Search Results (300)

The Pelargonium genus, encompassing over 280 species, remains markedly underexplored despite extensive traditional use for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatological disorders. This review of aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts reveals critical research gaps: only 10 species have undergone chemical characterization, while 17 have been evaluated for biological activities. Phytochemical analysis identified 252 unique molecules across all studies, with flavonoids emerging as the predominant class (n = 108). Glycosylated derivatives demonstrated superior bioactivity profiles compared to non-glycosylated analogs. Phenolic acids (n = 43) and coumarins (n = 31) represented additional major classes. Experimental studies primarily documented antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, with emerging evidence for antidiabetic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective activities. However, methodological heterogeneity across studies limits comparative analysis and comprehensive understanding. In silico target prediction analysis was performed on 197 high-confidence molecular structures. Glycosylated flavonols, anthocyanidins, flavones, and coumarins showed strong predicted interactions with key inflammatory targets (ALOX15, ALOX5, PTGER4, and NOS2) and metabolic regulators (GSK3A and PI4KB), providing mechanistic support for observed therapeutic effects and suggesting potential applications in chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. These findings underscore the substantial therapeutic potential of underexplored Pelargonium species and advocate for systematic research employing untargeted metabolomics, standardized bioassays, and compound-specific mechanistic validation to fully unlock the pharmacological potential of this diverse genus. Full article

Peach is a typical ethylene-sensitive fruit, and low levels of ethylene can accelerate softening during storage. In this study, we used an ethylene absorbent (EA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to minimize the detrimental impact of ethylene on the quality of peaches in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and analyzed fruit firmness, color change, anthocyanin content, and the expression patterns of cell wall metabolism-related genes and anthocyanin synthesis-related genes during storage. The results showed that ethylene in the MAP package decreased the firmness and total anthocyanin content of the peaches, while MAP combined with EA (MAP+EA) treatment effectively maintained the firmness of the peaches and counteracted the inhibition of anthocyanin accumulation in the peach skin by ethylene. In addition, the peaches treated with MAP+EA exhibited higher a* values, lower weight loss, and lower activities of cell-wall-modifying enzymes. Meanwhile, MAP+EA treatment also significantly increased the expression of color-related genes such as flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase gene (F3′H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and UDP-flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT). Furthermore, a good synergistic effect was observed between 1-MCP and EA in delaying softening and promoting coloring of peach fruit in the MAP package. The combination of 1-MCP and EA treatment may have the potential to alleviate softening and improve the color and quality of post-harvest fruit during storage. Full article

Flavonoids play a crucial role in plant development, resistance, and the pigmentation of fruits and flowers. This study aimed to uncover the mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis and fruit coloring in muscadine grapes. Two muscadine genotypes (Paulk and Supreme) were investigated via metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis during three developmental stages (bunch closure, veraison stage, and ripening stage). A total of 314 flavonoids were identified, with flavones and flavonols being the primary constituents. The contents of many differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were higher at the veraison stage. The total anthocyanin content was upregulated during berry development, with the dominant type of anthocyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside. Proanthocyanins accumulated higher levels in the ripening stage of Paulk than Supreme. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that over 46% of the DEGs exhibited higher expression levels in the bunch closure stage. Moreover, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl 4-hydroxylase (C4H), and coumaryl CoA ligase (4CL) genes were upregulated during berry development, suggesting they promote second metabolites biosynthesis. The upregulation of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and leucoanthocyanin reductase (LAR) may related to the higher levels of PA in Paulk. Anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) and UDP-glucose:flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) showed higher expression levels in the ripening stage, which may relate to the accumulation of anthocyanidins. This study provides comprehensive insights into flavonoid metabolism and berry coloration in Vitis rotundifolia. Full article

