Search Results (5,319)

Low temperatures severely restrict tea plant (Camellia sinensis) growth and yield stability, yet how brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulates cold acclimation at a systems level remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and UHPLC–MS metabolomic profiling of tea leaves under Control, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), Cold, and Cold + EBR treatments to delineate BR-potentiated cold responses. Principal component analyses revealed clear treatment-specific separation and tight clustering of biological replicates at both omics levels. Quantitatively, cold stress induced extensive reprogramming (4075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 298 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs)), whereas EBR alone exerted relatively modest effects (231 DEGs and 50 DAMs). Notably, EBR under cold conditions further reshaped cold-responsive networks (371 BR-modulated DEGs and 17 BR-modulated DAMs), consistent with a potentiating role for BR signaling. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted phenylpropanoid metabolism and hormone signal transduction as core responsive modules, with coordinated activation of key gateway genes (PAL, C4H, and 4CL) and concurrent engagement of lignin-, flavonoid-, and catechin-associated branches under Cold + EBR. Metabolomic analyses identified flavonoids as the dominant responsive metabolite class (49.31%), particularly anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides. Integrative TF–metabolite–gene correlation networks prioritized WRKY transcription factors (TEA001162, TEA027058) and a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene (TEA025792) as candidate hub genes linking hormone signaling to phenylpropanoid outputs. Collectively, this work provides a systems-level framework of co-regulated transcript–metabolite modules and candidate molecular targets, offering a foundation for functional validation and practical improvement of cold resilience in tea production. Full article

Fruit anthocyanins are primary determinants of color, sensory quality, and nutritional value in grapes; however, their endogenous biosynthesis is governed by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, agronomic, and postharvest factors. This review elaborates recent advances in physiology and molecular biology to clarify the biosynthetic mechanisms in grapes, including the coordinated action of structural enzymes, MYB–bHLH–WD40 regulatory complexes, hormone-mediated signaling pathways, and vacuolar transport processes. Key environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, water availability, and soil properties, regulate these networks, contributing to significant variation in pigmentation profiles across cultivars and growing regions. Strategic agronomic practices, including canopy management, regulated deficit irrigation, balanced nutrient management, and temperature-mitigation techniques, further influence pigmentation by modifying the microclimate of the fruit zone during development. Based on these mechanistic insights, this review evaluates targeted strategies for enhancing anthocyanin accumulation, highlighting recent progress in genetic improvement through CRISPR/Cas genome editing, transgenic approaches, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), which enable precise modulation of biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Complementary postharvest interventions, such as optimized cold storage, modified-atmosphere packaging, hormonal elicitors, and controlled oxidative technologies, provide additional opportunities to maintain or enhance pigment stability after harvest. Collectively, these advances establish a comprehensive framework linking molecular regulation with practical vineyard, breeding, and postharvest strategies, offering an integrated pathway to improve anthocyanin consistency, berry quality, and the phenolic characteristics of grape-derived products. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial by-products is of increasing importance within circular economy strategies. Aronia melanocarpa pomace, a by-product of juice production, represents a valuable source of polyphenols with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic formulations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different preservation methods on the polyphenolic composition of Aronia pomace and to optimize accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Pomace samples were subjected to drying, freeze-drying, freezing (−18 °C), and deep freezing (−80 °C). UAE was applied as a rapid screening method for polyphenol extraction, while ASE was used as an advanced technique for efficient recovery of target compounds. ASE parameters, including temperature (40–120 °C), methanol concentration (40–100%), and number of extraction cycles (1–3), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box–Behnken design. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using UHPLC–MS and HPLC–DAD. The developed models were statistically significant (p < 0.01) with high coefficients of determination (R² = 0.88–0.97). Temperature had a positive effect on phenolic acid extraction but negatively affected anthocyanins due to thermal degradation. Optimal extraction conditions differed between compound groups: phenolic acids were maximized at 120 °C and 75% methanol (two cycles), while anthocyanins required milder conditions (82 °C, 92% methanol, three cycles). Moreover, our study showed that drying significantly reduced the content of several compounds, particularly anthocyanins, whereas low-temperature methods had minimal impact. The results highlight the importance of tailored extraction strategies and support the sustainable utilization of Aronia pomace as a source of bioactive compounds. Full article

