Physiological and molecular mechanisms of carbon quantum dots alleviating Cu2+ toxicity in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.

Excessive Cu2+ is toxic to plants. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) exhibit certain chelating properties towards heavy metals, and they also demonstrate antioxidant activities. To explore the mechanism for alleviating the Cu2+ toxicity of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge mediated by CQDs, CQDs that contained C=C, C=O, H-O, C-N and C-O functional groups with particle size less than 10 nm and that emitted blue fluorescence were prepared. S. miltiorrhiza seedlings were treated with 200 µM of Cu2+ and 500 mg/L of CQDs to relieve stress. Exogenous CQDs effectively restored plant phenotype; reduced Cu2+, H2O2 and malondialdehyde contents and restored total superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities under Cu2+ toxicity. Simultaneously, an association network of Cu2+ transport-related and metabolic pathway genes of phenolic acids and terpenoids was established on the basis of cross-species transcriptome analysis. Combined with reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, the potential molecular mechanism of CQDs, i.e. promoting phenolic acid biosynthesis to alleviate Cu2+ toxicity, was revealed by activating the expression of key enzyme genes of phenolic acid synthesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for Cu2+ pollution prevention and control in plants. It also laid a foundation for alleviating Cu stress by using CQDs in agricultural production.

Aster × chusanensis Growth and Phenolic Acid Composition under Different Cultivation Temperatures.

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been cultivated worldwide for economic, medicinal, and ornamental purposes, including genera such as Aster, Helianthus, and Cosmos. Numerous studies examined their secondary metabolites; however, those of Aster × chusanensis, which is a natural hybrid species in South Korea, are unclear, and optimized propagation methods should be identified. We analyzed phenolic acid concentrations in each part of Aster × chusanensis through HPLC. Further, we investigated the growth characteristics and secondary metabolite concentrations under various growth temperatures using division propagation, followed by growing at 20, 25, and 30 °C in a growth chamber. Chlorogenic acid was the primary compound, which was particularly high in the leaves. The growth characteristics did not differ significantly between temperatures, and 30 °C was most efficient for phenolic acid biosynthesis. Our results provide valuable information on optimized propagation and secondary metabolite concentrations under different temperatures of Aster × chusanensis.

Unveiling phenylpropanoid regulation: the role of DzMYB activator and repressor in durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit.

KEY MESSAGE: DzMYB2 functions as an MYB activator, while DzMYB3 acts as an MYB repressor. They bind to promoters, interact with DzbHLH1, and influence phenolic contents, revealing their roles in phenylpropanoid regulation in durian pulps. Durian fruit has a high nutritional value attributed to its enriched bioactive compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamins. While various transcription factors (TFs) regulate phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) TFs have emerged as pivotal players in regulating key genes within this pathway. This study aimed to identify additional candidate MYB TFs from the transcriptome database of the Monthong cultivar at five developmental/postharvest ripening stages. Candidate transcriptional activators were discerned among MYBs upregulated during the ripe stage based on the positive correlation observed between flavonoid biosynthetic genes and flavonoid contents in ripe durian pulps. Conversely, MYBs downregulated during the ripe stage were considered candidate repressors. This study focused on a candidate MYB activator (DzMYB2) and a candidate MYB repressor (DzMYB3) for functional characterization. LC-MS/MS analysis using Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transiently expressing DzMYB2 revealed increased phenolic compound contents compared with those in leaves expressing green fluorescence protein controls, while those transiently expressing DzMYB3 showed decreased phenolic compound contents. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that DzMYB2 controls phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in durian by regulating the promoters of various biosynthetic genes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR). Meanwhile, DzMYB3 regulates the promoters of PAL, 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase (4CL), CHS, and CHI, resulting in the activation and repression of gene expression. Moreover, it was discovered that DzMYB2 and DzMYB3 could bind to another TF, DzbHLH1, in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings enhance our understanding of the pivotal role of MYB proteins in regulating the phenylpropanoid pathway in durian pulps.

