36) y cuatro subgrupos controles (n=10), no expuestos al carcinógeno en el que se aplicaron Ap e isotiocianatos (Grupo 3, n=40). Resultados:El experimento tuvo una duración de 20 semanas, al final de la cual se establece de forma comparativa el efecto inhibidor comparando las lesiones desarrolladas en los grupos que recibieron isotiocianatos con respecto al grupo tratado sólo con DMBA-Ap. El efecto carcinógeno del DMBA-Ap es del 100% (35 carcinomas) y el efecto inhibidor 0, mientras que en presencia de isotiocianatos el efecto carcinógeno disminuye, con un efecto inhibidor del 86% para BITC (5 carcinomas) y del 74% para el PhITC (9 carcinomas). Conclusión:El efecto inhibidor del PhnITC es del 80% en relación con el COCE invasivo (1 carcinoma).

Improving the Health-Benefits of Kales (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) through the Application of Controlled Abiotic Stresses: A Review.

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) is a popular cruciferous vegetable originating from Central Asia, and is well known for its abundant bioactive compounds. This review discusses the main kale phytochemicals and emphasizes molecules of nutraceutical interest, including phenolics, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. The preventive and therapeutic properties of kale against chronic and degenerative diseases are highlighted according to the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reported. Likewise, it is well known that the application of controlled abiotic stresses can be used as an effective tool to increase the content of phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. In this context, the effect of different abiotic stresses (saline, exogenous phytohormones, drought, temperature, and radiation) on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in kale is also presented. The information reviewed in this article can be used as a starting point to further validate through bioassays the effects of abiotically stressed kale on the prevention and treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Biofumigation with species of the Brassicaceae family: a review / Biofumigação com espécies da família Brassicaceae: uma revisão

ABSTRACT: Biofumigation involves the release of volatile biocidal compounds in the soil through the incorporation of certain plants and their residues. Species of the Brassicaceae family are the most widely used plants for biofumigation. These plants contain glucosinolates, which produce compounds, such as isothiocyanates, following enzymatic hydrolysis, with scientifically proven fungicidal effects. The most commonly used brassica species belong to the genera Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis, and Eruca. In addition to the release of compounds in the soil, complementary mechanisms, such as the supply of organic matter and nutrients, and improvement of the soil structure, also play a role in biofumigation. In the past two decades, several studies on the use of brassica residues in biofumigation have been published, showing promising results in the management of soil pathogens (fungi and oomycetes, nematodes, bacteria, and protozoa), weed seeds, and insects. Usage of new biofumigation compounds has also been validated in recent years, including the development of patented technological products such as liquid formulations and pellets. The objective of this article was to review these new developments, beginning with concepts related to biofumigation, and to discuss the mechanisms of action of compounds involving brassica species and the recommendations on usage. Promising examples of the use of this technique are also presented, further detailing the advances in basic and applied knowledge on the subject.

RESUMO: A biofumigação consiste na liberação de compostos biocidas voláteis no solo a partir da incorporação de determinadas plantas e de seus resíduos. As espécies da família Brassicaceae são as plantas mais utilizadas na biofumigação. Em sua constituição, possuem os glucosinolatos que, após hidrólise enzimática, produzem compostos como os isotiocianatos com efeito biofungicida comprovado cientificamente. As espécies de brássicas mais utilizadas pertencem aos gêneros Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis e Eruca. Além da liberação de compostos no solo, mecanismos complementares como o fornecimento de matéria orgânica, nutrientes e melhoria da estrutura do solo, também desempenham papel complementar na biofumigação. Diversos estudos foram publicados nas últimas duas décadas com a utilização de resíduos de brássicas na biofumigação e apresentaram resultados promissores no manejo de patógenos de solo (fungos e oomicetos, nematóides, bactérias e protozoários), sementes de plantas daninhas e insetos. Novas formas de utilização também foram validadas nos últimos anos, inclusive com o desenvolvimento de produtos tecnológicos patenteados como formulações líquidas e pellets. Nesta revisão, objetivamos apresentar estes novos desdobramentos iniciando com os conceitos relacionados à biofumigação. Em seguida, apresentamos os mecanismos de ação e compostos envolvidos; as espécies de brássicas, produtos e recomendações para sua utilização; e exemplos promissores de adoção da técnica a nível mundial. Pretende-se, dessa forma, detalhar os avanços no conhecimento básico e aplicado do assunto.