Anthocyanins are plant polyphenols widely regarded as antioxidants, yet they can exert concentration-dependent effects and act as pro-oxidants in specific contexts. Although their protective role in stressed testicular cells is established, their impact on Leydig cell steroidogenesis under non-pathological conditions remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how an anthocyanin-enriched fraction from Callistemon citrinus (0–1.00 μg/mL) affects androgen synthesis in murine TM3 Leydig cells. Cell viability, intracellular ROS, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function, androstenedione production, steroidogenic gene expression, and the exometabolome by ¹H-NMR were assessed. The fraction exhibited biphasic, dose-dependent effects. At 0.01 μg/mL, it induced a mitohormetic response, upregulating mitochondrial complexes III and V. Conversely, higher concentrations (0.10–1.00 μg/mL) reduced metabolic activity, increased intracellular ROS, and significantly suppressed androstenedione synthesis independently of Star. These concentrations also induced dose-dependent repression of Cyp17a1, concomitant with upregulation of Nr0b2, encoding the transcriptional repressor Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP). Overall, the data support a redox-dependent mechanism whereby elevated ROS promotes Nr0b2 expression, leading to Cyp17a1 suppression and impaired androstenedione production. These findings challenge the view of anthocyanins as uniformly beneficial for male fertility and identify Callistemon citrinus as a sustainable source of bioactive anthocyanins capable of modulating redox–endocrine homeostasis in a dose-dependent manner under basal conditions. Full article

Four sweet cherry cultivars (FuChen, Redlight, Huangmi, and Samituo) grown in northern China were used to produce sweet cherry wines with two alcohol levels. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and volatile aroma compounds of the wines were systematically investigated. The results showed that wine from the Redlight cultivar with an alcohol content of 11.22 ± 0.17% contained the highest phenolic content and also exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity as measured by DPPH and ABTS•⁺ assays. Meanwhile, wine from the FuChen cultivar with an alcohol content of 11.45 ± 0.03% had the highest anthocyanin content and showed the strongest FRAP antioxidant activity. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on electronic nose data clearly distinguished the eight sweet cherry wine samples from different cultivars. A total of 58 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Both principal component analysis (PCA) and OPLS-DA revealed clear differences among the sweet cherry wines based on their volatile composition. Using variable importance in projection (VIP) scores > 1 and relative odor activity values (ROAVs), the key aroma compounds contributing to the characteristic aroma profiles of the eight sweet cherry wines were identified as ethyl butanoate, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl hexanoate, methyl decanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, citronellol, and eugenol. These findings provide important guidance for the selection of raw materials to improve the production of sweet cherry wines with targeted alcohol levels. Full article

Grape pomace represents a widely available agro-industrial by-product in Chile with considerable potential for valorization within circular economy frameworks; however, its functionality as a cosmetic ingredient depends on both grape cultivar and processing strategy. In this study, the direct incorporation of solid grape pomace residues into cream formulations was first evaluated, revealing limitations related to color control, homogeneity, and sensory performance. Subsequently, the influence of varietal origin (Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache) on the extraction, stability, color behavior, and functional performance of anthocyanin-rich extracts was investigated for cosmetic applications. pH-standardized color analysis revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) varietal differences, with Malbec extracts showing superior chromatic stability under acidic and near-neutral conditions, exhibiting lower reduction in a* values across the pH range compared to other varieties. In contrast, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot showed a more pronounced decrease in red chromaticity, indicating higher sensitivity to pH-induced structural transformations. Although Merlot and Syrah exhibited higher ABTS antioxidant activity, Malbec presented the highest total phenolic content and the most balanced functional profile when considering both stability and color retention. Incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts into cosmetic cream formulations demonstrated that a 4.5% (m/v) loading ensured a skin-compatible pH (4.5–5.5), with Malbec-based creams exhibiting superior color stability and formulation performance over time. These findings demonstrate that grape pomace valorization requires variety-specific evaluation and identify extraction as a key enabling step for the development of sustainable, bio-based color-functional cosmetic ingredients. Full article

Walnut is an important nut with a rich nutritional profile and associated health benefits for the human body. B-box (BBX) proteins containing one or two BBX motifs play pivotal roles in plant growth and developmental processes; nevertheless, the functions of JrBBXs in walnut anthocyanin biosynthesis remain inadequately understood. In this study, 39 JrBBXs in red walnut ‘RW-1’ were identified, with phylogenetic analysis suggesting that they were divided into six classes based on the distribution of conserved domains and unevenly distributed on 14 chromosomes. Promoter analysis demonstrated that JrBBX promoters possessed an abundance of light responsiveness elements, ABA responsiveness elements, MYB binding sites and MYC binding sites. The transcriptome analysis results demonstrated that eight JrBBXs were differently expressed in normal green walnut ‘Zhonglin 1’ and red walnut ‘RW-1’ seed coats. Furthermore, qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that JrBBX3 exhibited lower expression during seed coat development in ‘RW-1’. Y1H (Yeast One-Hybrid) and LUC (dual-luciferase reporter) assays revealed that JrBBX3 directly inhibited the expression of JrUFGT5, considered a key anthocyanin biosynthesis structural gene in research. Subcellular localization analysis indicated both cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of JrBBX3. Transient overexpression of JrBBX3 in walnut leaves resulted in reduced JrUFGT5 expression and anthocyanin accumulation. Collectively, these findings revealed the negative regulation of JrBBX3 in red walnut anthocyanin biosynthesis, and provided a basis to further study the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanism of red walnut. Full article