An Improved Assessment Method to Estimate (Poly)phenol Intake in Adults with Chronic Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Insights into (poly)phenol exposure represent a modifiable factor that may modulate inflammation in chronic pancreatitis (CP), yet intake is poorly characterized and methods for assessment are underdeveloped. AIMS: The aims are to develop and test a method for estimating (poly)phenol intake from a 90-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using the Phenol-Explorer database and determine associations with dietary patterns in CP patients versus controls via analysis of previously collected cross-sectional data. METHODS: Fifty-two CP patients and 48 controls were recruited from an ambulatory clinic at a large, academic institution. To assess the feasibility of the proposed methodology for estimating dietary (poly)phenol exposure, a retrospective analysis of FFQ data was completed. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare (poly)phenol intake by group; Spearman correlations and multivariable-adjusted log-linear associations were used to compare (poly)phenol intakes with dietary scores within the sample. RESULTS: Estimation of (poly)phenol intake from FFQs was feasible and produced estimates within a range of intake previously reported. Total (poly)phenol intake was significantly lower in CP vs controls (463 vs. 567mg/1000kcal; p = 0.041). In adjusted analyses, higher total (poly)phenol intake was associated with higher HEI-2015 (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), aMED (r = 0.22, p = 0.007), EDIH (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), and EDIP scores (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), representing higher overall diet quality and lower insulinemic and anti-inflammatory dietary potentials, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using enhanced methods to derive total (poly)phenol intake from an FFQ is feasible. Those with CP have lower total (poly)phenol intake and less favorable dietary pattern indices, thus supporting future tailored dietary intervention studies in this population.

Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf of total phenolic acid conversion products alleviate myocardial ischemia by regulating metabolic profiles, intestinal microbiota and metabolites.

Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a significant contributor to ischemic heart diseases like angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Reactive oxygen species produced during MI can trigger lipid peroxidation, damaging cell structure and function. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) has been widely used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, in the process of rooting, the aboveground parts of this plant are usually discarded by tons. To make better use of these plant resources, the phenolic acids extracted and purified from the aerial part of SM were studied and chemically transformed, and the potential protective effect and possible mechanism of salvianolic acids containing a higher content of salvianolic acid A on MI were obtained. The transformed products of SM stem-leaves total phenolic acids with 8.16 % salvianolic acid A showed a better protective effect on the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute MI injury rat model. It can improve ST segment changes and has good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. In addition, the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the related metabolic levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), phenylalanine and glycerophospholipids were improved. This was achieved by reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibaculum, and L-phenylalanine levels. In addition, the abundance of probiotics in Butyricoccus, Roseburia, and norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, as well as the contents of propionic acid and isobutyric acid, LPCs and PCs were increased. In conclusion, total phenolic acids of SM stem-leaves showed protective effects against ISO-induced rats, especially the strongest effect after conversion, which is a new option for the prevention and treatment of MI.

Methyl Jasmonate and Zinc Sulfate Induce Secondary Metabolism and Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Barley Seedlings.

This study aimed to reveal the impact of MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments on the physiological metabolism of barley seedlings and the content of phenolic acid. The results showed that MeJA (100 µM) and ZnSO4 (4 mM) treatments effectively increased the phenolic acid content by increasing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (PAL) and cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and by up-regulating the expression of genes involved in phenolic acid synthesis. As a result of the MeJA or ZnSO4 treatment, the phenolic acid content increased by 35.3% and 30.9% at four days and by 33.8% and 34.5% at six days, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments significantly increased the malondialdehyde content, causing cell membrane damage and decreasing the fresh weight and seedling length. Barley seedlings responded to MeJA- and ZnSO4-induced stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and controlling their gene expression levels. Meanwhile, MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments significantly upregulated calcium-adenosine triphosphate, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-related kinase, and calmodulin-dependent protein genes in barley seedlings. This suggested that Ca2+ may be the signaling molecule that promotes phenolic acid synthesis under MeJA and ZnSO4 treatment. This study deepens the understanding of the phenolic acid enrichment process in barley seedlings under MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments.