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a significant source of dietary protein, starch, fiber, and minerals, offering health benefits and serving as both a green vegetable and dry grain. The pigment contents in pea pods with different colors and related genes are still unclear. We conducted an integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis on three cultivars, including QiZhen (QZ) with green immature pods, FengMi (FM) with yellow immature pods, and ZiYu (ZY) with purple immature pods, to identify the key genes and metabolites involved in anthocyanin accumulation. ZY showed the highest total anthocyanin content compared with FM and QZ. Subsequent quantification revealed that four metabolites, including Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, Delphinidin-3-O-(6″-O-xylosyl)glucoside, Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and Pelargonidin-3-O-(xylosyl)glucoside, were the most highly accumulated in the ZY cultivar, suggesting their role in the purple pigmentation of ZY pea pods. There were 49 differentially accumulated anthocyanidins in ZY vs. FM, 43 differentially accumulated anthocyanidins in ZY vs. QZ, and 21 differentially accumulated anthocyanidins in FM vs. QZ. These findings highlight the importance of the type and concentration of anthocyanin compounds, especially those based on delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin, in the development of purple pea pods. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that certain anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were expressed at higher levels in ZY than in FM and QZ. In ZY, the higher expression levels of five key genes (PAL, 4CL, CHS, F3H, and UFGT) resulted in elevated anthocyanin content compared to FM and QZ. Furthermore, the BSA-seq analysis identified a candidate region associated with purple color in pea pods, which is located on chromosome 6 and contains 21 DEGs. Sequence variation in KIW84_061698, which encodes a bHLH transcription factor, was identified as the key candidate gene controlling anthocyanin content. This study clarifies the molecular mechanisms behind pea pod coloration and identifies potential genetic engineering targets for breeding anthocyanin-rich sugar snap peas. Full article

The occurrence of anthocyanins in rice (Oryza sativa) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) varies among cultivars, with pigmented varieties (e.g., black rice and purple barley) accumulating higher concentrations due to genetic and environmental factors. The biosynthesis of anthocyanins is regulated by a complex network of structural and regulatory genes. Key enzymes in the pathway include chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT). These genes are tightly controlled by transcription factors (TFs) from the MYB, bHLH (basic helix–loop–helix), and WD40 repeat families, which form the MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40) regulatory complex. In rice, OsMYB transcription factors such as OsMYB3, OsC1, and OsPL (Purple Leaf) interact with OsbHLH partners (e.g., OsB1, OsB2) to activate anthocyanin biosynthesis. Similarly, in barley, HvMYB genes (e.g., HvMYB10) coordinate with HvbHLH TFs to regulate pigment accumulation. Environmental cues, such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability, further modulate these TFs, influencing the production of anthocyanin. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in rice and barley provides opportunities for the development of biofortification strategies that enhance their nutritional value. Full article

Erica species native to the Mediterranean basin are the principal Ericas that have found use in traditional medicine. Examples include treatments for urinary tract disorders, inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal ailments and weight loss. This review critically evaluates the ethnobotanical usage, phytochemical profiles and pharmacological potential of the Mediterranean Erica species, including Erica arborea L., Erica multiflora L. and Erica manipuliflora Salisb. A wide spectrum of bioactive secondary metabolites has been identified across these species, notably pentacyclic triterpenes (e.g., lupeol, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid) and polyphenolics (e.g., myricetin and quercetin glycosides). Extracts of these species have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and diuretic activities in vitro and/or in vivo, providing pharmacological support for traditional uses. Phytochemical profiles vary by species, plant part, geography and extraction technique. Filsuvez^®, comprising pentacyclic triterpenes from birch bark, has clinical approval for the treatment of partial thickness wounds associated with dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa. The undoubted reservoir of pentacyclic triterpenes and flavonoid glycosides in Mediterranean Erica species warrants further comprehensive mechanistic studies, toxicological evaluations and clinical validation. Full article