Since ancient times, clays have been used to protect plants from insects and excessive sunlight. Today, their potential use is being re-evaluated as a tool to mitigate the effects of climate change and to manage emerging pests. This review synthesizes and compares findings from studies conducted in different regions of the world. Kaolin forms a reflective film on leaves and fruits, lowering tissue temperature. In warm climates, this temperature reduction can contribute to improved physiological parameters including net assimilation and water use efficiency; however, these responses are strongly influenced by additional factors. It may also affect some oenological characteristics of grapes (acidity, pH, and phenol content, particularly anthocyanins), thereby improving the overall chemical composition of grapes and wines, particularly in terms of acidity, pH and phenolic content. In addition, kaolin has been shown to reduce damage caused by the grape leafhopper (Empoasca vitis, Jacobiasca lybica, among others) to levels comparable to those achieved with synthetic pesticides. However, responses vary depending on different factors, such as application timing, dose, cultivar and climate. Overall, kaolin represents a sustainable strategy for mitigating climate change effects on fruit quality and for supporting ecological pest management. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents for extracting phenolic compounds from plant materials. However, their effectiveness depends on both solvent composition and the botanical matrix. This study examined water, ethanol, and choline chloride–urea (CCU) and choline chloride–glycerol (CCG) systems containing 30% or 60% NADES for the extraction of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) from cornflower, safflower, and pomegranate flowers. Pomegranate flowers exhibited the highest levels of anthocyanins, total phenolics, and antioxidants, while safflower showed the highest total flavonoid content. Overall, the 60% NADES formulations delivered the best extraction results, whereas ethanol had the lowest overall efficiency. A combined heatmap analyzing all responses identified 60% CCU and 60% CCG as the most effective solvents across all tested materials. Anthocyanin stability in pomegranate flower extracts was further evaluated over 8 weeks at 4 and 20 °C. First-order kinetic analysis revealed that ethanol and 60% CCG maintained the highest anthocyanin stability, whereas 60% CCU exhibited the lowest stability, especially at 20 °C. These findings support the use of NADES as efficient solvents for floral bioactives, while indicating that the highest extraction yield does not necessarily correlate with the best storage stability. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

Inking disorder is a peach quality defect in which fruits manifest a dark epidermis discoloration; this disorder reduces the commercial value of peach fruits. In red pigmented peach fruit, it has been proposed that inking is associated with mechanical damage and reactions involving metal ions (Fe, Cu, and Zn) and anthocyanins, but in yellow peach cultivars inking mechanism is unknown. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of mechanical damage and contamination with Fe metal ions in the development of inking disorder in three yellow peach cultivars. The present study revealed that Fe₂(SO₄)₃ application increased total phenolic content and chlorogenic acid levels in all cultivars but did not induce inking symptoms in the absence of mechanical damage. In contrast, brushing treatments triggered inking development in ‘Colegio’ and ‘MG8’, allowing differentiation of cultivar susceptibility, whereas ‘229’ showed complete resistance. Mechanical damage also significantly increased phenolic compounds, as well as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities, with higher levels consistently observed in susceptible cultivars. Notably, the severity of inking increased when mechanical damage was combined with Fe(III) application. These results indicate that inking development requires both phenolic accumulation and their enzymatic oxidation. Fe(III) ions act as an enhancing factor by stimulating phenolic biosynthesis, thereby intensifying discoloration. The resistance observed in cv. ‘229’ is associated with lower phenolic synthesis and oxidative activity. This study provides new insights into the physiological mechanisms of inking in yellow peaches and offers practical implications for postharvest management and cultivar selection. Full article