Characterization and Quantification of the Major Bioactive Compounds in Mexican Purple Tomatoes.

The present work carries out a quantitative analysis of the major bioactive compounds found in the native Mexican purple tomatoes. Total phenolic content ranged from 7.54 to 57.79 mg TPC/g DM, total flavonoid content ranged from 1.89 to 16.93 mg TFC/g DM, total anthocyanin content ranged from 0.29 to 2.56 mg TAC/g DM, and total carotenoid content ranged from 0.11 to 0.75 mg TCC/ g DM. In addition, 14 phenolic acids were identified, among which caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were the most abundant compounds with chlorogenic acid concentration up to 9.680 mg/g DM, together with flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin-hexoxide. The qualitative analysis also showed the presence of 9 acylated anthocyanins and 2 carotenoids with significant functional features. As for anthocyanins, their chemical structures disclosed special structural features: glycosylated anthocyanins exhibited cis-trans hydroxycinnamic moieties and petunidin-3-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside was reported to be the main anthocyanin, whitin the range of concentrations between 0.160 and 1.143 mg/g DM.

Variation in Pesticide Toxicity in the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Associated with Consuming Phytochemically Different Monofloral Honeys.

Insecticide toxicity to insect herbivores has long been known to vary across different host plants; this phenomenon has been widely documented in both foliage-feeders and sap-feeders. Species-specific phytochemical content of hostplant tissues is assumed to determine the pattern of induction of insect enzymes that detoxify insecticides, but specific phytochemicals have rarely been linked to host plant-associated variation in pesticide toxicity. Moreover, no studies to date have examined the effects of nectar source identity and phytochemical composition on the toxicity of insecticides to pollinators. In this study, we compared LD50 values for the insecticide bifenthrin, a frequent contaminant of nectar and pollen in agroecosystems, in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, consuming three phytochemically different monofloral honeys: Nyssa ogeche (tupelo), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), and Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat). We found that bifenthrin toxicity (LD50) values for honey bees across different honey diets is linked to their species-specific phytochemical content. The profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids of buckwheat and locust honeys are richer than is the profile of tupelo honey, with buckwheat honey containing the highest total content of phytochemicals and associated with the highest bifenthrin LD50 in honey bees. The vector fitting in the ordination analysis revealed positive correlations between LD50 values and two honey phytochemical richness estimates, Chao1 and Abundance-based Coverage Estimator (ACE). These findings suggest unequal effects among different phytochemicals, consistent with the interpretation that certain compounds, including ones that are rare, may have a more pronounced effect in mitigating pesticide toxicity.

Investigation of Pharmacologically Important Polyphenolic Secondary Metabolites in Plant-based Food Samples Using HPLC-DAD.

Polyphenolic compounds are vital components of plants. However, their analysis is particularly difficult and challenging due to their similar chemical and structural properties. In this study, we developed a simple and reproducible HPLC-DAD protocol for determining nineteen pharmacologically important polyphenols in plant-based food samples, including fruits (apple, banana, grapefruit, peach, grapes, plum, and pear), vegetables (onion, cabbage, capsicum, garlic, lemon, tomato, potato, and spinach), and other edible items (corn, kidney beans, green tea, black tea, and turmeric). The reference standards were pooled into four different groups based on logP values and expected retention time to avoid compound co-elution. These developed methods will be useful for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biologically important polyphenolic compounds in various food samples and botanicals.

Chemical Constituents of the Fruits of Cornus Officinalis and Evaluation of their Neuroprotective Activity.

The phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Cornus officinalis yielded a new phenolic acid derivative, neophenolic acid A (1), and a novel flavonoid glycoside, (2R)-naringenin-7-O-ß-(6''-galloyl-glucopyranoside) (2 a), along with six known flavonoid glycosides (2 b-7). Their structures were determined by 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by ECD analysis. Compounds 1- 7 were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against corticosterone (CORT)-induced injury in PC-12 cells. Compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 exhibited neuroprotective activities against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in PC-12 cells. The underlying mechanism study suggested that compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 were able to attenuate CORT-induced apoptosis and damage, increase the levels of MMP and decrease Ca2+ inward flow in PC-12 cells.

Controlled Molecular Arrangement of Cinnamic Acid in Layered Double Hydroxide through pi-pi Interaction for Controlled Release.

Cinnamic acid (CA) was successfully incorporated into Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) through coprecipitation. The CA moiety was stabilized in the interlayer space through not only electrostatic interaction but also intermolecular π-π interaction. It was noteworthy that the CA arrangement was fairly independent of the charge density of LDH, showing the important role of the layer-CA and CA-CA interactions in molecular stabilization. Computer simulations using the Monte Carlo method as well as analytical approaches including infrared, UV-vis spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry showed the existence of intermolecular interaction. In order to reinforce molecular stabilization, a neutral derivative of CA, cinnamaldehyde (CAD), was additionally incorporated into LDH. It was clearly shown that CAD played a role as a π-π interaction mediator to enhance the stabilization of CA. The time-dependent release of CA from LDH was first governed by the layer charge density of LDH; however, the existence of CAD provided additional stabilization to the CA arrangement to slow down the release kinetics.

Overexpression of AtMYB2 Promotes Tolerance to Salt Stress and Accumulations of Tanshinones and Phenolic Acid in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a prized traditional Chinese medicinal plant species. Its red storage roots are primarily used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, a transcription factor gene AtMYB2 was cloned and introduced into Salvia miltiorrhiza for ectopic expression. Overexpression of AtMYB2 enhanced salt stress resistance in S. miltiorrhiza, leading to a more resilient phenotype in transgenic plants exposed to high-salinity conditions. Physiological experiments have revealed that overexpression of AtMYB2 can decrease the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during salt stress, boost the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and mitigate oxidative damage to cell membranes. In addition, overexpression of AtMYB2 promotes the synthesis of tanshinones and phenolic acids by upregulating the expression of biosynthetic pathway genes, resulting in increased levels of these secondary metabolites. In summary, our findings demonstrate that AtMYB2 not only enhances plant tolerance to salt stress, but also increases the accumulation of secondary metabolites in S. miltiorrhiza. Our study lays a solid foundation for uncovering the molecular mechanisms governed by AtMYB2 and holds significant implications for the molecular breeding of high-quality S. miltiorrhiza varieties.

Self-Assembled Fe-Phenolic Acid Network Synergizes with Ferroptosis to Enhance Tumor Nanotherapy.

Natural polyphenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) has good antitumor activity. However, the distinctive tumor microenvironment, characterized by low pH and elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), enhances the tolerance of tumors to the singular anti-tumor treatment mode using RA, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Targeting nonapoptotic programmed cell death processes may provide another impetus to inhibit tumor growth. RA possesses the capability to coordinate with metal elements. To solve the effect restriction of the above single treatment mode, it is proposed to construct a self-assembled nanocomposite, Fe-RA. Under tumor microenvironment, Fe-RA nanocomposite exerts the characteristics of POD-like enzyme activity and depletion of GSH, producing a large amount of hydroxyl radical (·OH) while disrupting the antioxidant defense system of tumor cells. Moreover, due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), Fe-RA can transport Fe2+ to a greater extent to tumor cells and increase intracellular iron content. Causing an imbalance in iron metabolism in tumor cells and promoting cell ferroptosis. The results of the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) prove the successful complexation of Fe-RA nanocomposite. Density functional theory (DFT) explains the efficient catalytic mechanism of its peroxide-like enzyme activity and the reaction principle with GSH.