The browning of fruit juices and nectars is a common issue in the beverage industry and is a particular problem in strawberry nectars, where it significantly reduces the shelf-life. Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), which are multicopper enzymes responsible for the oxidation of a wide plethora of polyphenols in plants, have been widely assumed to be involved in the enzymatic browning of strawberry nectar. To investigate the possible involvement of PPOs, the substrate specificity of four recombinant PPOs and their gene expression pattern in 10 cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa at five ripening stages were determined. This allowed us to obtain adequate amounts of enzymes to study them independently and without interfering matrix effects. All four PPOs possess monophenolase activity, which was particularly high for PPO4. PPO3 did not show sufficient stability for the kinetic studies. The other three showed a high preference for the flavan 3-ol catechin with a 2-fold higher catalytic efficiency compared to dopamine for PPO1 and PPO2. At a neutral pH, they also showed activity with cyanidin but not with pelargonidin, which is the prevalent anthocyanidin type in strawberry. The enzymes showed a high affinity but only low turnover rates for the dihydrochalcone phloretin, resulting in an inhibitory effect that was strong enough to extend the shelf-life of the strawberry nectar by one week if phloretin was added in high concentrations (600 µM). PPO1 and PPO2 were prevalently expressed in all fruit stages. The gene expression of the four PPOs did not correlate with the color stability of the nectars of the 10 varieties and also showed a random expression pattern during fruit development. The limited activity in acidic conditions and the low substrate specificity for pelargonidin does not point to a crucial role for PPOs in the browning of strawberry nectar, but the high catalytic efficiency with catechin as a substrate could contribute to anthocyanin degradation via mechanisms such as copolymerization. Full article

The formation of a new fluorescence band of anthocyanidins and anthocyanidins, centered at about 530 nm (excitation at 460–470 nm), is proposed as a simple indicator of food oxidation. This fluorescence band appeared and increased progressively during the incubation of blueberry juice under aerobic conditions and the cooking of blueberry homogenate and black carrot. The same effect was observed upon the addition of delphinidin to rapeseed oil subjected to simulated frying. A ratiometric parameter (ratio of the fluorescence intensity at the maximum of the new band to the fluorescence intensity of native anthocyanins/anthocyanidin) is proposed as a versatile index useful for the estimation of the oxidation of food products containing anthocyanins or supplemented with anthocyanins or anthocyanidins. Full article

Antioxidants, such as stilbenes, anthocyanidins, coumarins, tannins and flavonoids, are often based on oxygen-containing redox systems and tend to feature several hydroxyl groups in their chemical structures. From a synthetic perspective, oxygen atoms are prone to bioisosteric replacement with sulfur and, notably, selenium. The main objective of this narrative literature review is to explore if and how bioisosteric substitution of oxygen with sulfur or selenium can enhance the biological activity of natural products. This replacement boosts the biological activity of the resulting molecules considerably as they now combine the redox and antioxidant properties of the original flavonoids and other natural products with the specific redox behavior of sulfur and selenium. Besides sequestering free radicals and peroxides, they may, for instance, also catalyze the removal of oxidative stressors, capture free metal ions and even provide scope for selenium supplementation. Since these molecules resemble their natural counterparts, they also exhibit considerable selectivity inside the body and a good pharmacokinetic profile. Still, the synthesis of such hybrid molecules integrating sulfur and selenium into flavonoids and other natural products is a challenge and requires innovative synthetic strategies and approaches. Full article

Floral coloration in Freesia hybrida is predominantly attributed to anthocyanins, with glycosylation playing a critical role in their stability and diversity. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying color variation between F. hybrida cultivars, focusing on anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferases (An5GTs). HPLC analysis revealed that ‘Pink Passion’ petals accumulate 3,5-O-diglucosidic anthocyanins, absent in ‘Red River^®’ and ‘Ambiance’. RNA-seq identified seven candidate Fh5GT genes, with phylogenetic and subcellular localization analyses confirming their classification as cytosolic glycosyltransferases. Expression profiling highlighted elevated transcript levels of Fh5GT1, Fh5GT3, and Fh5GT7 in ‘Pink Passion’, correlating with its di-glucosidic anthocyanin accumulation. In vitro enzymatic assays demonstrated that Fh5GT3 and Fh5GT7 preferentially glucosylate 3-O-monoglucosidic anthocyanins to form stable 3,5-O-diglucosides, with minimal activity on anthocyanidins to generate 5-O-glucosidic anthocyanins. Heterologous expression of Fh5GT3 and Fh5GT7 in Arabidopsis complemented anthocyanin deficiency in 5gt mutants, restoring pigmentation. These findings elucidate the potential role of 5GTs in modulating floral color diversity through anthocyanin modification, providing insights for targeted breeding strategies to enhance ornamental traits in horticultural species. Full article

