Search Results (291)

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article

Wild edible fruit plants are integral to the cultural, nutritional, medicinal, and economic practices of Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, a region characterized by plateau and lowland topography and a tropical monsoon climate. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, phenology, and conservation status of these species to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Field surveys and ethnobotanical interviews with 200 informants (100 men, 100 women; random ages) were conducted across 20 local communities to identify species diversity and usage patterns, while phenological observations and conservation assessments were performed to understand reproductive cycles and species vulnerability between January and December 2023. A total of 68 species from 32 families were recorded, with peak flowering in March–April and fruiting in May–June. Analyses of Species Use Value (0.19–0.48) and Relative Frequency of Citation (0.15–0.44) identified key species with significant roles in food security and traditional medicine. Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44). Informant consensus on medicinal applications was strong for ailments such as gastrointestinal and lymphatic disorders. Economically important species were also identified, with some contributing notable income through local trade. Conservation proposed one species as Critically Endangered and several others as Vulnerable. The results highlight the need for integrated conservation strategies, including community-based initiatives and recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local livelihoods. Full article

Masting, or the synchronous and intermittent production of seeds, can have profound consequences for Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) tree populations and the trophic webs that depend on their mass flowering and seeds. Over the past 80 years, the importance of Fagus mexicana Martínez (Mexican beech) masting has become apparent in terms of conservation and management, promoting regeneration, and conserving endangered tree species, as well as the conscientious development of edible beechnuts as a non-timber forest product. The establishment of the relict-endemic Mexican beech is unknown, and several microenvironmental factors could influence natural regeneration. Thus, this study was conducted in two well-preserved Mexican beech forests to assess the influence of light incidence and soil moisture on the natural germination and seedling establishment of beeches. During two masting years (2017 and 2024), we assessed in situ beechnut germination and establishment. We tested the effect of the microenvironment of the oldest beeches on beechnut germination and seedling establishment. Our study highlights the complexity of the microenvironment of old beeches influencing the early stages of establishment and provides insights into possible conservation actions aimed at mitigating the impact of environmental change and humans. Full article

Edible flowers are gaining recognition as rich sources of nutrients and phytochemicals. In Mexico, the flower of Agave inaequidens has been traditionally consumed since pre-Hispanic times. This study investigated its nutritional profile and the in vitro gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of its phenolic fraction. During in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal), the total phenolic content of A. inaequidens significantly decreased from 138 to 21 mg GAE/100 g DW (15.22% bioaccessibility), while total flavonoid content dropped from 8 to 4.6 mg CE/100 g DW (57.5% bioaccessibility). Consequently, antioxidant activity, assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and hemolysis inhibition assays, also declined post-digestion. Interestingly, the digestive process modulated the flower’s inhibitory activity against digestive enzymes before and after in vitro digestion: α-amylase inhibition slightly decreased (IC₅₀ 1.8 to 2.1 mg/mL), but α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 2.7 to 1.6 mg/mL) and lipase (IC₅₀ > 3 to 1.4 mg/mL) inhibition increased. The A. inaequidens flower is a good source of fiber and low in fat. These findings underscore its potential as a functional food ingredient, offering bioaccessible phenolic compounds with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

The garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) is increasingly consumed worldwide due to its culinary appeal and perceived health benefits. However, the chemical markers underlying its functional properties remain insufficiently characterized. Building on evidence from a recent human pilot study confirming both high acceptability and dietary safety, we conducted a comprehensive volatilomic and phytochemical analysis of T. majus flowers and their juice. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was employed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of floral tissues and juice. Our analysis revealed a striking dominance of benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile, which together accounted for 88% of the total volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) in the juice, 67% and 21%, respectively. In the floral tissues, benzyl isothiocyanate was even more prevalent, representing 95% of the total volatile profile. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed a substantial total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity in the flowers. These findings provide a robust chemical rationale for the potential health-promoting attributes of T. majus, while identifying key volatilomic markers that could support future functional and safety claims. In parallel, a benefit–risk assessment framework is discussed in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) of edible flowers. Given that both benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile are classified as Cramer Class III substances, a conservative intake threshold of 1.5 μg/kg body weight per day is proposed. To enable quantitative exposure modeling and support the derivation of a tolerable daily intake (TDI), future studies should integrate organic solvent-based extraction methodologies to estimate the total volatile load per gram of floral biomass. This would align risk–benefit assessments with the EFSA’s evolving framework for novel foods and functional ingredients. Full article