Acidification induce chemical and microbial variation in tea plantation soils and bacterial degradation of the key acidifying phenolic acids.

Camellia sinensis is an important economic plant grown in southern subtropical hilly areas, especially in China, mainly for the production of tea. Soil acidification is a significant cause of the reduction of yield and quality and continuous cropping obstacles in tea plants. Therefore, chemical and microbial properties of tea growing soils were investigated and phenolic acid-degrading bacteria were isolated from a tea plantation. Chemical and ICP-AES investigations showed that the soils tested were acidic, with pH values of 4.05-5.08, and the pH negatively correlated with K (p < 0.01), Al (p < 0.05), Fe and P. Aluminum was the highest (47-584 mg/kg) nonessential element. Based on high-throughput sequencing, a total of 34 phyla and 583 genera were identified in tea plantation soils. Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the main dominant phyla and the highest abundance of Acidobacteria was found in three soils, with nearly 22% for the genus Gp2. Based on the functional abundance values, general function predicts the highest abundance, while the abundance of amino acids and carbon transport and metabolism were higher in soils with pH less than 5. According to Biolog Eco Plate™ assay, the soil microorganisms utilized amino acids well, followed by polymers and phenolic acids. Three strains with good phenolic acid degradation rates were obtained, and they were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis B1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B2 and Bacillus subtilis B3, respectively. The three strains significantly relieved the inhibition of peanut germination and growth by ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and mixed acids. Combination of the three isolates showed reduced relief of the four phenolic acids due to the antagonist of B2 against B1 and B3. The three phenolic acid degradation strains isolated from acidic soils display potential in improving the acidification and imbalance in soils of C. sinensis.

Kombucha as a Potential Active Ingredient in Cosmetics-An Ex Vivo Skin Permeation Study.

Kombucha is a non-alcoholic beverage, that is increasingly used in the cosmetic industry. The available literature reports the positive effects of kombucha on the skin, in particular its antioxidant action. However, there is a lack of information on skin permeation and the accumulation of active ingredients showing such effects. Skin aging is largely dependent on oxidative stress, therefore in our study we assessed the ex vivo permeation of two types of kombucha (green and black tea) through porcine skin. The antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP methods) and total polyphenol content of these extracts were determined before and after permeation testing. Moreover, the content of selected phenolic acids as well as caffeine was assessed. Skin permeation was determined using a Franz diffusion cell. The antioxidant activity of both Kombuchas was found to be high. In addition, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeine were identified. A 24-h ex vivo study showed the permeation of some phenolic acids and caffeine and their accumulation in the skin. Our results confirm the importance of studying the skin permeation of what are still little known ingredients in cosmetic preparations. Evaluation of the accumulation of these ingredients can guarantee the efficacy of such preparations.

P-hydroxybenzoic acid positively affect the Fusarium oxysporum to stimulate root rot in Panax notoginseng.

Background: Plant health is directly related to the change in native microbial diversity and changes in soil health have been implicated as one of the main cause of root rot. However, scarce information is present regarding allelopathic relationship of Panax notoginseng root exudates and pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum in a continuous cropping system. Methods: We analyzed P. notoginseng root exudate in the planting soil for three successive years to determine phenolic acid concentration using GC-MS and HPLC followed by effect on the microbial community assembly. Antioxidant enzymes were checked in the roots to confirm possible resistance in P. notoginseng. Results: Total 29 allelochemicals in the planting soil extract was found with highest concentration (10.54 %) of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The HPLC showing a year-by-year decrease in p-hydroxybenzoic acid content in soil of different planting years, and an increase in population of F. oxysporum. Moreover, community analysis displayed negative correlation with 2.22 mmol. L-1 of p-hydroxybenzoic acid correspond to an 18.1 % population of F. oxysporum. Furthermore, in vitro plate assay indicates that medium dose of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (2.5-5 mmol. L-1) can stimulate the growth of F. oxysporum colonies and the production of macroconidia, as well as cell wall-degrading enzymes. We found that 2-3 mmol. L-1 of p-hydroxybenzoic acid significantly increased the population of F. oxysporum. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study suggested that p-hydroxybenzoic acid have negative effect on the root system and modified the rhizosphere microbiome so that the host plant became more susceptible to root rot disease.