Onion peel represents a valuable food by-product rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Building on previous phytochemical investigations, an onion peel extract from the Rossadi Tropea variety was developed as a standardized bioactive ingredient (OPI-T), defined by flavonol (quercetin and its glycosylated and oxidized derivatives) and anthocyanin (cyanidin derivatives) markers, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, and evaluated for its potential against hepatic steatosis. The present study aimed to assess the protective effects of OPI-T against palmitate-induced steatosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, a widely used in vitro model of hepatic lipid accumulation. An onion peel extract derived from the Ramata di Montoro variety was included as a natural negative reference to account for varietal variability. HepG2 cells were co-treated with palmitate (500 µM) and OPI-T (25 or 50 µg/mL). Lipid accumulation was evaluated by Oil Red O and BODIPY staining, while oxidative stress was assessed by the DCF assay. Mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy were investigated through the analysis of key protein markers, including MFN2, DRP1, SQSTM1/p62 and LC3 II/I. OPI-T significantly attenuated palmitate-induced lipid accumulation (−18%) and reduced intracellular ROS production (−75%), while modulating mitochondrial dynamics toward a reduced fission phenotype with a marked increase in the MFN2/DRP1 ratio (1.66) and improving autophagy flux. In contrast, the Ramata di Montoro variety showed weaker or inconsistent effects under the same experimental conditions. Overall, these findings support the functional validation of a standardized onion peel-derived ingredient, highlighting its potential application as a bioactive component for functional food or nutraceutical development targeting hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress. Full article

Agri-food processing in Europe generates large quantities of organic residues that remain insufficiently valorized despite their significant biochemical potential. Among these, wastes derived from root vegetables and anthocyanin-rich crops represent a distinct category of non-lignocellulosic biomass characterized by high moisture content, low lignin levels, and substantial concentrations of fermentable carbohydrates and bioactive compounds. This review provides a systematic overview of the origin, composition, and valorization potential of these residues, as well as extraction methods, with particular emphasis on root vegetable processing wastes and pigment-rich agri-food by-products. Valorization options are discussed within an integrated biorefinery perspective, particularly for specific compositional characteristics of the investigated waste streams related to suitable recovery strategies, followed by the conversion of post-extraction residues into secondary products and bioenergy. These options are evaluated in relation to the origin, biochemical profile, and valorization potential of each waste stream, as detailed in the dedicated sections of the review. Cascading utilization strategies are highlighted as a means to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental burdens compared to single-route treatment options. By integrating information on feedstock characteristics and processing pathways, this review contributes to a better understanding of non-lignocellulosic agri-food wastes and supports the development of sustainable valorization strategies in the European circular bioeconomy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale), an endangered ornamental and medicinal orchid, displays significant variability in its bioactive compounds depending on geographical and environmental factors. To decipher these influences, we investigated metabolic divergence across three cultivars (GN, LS, DX) cultivated in greenhouse and outdoor conditions using untargeted metabolomics. Methods: Metabolites extracted from stem and leaf tissues were analyzed via UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS, and the raw data were processed using XCMS for peak alignment and quantification. Differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were identified by multivariate statistical analyses including PCA and OPLS-DA. Metabolic pathways were annotated using KEGG, HMDB, and LIPID Maps databases, with enrichment analysis and visualization performed via TBtools II and Hiplot. Results: Metabolite profiling and multivariate analysis revealed distinct chemotypes. The DX cultivar exhibited anthocyanin enrichment in its stems, correlating with a red pigmentation, while GN accumulated specific amino acid derivatives. Tissue-specific metabolic specialization was evident, with leaves displaying greater flavonoid diversity and stems prioritizing lipid and amino acid metabolism. Outdoor cultivation enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas greenhouse conditions favored alkaloid accumulation. Functional analysis identified both conserved pathways, like phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and varietal-specific adaptations in amino acid and secondary metabolism. Notably, alkaloid levels declined sharply during plant defoliation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that environmental factors and geographical origin synergistically shape the metabolic profiles of D. officinale. This provides a scientific basis for optimizing cultivation strategies—through targeted environmental adjustments and varietal selection—to enhance the yield of desired bioactive compounds. Full article

Saskatoon berry (SB), a traditional food of Indigenous people, has been associated with cardiometabolic benefits in animal models; however, its effects on humans remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of dried SB consumption on cardiometabolic outcomes, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles in healthy adults. In a 10-week, single-arm, and open-label trial, 20 healthy adults consumed 40 g/day of freeze-dried whole SB. Biochemical measures, physical exams, dietary records, participant feedback, and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota composition and fecal SCFAs were profiled using 16S-rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. SB intake significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-c), systolic blood pressure, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while increasing dietary fiber intake. Fiber intake was negatively correlated with TC, LDL-c and non-HDL-c (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of fecal Prevotellaceae increased after SB consumption and was positively correlated with multiple fecal SCFAs (p < 0.05–0.0001), while being negatively associated with lipid profiles and blood pressure. No adverse cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal dysfunction were observed; however, the significant increase in sugar intake may pose a risk for elevated blood glucose. Therefore, limiting other high-sugar foods during SB supplementation may be advisable for individuals with glucose intolerance. Overall, SB intake improved glucose and lipid metabolism and lowered blood pressure and inflammatory markers in healthy adults. These cardiometabolic benefits may be mediated by fiber and anthocyanins in SB and through modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA production; however, further confirmation is needed in subsequent randomized controlled trials. Full article