Iris dichotoma Pall., renowned for its high ornamental value, is frequently cultivated in flowerbeds and courtyards, endowing garden landscapes with unique allure. Dark-hued flowers are widely regarded as more aesthetically appealing. This study utilized the petals of two distinct Iris dichotoma Pall. phenotypes as research materials to investigate the underlying mechanism of flower color formation. The purple-flowered Iris dichotoma Pall. was designated as Group P, and the white-flowered one as Group W. A comprehensive integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of the two petal types was carried out. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of several anthocyanin derivatives, including delphinidin, petunidin, malvidin, peonidin, and procyanidin, were significantly higher in purple petals compared to white petals, with delphinidin exhibiting the highest content. The transcriptomic analysis detected 6731 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the white and purple petal types. Specifically, 3596 genes showed higher expression levels in purple petals, while 3135 genes exhibited lower expression levels in purple petals compared to white petals. Ten phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genes, two chalcone synthase (CHS) genes, one anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) gene, one 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) gene, one dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) gene, one flavanone 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) gene, and one flavonol synthase (FLS) gene were identified; they all had purple petals displaying higher expression levels than white petals. This research uncovers the potential formation mechanism of anthocyanins in the two Iris dichotoma Pall. types, thereby furnishing a theoretical foundation for floral breeding endeavors. Full article

In this study, red–blue light (7R3B) was used as the control (CK), while far-red (FR) and ultraviolet-A (UVA) light were supplemented to evaluate their effects on basil growth. The results showed that the FR treatment promoted plant height, stem diameter, and biomass, but reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid content, while the UVA treatment increased stem diameter and chlorophyll b content. Meanwhile, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to examine changes in gene expression and metabolite accumulation in basil. The FR treatment reduced the levels of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, potentially contributing to the observed decrease in chlorophyll. The FR treatment upregulated the levels of five DAMs (gibberellin, cytokinin, brassinosteroid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid) and altered the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) such as gibberellin receptor (GID1) and jasmonate ZIM domain-containing protein (JAZ) in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, thereby promoting plant growth and shade avoidance responses. The UVA treatment upregulated the 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) expression in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, possibly indirectly promoting flavonoid synthesis. In the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, the UVA treatment also promoted flavonoid accumulation by upregulating DEGs including flavonol synthase (FLS), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), 5-O-(4-coumaroyl)-D-quinate 3′-monooxygenase (CYP98A), and flavanone 7-O-glucoside 2″-O-beta-L-rhamnosyltransferase (C12RT1), as well as increasing the levels of DAMs such as kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, and leucopelargonidin. The accumulation of flavonoids improved antioxidant capacity and nutritional value in basil. Through a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, this study provided valuable insights into the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of the FR and UVA regulation of basil growth, providing guidance for optimizing supplementary lighting strategies in plant factories. Full article