Phenolic acids from Chicory roots ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by targeting TRP signaling pathways and the gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of immune-mediated condition associated with intestinal homeostasis. Our preliminary studies disclosed that Cichorium intybus L., a traditional medicinal plant, also known as Chicory in Western countries, contained substantial phenolic acids displaying significant anti-inflammatory activities. We recognized the potential of harnessing Chicory for the treatment of IBD, prompting a need for in-depth investigation into the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: On the third day, mice were given 100, 200 mg/kg of total phenolic acids (PA) from Chicory and 200 mg/kg of sulfasalazine (SASP) via gavage, while dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) concentration was 2.5 % for one week. The study measured and evaluated various health markers including body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen index, histological score, serum concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid oxidation (MDA), and inflammatory factors. We evaluated the TRP family and the NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathways by Western blot, while 16S rDNA sequencing was used to track the effects of PA on gut microbes. RESULTS: It was shown that PA ameliorated the weight loss trend, attenuated inflammatory damage, regulated oxidative stress levels, and repaired the intestinal barrier in DSS mice. Analyses of Western blots demonstrated that PA suppressed what was expressed of transient receptor potential family TRPV4, TRPA1, and the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway, NLRP3 and GSDMD. In addition, PA exerted therapeutic effects on IBD by regulating gut microbiota richness and diversity. Meanwhile, the result of the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment analysis showed that gut microbiota was mainly related to Membrane Transport, Replication and Repair, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Amino Acid Metabolism. CONCLUSION: PA derived from Chicory may have therapeutic effects on IBD by regulating the TRPV4/NLRP3 signaling pathway and gut microbiome. This study provides new insights into the effects of phenolic acids from Chicory on TRP ion channels and gut microbiota, revealing previously unexplored modes of action.

Investigation the biological activities and the metabolite profiles of endophytic fungi isolated from Gundelia tournefortii L.

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research were molecular identification of endophytic fungi isolated from the Gundelia tournefortii stems, and investigation their biological activities as well as phenolic and fatty acid profile. Surface sterilized stems of G. tournefortii were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) to isolate the fungal endophytes. Genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB method, and PCR amplification was performed by ITS 1 and ITS 4 as primers. The enzyme production of endophytic fungi was determined based on the formation of a clear zone that appeared around the colonies of fungus. The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the amount of free radicals DPPH. Also, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured obtained by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Moreover, the separation and identification of phenolic acids and fatty acids were done by HPLC and GC, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was done based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and five isolates were identified as following: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium glabrum, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, and Mucor circinelloides. Evaluation of the enzymatic properties showed that P. gabrum (31 ± 1.9 mm), and A. niger (23 ± 1.7) had more ability for producing pectinase and cellulase. The anti-oxidant activity of isolates showed that A. alternata extract (IC50 = 471 ± 29 µg/mL) had the highest anti-oxidant properties, followed by A. tenuissima extract (IC50 = 512 ± 19 µg/mL). Also, the extract of A. alternata had the greatest amount of total phenols and flavonoids contents (8.2 ± 0.4 mg GAL/g and 2.3 ± 0.3 mg QE/g, respectively). The quantification analysis of phenolic acid showed that rosmarinic acid, para-coumaric acid, and meta-coumaric acid (42.02 ± 1.31, 7.53 ± 0.19, 5.41 ± 0.21 mg/g, respectively) were the main phenolic acids in the studied fungi. The analysis of fatty acids confirmed that, in all fungi, the main fatty acids were stearic acid (27.9-35.2%), oleic acid (11.3-17.3%), palmitic acid (16.9-23.2%), linoleic acid (5.8-11.6%), and caprylic acid (6.3-10.9%). Our finding showed that endophytic fungi are a source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in various industries. This is the first report of endophytic fungi associated with G. tournefortii, which provides knowledge on their future use on biotechnological processes.