Biofumigation with species of the Brassicaceae family: a review / Biofumigação com espécies da família Brassicaceae: uma revisão

Biofumigation involves the release of volatile biocidal compounds in the soil through the incorporation of certain plants and their residues. Species of the Brassicaceae family are the most widely used plants for biofumigation. These plants contain glucosinolates, which produce compounds, such as isothiocyanates, following enzymatic hydrolysis, with scientifically proven fungicidal effects. The most commonly used brassica species belong to the genera Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis, and Eruca. In addition to the release of compounds in the soil, complementary mechanisms, such as the supply of organic matter and nutrients, and improvement of the soil structure, also play a role in biofumigation. In the past two decades, several studies on the use of brassica residues in biofumigation have been published, showing promising results in the management of soil pathogens (fungi and oomycetes, nematodes, bacteria, and protozoa), weed seeds, and insects. Usage of new biofumigation compounds has also been validated in recent years, including the development of patented technological products such as liquid formulations and pellets. The objective of this article was to review these new developments, beginning with concepts related to biofumigation, and to discuss the mechanisms of action of compounds involving brassica species and the recommendations on usage. Promising examples of the use of this technique are also presented, further detailing the advances in basic and applied knowledge on the subject.(AU)

A biofumigação consiste na liberação de compostos biocidas voláteis no solo a partir da incorporação de determinadas plantas e de seus resíduos. As espécies da família Brassicaceae são as plantas mais utilizadas na biofumigação. Em sua constituição, possuem os glucosinolatos que, após hidrólise enzimática, produzem compostos como os isotiocianatos com efeito biofungicida comprovado cientificamente. As espécies de brássicas mais utilizadas pertencem aos gêneros Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis e Eruca. Além da liberação de compostos no solo, mecanismos complementares como o fornecimento de matéria orgânica, nutrientes e melhoria da estrutura do solo, também desempenham papel complementar na biofumigação. Diversos estudos foram publicados nas últimas duas décadas com a utilização de resíduos de brássicas na biofumigação e apresentaram resultados promissores no manejo de patógenos de solo (fungos e oomicetos, nematóides, bactérias e protozoários), sementes de plantas daninhas e insetos. Novas formas de utilização também foram validadas nos últimos anos, inclusive com o desenvolvimento de produtos tecnológicos patenteados como formulações líquidas e pellets. Nesta revisão, objetivamos apresentar estes novos desdobramentos iniciando com os conceitos relacionados à biofumigação. Em seguida, apresentamos os mecanismos de ação e compostos envolvidos; as espécies de brássicas, produtos e recomendações para sua utilização; e exemplos promissores de adoção da técnica a nível mundial. Pretende-se, dessa forma, detalhar os avanços no conhecimento básico e aplicado do assunto.(AU)

Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera: Chemical and Biological Approaches.

Alternative therapies, such as phytotherapy, are considered to improve the health status of people with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs). In this regard, Moringa oleifera is currently being studied for its nutritional value and its total phenolic content. Besides phenolic compounds, the phytochemical composition is also of great interest. This composition is characterized by the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates formed by the biotransformation of Moringa glucosinolates contain an additional sugar in their chemical structure, which provides stability to these bioactive compounds over other isothiocyanates found in other crops. Both glucosinolates and isothiocyanates have been described as beneficial for the prevention and improvement of some chronic diseases. The content of glucosinolates in Moringa tissues can be enhanced by certain harvesting methods which in turn alters their final yield after extraction. This review aims to highlight certain features of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates from M. oleifera, such as their chemical structure, functionality, and main extraction and harvesting methods. Some of their health-promoting effects will also be addressed.

Local/traditional uses, secondary metabolites and biological activities of Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón (Tropaeolaceae). Sim (commonly called Mashua) is an indigenous plant that has medicinal values for various ethnic groups of the regions of the Andes mountain range of South America, which use it for the treatment of diseases venereal, lung and skin; for the healing of internal and external wounds; and as an analgesic for kidney and bladder pain. AIM OF THE REVIEW: We critically summarised the current evidence on the botanic characterisation and distribution, ethnopharmacology, secondary metabolites, pharmacological activities, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and toxicology of T. tuberosum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant information on T. tuberosum was gathered from worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Google scholar, Elsevier, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online, Mendeley, Scielo and Dialnet electronic databases). Information was also obtained from the literature and books as well as PhD and MSc dissertations. Plant names were validated by 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: T. tuberosum has diverse uses in local and popular medicine, specifically for relieving pain and infections in humans. Regarding its biological activities, polar extracts (aqueous, hydroalcoholic) and isolated compounds from the tubers have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. Quantitative analysis (e.g., NMR, HPLC, GC-MS) indicated the presence of a set of secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acids, tannins, flavanols, anthocyanins, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phytosterols, fatty acids and alkamides in the tubers of T. tuberosum. Likewise, glucosinolates have been identified in the seeds and isothiocyanates have been detected in leaves, flowers and seeds. CONCLUSIONS: T. tuberosum has been tested for various biological activities and the extracts (tubers in particular) demonstrated a promising potential as an antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibitors of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A lack of alignment between the ethno-medicinal uses and existing biological screenings was observed, indicating the need to explore its potential for the treatment against respiratory affections, urinary affections and blood diseases. Likewise, it is necessary to analyse deeply the relationship that exists between the different tuber colours of T. tuberosum and its use for the treatment of certain diseases. Validation of clinical studies of the antibacterial, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, anti-spermatogenic activities and as inhibitors of benign prostatic hyperplasia is required. Moreover, studies on the toxicity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics, in addition to clinical trials, are indispensable for assessing the safety and efficacy of the active metabolites or extracts obtained from T. tuberosum. Other areas that need investigation are the development of future applications based on their active metabolites, such as neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease). Finally, the work purposes to motivate other research groups to carry out a series of scientific studies that can fill the gaps that exist with respect to Mashua properties, and thus be able to change the focus of T. tuberosum (Mashua) that currently has in the consumer society.