Extraction is one of the most important phases in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries, as it enables the isolation of valuable compounds from raw materials. Ipomoea batatas L. leaf extract has anti-diabetic qualities due to anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanones, and phenolic acids. The goal of this study is to maximize extraction on a production scale with total flavonoids and fingerprint profiles that closely resemble standardized extracts. In this study, extraction was performed using the percolator method with optimization parameters, including ethanol concentration (40, 50, 60, and 70%) and wetting time (0.5, 3, and 24 h). Quality control in extraction was assessed through the total flavonoids and fingerprint analysis. TLC was used to determine the fingerprints of Ipomoea batatas L. leaf extract, followed by multivariate analysis. Using 60% ethanol and 3 h of wetting time produced total flavonoids of 19.86 ± 0.2 mg quercetin/g and a fingerprint close to the control with a similarity of 94.87%. Ethanol concentration and wetting time are critical parameters in Ipomoea batatas L. extraction. Quality control through total flavonoid determination and fingerprint analysis during the extraction process provides a standardized approach to maintain the quality, safety, and efficacy of Ipomoea batatas L. natural products. Full article

Sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction methods for natural bioactive compounds are gaining significant attention in the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Among these bioactive compounds, anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants, have garnered particular interest due to their health-promoting properties. Banana inflorescence, an underutilized agricultural by-product, is a rich source of bioactive compounds. However, the extraction of bioactive compounds is often energy-intensive, which raises concerns about environmental sustainability. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) has emerged as an efficient and less energy-consuming method for isolating these compounds. This study investigates the optimization of ASE for the extraction of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, from fresh banana inflorescence. The effect of extraction parameters, including temperature (60, 80, and 100 °C), solvent type (water, ethanol, methanol), and solvent composition (50% ethanol + 50% water, 75% ethanol + 25% water, 100% ethanol, 50% methanol + 50% water, 75% methanol + 25% water, 100% methanol, water), on the extraction efficiency was evaluated. The results showed that the most effective extraction conditions were 75% methanol + 25% water at 100 °C, yielding the highest concentrations of total phenolics (1239.58 ± 20.83 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (2.21 ± 0.03 mg/mL), and anthocyanins (22.82 mg ± 1.91/100 g). LC-UV-MS analysis revealed three primary anthocyanidins: cyanidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, and petunidin-3-rutinoside. These findings suggest that banana inflorescence, an agricultural waste product, can be efficiently utilized as a source of bioactive compounds using ASE, contributing to sustainable practices in the food and nutraceutical industries. The optimized extraction process provides a promising approach for the valorization of banana inflorescence, enhancing its potential as a functional ingredient in food products. Full article

The seed-coat color and seed size have an impact on both the evolutionary fitness and the grain yield of crops. Soybean is a major oil crop, and the seed-coat color and seed size exhibit natural diversity among the different soybean varieties. Here, we found an R2R3-MYB transcription factor of GmMYB62, which shows a significant increase in expression as the seed-coat color changes from yellow to black in different soybean varieties. The GmMYB62 was specifically highly expressed in reproductive organs, especially in floral organs in soybeans. The GmMYB62 encodes a nuclear protein that contains two MYB domains. In the phylogenetic analysis, the GmMYB62 was relatively conserved after the divergence of the monocots and dicots, and it also grouped with transcriptional repressors of MYBs in anthocyanin synthesis. The GmMYB62 was overexpressed in Arabidopsis and the seeds displayed a pale-brown coat in GmMYB62 overexpression lines, in contrast to the dark-brown seed coat observed in wild-type of Col-0. The anthocyanin content in the GmMYB62 overexpression lines was dramatically reduced when compared to Col-0. Additionally, the seeds in overexpression lines showed shorter lengths, larger widths, and lower thousand-seed weights than those in Col-0. Furthermore, the genes related to anthocyanin synthesis and seed size regulation were investigated, and expression of eight genes that involved in anthocyanin synthesis pathway, like chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) were severely inhibited in the GmMYB62 overexpression lines when compared to Col-0. In addition, the ARGOS-LIKE (ARL), B-Type Cyclin 1 (CYCB1), and enhancer of DA1-1 (EOD3), which govern cell expansion and proliferation, were highly expressed in GmMYB62 overexpression lines when compared to Col-0. Overall, this study sheds new light on the control of seed-coat color and seed size by GmMYB62 and provides potentially valuable targets for improving crop seed quality. Full article