Chronic and postprandial effect of blueberries on cognitive function, alertness, and mood in participants with metabolic syndrome - results from a six-month, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanin and blueberry intakes positively associated with cognitive function in population-based studies and cognitive benefits in randomized controlled trials of adults with self-perceived or clinical cognitive dysfunction. To date, adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) but without cognitive dysfunction are understudied. OBJECTIVES: Cognitive function, mood, alertness, and sleep quality were assessed as secondary end points in MetS participants, postprandially (>24 h) and following 6-mo blueberry intake. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted, assessing the primary effect of consuming freeze-dried blueberry powder, compared against an isocaloric placebo, on cardiometabolic health >6 mo and a 24 h postprandial period (at baseline). In this secondary analysis of the main study, data from those completing mood, alertness, cognition, and sleep assessments are presented (i.e., n = 115 in the 6 mo study, n = 33 in the postprandial study), using the following: 1) Bond-Lader self-rated scores, 2) electronic cognitive battery (i.e., testing attention, working memory, episodic memory, speed of memory retrieval, executive function, and picture recognition), and 3) the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. Urinary and serum anthocyanin metabolites were quantified, and apolipoprotein E genotype status was determined. RESULTS: Postprandial self-rated calmness significantly improved after 1 cup of blueberries (P = 0.01; q = 0.04; with an 11.6% improvement compared with baseline between 0 and 24 h for the 1 cup group), but all other mood, sleep, and cognitive function parameters were unaffected after postprandial and 6-mo blueberries. Across the ½ and 1 cup groups, microbial metabolites of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid (i.e., hydroxycinnamic acids, benzoic acids, phenylalanine derivatives, and hippuric acids) and catechin were associated with favorable chronic and postprandial memory, attention, executive function, and calmness. CONCLUSIONS: Although self-rated calmness improved postprandially, and significant cognition-metabolite associations were identified, our data did not support strong cognitive, mood, alertness, or sleep quality improvements in MetS participants after blueberry intervention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02035592.

Polyphenol consumption and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk in adults.

In this cross-sectional investigation, the primary objective was to explore the correlation between the consumption of polyphenols and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the adult population participating in the Hoveyzeh cohort. Data from the Hoveyzeh cohort study, part of the Persian Cohort Study, involving 10,009 adults aged 35-70, were analyzed. Exclusions were made for missing data, extreme energy intake, and liver cancer patients. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and polyphenol intake was calculated using the Phenol Explorer database. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for confounders, were performed to assess the relationship between polyphenol subclasses (total polyphenols, total flavonoids, phenolic acid, and lignin) and NAFLD. Among 9894 participants, those in the highest quintile of total polyphenol (OR 0.65, CI 0.5-0.84; P = 0.007), phenolic acid (OR 0.67, CI 0.52-0.86; P < 0.001), and lignin intake (OR 0.69, CI 0.52-0.87; P = 0.001) demonstrated lower odds of NAFLD compared to the lowest quintile, even after adjusting for confounding factors. However, no significant association was found between total flavonoid intake and NAFLD (OR 1.26, CI 0.96-1.67; P = 0.47). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant inverse association between total polyphenols and NAFLD in women (OR 0.64, CI 0.42-0.93; P = 0.001). Higher intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acid, and lignin was associated with reduced odds of NAFLD among adults in the Hoveyzeh cohort. This suggests that dietary patterns rich in these polyphenols may play a role in mitigating the risk of NAFLD. Further interventional and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and explore potential preventive strategies involving polyphenol-rich diets.