Targeted Drug Delivery Via Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor for Sustained Release of Allyl Isothiocyanate.

In this study, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC)-loaded Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared for targeting epithelial squamous carcinoma cells using a specific antibody targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor overexpressed on the cell membranes. AITC-loaded PLGA NPs showed more effective anticancer properties compared with free AITC, and their cytotoxicity was even more pronounced when the anti-EGFR antibody was covalently attached to the NPs surface. This targeting ability was additionally tested by co-culturing cervical HeLa cells, with very few EGFR on the membranes, and epithelial squamous carcinoma A431 cells, which largely overexpressed EFGR, being observed the specific localization of the antibody-functionalized AITC-loaded PLGA NPs solely in the latter types of cells, whereas non-functionalized NPs were distributed randomly in both cell types in much lesser extents. Thus, our findings support the development of drug delivery strategies that enhances the delivery of anti-cancer natural compounds to tumor tissue, in this case, by targeting specific tumor cell receptors with cell-specific ligands followed by tumor sensitization.

Stability of Bioactive Compounds in Broccoli as Affected by Cutting Styles and Storage Time.

Broccoli contains bioactive molecules and thus its consumption is related with the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. The application of wounding stress to horticultural crops is a common practice, since it is the basis for the fresh-cut produce industry. In this study, the effect of four different cutting styles (CSs) (florets (CS1), florets cut into two even pieces (CS2), florets cut into four even pieces (CS3), and florets processed into chops (CS4)) and storage time (0 and 24 h at 20 °C) on the content of bioactive compounds in broccoli was evaluated. Immediately after cutting, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid content increased by 122.4% and 41.6% in CS4 and CS2, respectively. Likewise, after storage, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid increased by 46.7% and 98.2%, respectively in CS1. Glucoerucin and gluconasturtiin content decreased by 62% and 50%, respectively in CS3; whereas after storage most glucosinolates increased in CS1. Total isothiocyanates, increased by 133% immediately in CS4, and after storage CS1 showed 65% higher levels of sulforaphane. Total ascorbic acid increased 35% after cutting in CS2, and remained stable after storage. Results presented herein would allow broccoli producers to select proper cutting styles that preserve or increase the content of bioactive molecules.

Analysis of a suppressive subtractive hybridization library of Alternaria alternata resistant to 2-propenyl isothiocyanate

Background Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural products obtained from plants of the Brassicas family. They represent an environmentally friendly alternative for the control of phytopathogenic fungi. However, as it has been observed with synthetic fungicides, the possibility of inducing ITC-resistant strains is a major concern. It is, therefore, essential to understanding the molecular mechanisms of fungal resistance to ITCs. We analyzed a subtractive library containing 180 clones of an Alternaria alternata strain resistant to 2-propenyl ITC (2-pITC). After their sequencing, 141 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified using the BlastX algorithm. The sequence assembly was carried out using CAP3 software; the functional annotation and metabolic pathways identification were performed using the Blast2GO program. Results The bioinformatics analysis revealed 124 reads with similarities to proteins involved in transcriptional control, defense and stress pathways, cell wall integrity maintenance, detoxification, organization and cytoskeleton destabilization; exocytosis, transport, DNA damage control, ribosome maintenance, and RNA processing. In addition, transcripts corresponding to enzymes as oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, and ligases, were detected. Degradation pathways for styrene, aminobenzoate, and toluene were induced, as well as the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and several types of N-glycan. Conclusions The fungal response showed that natural compounds could induce tolerance/resistance mechanisms in organisms in the same manner as synthetic chemical products. The response of A. alternata to the toxicity of 2-pITC is a sophisticated phenomenon including the induction of signaling cascades targeting a broad set of cellular processes. Whole-transcriptome approaches are needed to elucidate completely the fungal response to 2-pITC.

A chemical approach for the reduction of beauvericin in a solution model and in food systems.

Beauvericin (BEA) is a bioactive compound produced by the secondary metabolism of several Fusarium strains with a strong antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities. This study evaluated the reduction of BEA added at 25 mg/kg in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solutions at pH of 4, 7 and 10, or to different cereal products (kernels and flours) by the bioactive compounds phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). The concentration of the mycotoxin was evaluated using liquid chromatography coupled to the diode array detector (LC-DAD). In solution, BEA reduction ranged from 9% to 94% on a time-dependent fashion and lower pH levels resulted in higher BEA reduction. Cereal kernels and flours treated with gaseous PITC and BITC (50, 100 and 500 µL/L) presented BEA reduction from 9% to 97% and was dose-dependent. Among the crops, corn was the vehicle where BEA was mostly affected by the action of the ITCs, followed by wheat and rice, and lastly barley. Overall, PITC caused higher reduction of BEA and should be chosen over BITC as a fumigant to decrease the levels of this mycotoxin in grains and flours.