Black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a temperate shrub with flowers and fruits that are edible after processing. This species is not yet widely known in the global agricultural sector, but its adaptability and drought tolerance may generate more interest in this crop. Our study aimed to find suitable micropropagation techniques for the black elder ‘Albida’ and compare suitable statistical methods for evaluating multiplication and rooting. For micropropagation, we tested the Murashige and Skoog (MS) growth medium with selected auxins and cytokinins. Five proliferation MS media containing 1, 2, and 4 mg/L BAP or 0.5 and 1 mg/L TDZ were tested. To induce root formation, three types of auxins were tested at a concentration of 1 mg/L in a 50% MS medium: IBA, IAA, and NAA. Data analysis was performed using different parametric and nonparametric tests to robustly capture the effects of treatments across varying distributional scenarios in developing explants subjected to the interactions of internal native and externally added plant growth regulators. The average multiplication rate ranged from 1.6 to 2.0 shoots per explant. High multiplication was recorded on the MS medium with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine. The root number per rooted explant was highly variable, ranging from 3.0 to 12.0 roots per explant. The highest average root number result was observed when 1 mg/L α-naphthalenacetic acid was used. All rooted plants were successfully acclimated to normal growing conditions. This in vitro propagation protocol allows for the production of hundreds to thousands of rooted plants from one initial explant within one year, enabling faster introduction to the agronomic sector. Full article

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), an edible and medicinal flower, faces challenges in yield uniformity and quality stability under open-field cultivation. Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) are highly controlled systems that enable year-round production, efficient resource use, and consistent crop quality, making them promising for the cultivation for calendula. To optimize calendula cultivation in PFALs, this study investigates the effects of far-red (FR) light and nutrient solution modification on calendula growth, flowering, and nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The experiment was conducted using a dwarf calendula cultivar, ‘Orange Gem’. After transplanting, seedlings were subjected to a 2 × 3 factorial design comprising white (W) and end-of-day far-red (EOD-FR) lighting, in combination with three ammonium (NH₄⁺) levels (1/3×, 1×, and 3× of the Enshi formula). The EOD-FR lighting and the increase in the NH₄⁺ level resulted in taller plants and earlier first flower appearance. The shoot fresh and dry weight, the number of flowers, and the flower yield also increased under the higher NH₄⁺ concentration, regardless of the light treatment. The 3× NH₄⁺ treatment tended to enhance the nutrient absorption, leading to the highest nutrient use efficiency (NUE) based on the flower yield. These findings suggest that the application of EOD-FR lighting and high NH₄⁺ in nutrient solution can improve calendula productivity and resource-use efficiency in PFALs. Full article

The genus Pistacia from the Anacardiaceae family contains species of wild flowering plants. The only species that produces edible nuts large enough for commercial sale is P. vera L. (pistachio). Other species, such as P. terebinthus L., P. atlantica L., and P. khinjuk, are used as pistachio rootstocks. Pistacia species include phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins, which are responsible for a number of pharmacological properties. The species most commonly investigated for their anticancer and/or cytotoxic activities against cancer cells in experimental studies include P. lentiscus, P. atlantica subspecies, and P. chinensis subsp. integerrima. However, no review exists that evaluates the phenolic compounds of three other Pistacia species (P. vera L., P. terebinthus L., and P. khinjuk) and their anticancer and cytotoxic effects. Thus, this review aims to thoroughly assess the phenolic compounds that were isolated from these species and investigate any potential anticancer or cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The findings show that pistacia species and their isolated phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and essential oils) from different plant parts have anticancer activity against lung, cervical, prostate, gastric, colon, liver, renal, skin, and breast cancer cells. Additionally, certain phenolic compounds from pistacia species have cytotoxic activity; however, the degree of toxicity may vary based on the dosage and duration of use. Further experiments are required to fully understand the possible mechanisms underlying the anticancer and cytotoxic effects of pistacia species and their phenolic compounds on cancer cells. Full article

Capparis spinosa is an edible plant with a long history in the Mediterranean region since antiquity. Its flower buds and leaves are mostly consumed salted or fermented (in vinegar) and are rarely eaten raw or dried. For the first time, caper samples subjected to different preservation processes (dried, salted, and desalted) were studied, foraged from the most producing Cycladic islands in Greece (Sifnos, Serifos, and Tinos). The quantitative determination of the flavonoids rutin and quercetin was carried out using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), revealing the abundance of rutin in the buds and leaves (9.26–76.85 mg/g dry extract). Only one sample of desalted buds from Serifos showed a sufficient amount of quercetin (2.88 mg/g dry extract). The determination of total phenolic content (TPC) showed a decrease during brine (salted) preservation (11.7–37.7 mg GAE/g extract) compared to air-dried samples (50.9–62.4 mg GAE/g extract). The DPPH evaluation (8.0–35.2% inhibition at 200 μg/mL) was in agreement with the TPC results. All extracts showed stronger activity against Gram positive bacteria and the human pathogenic fungi C. glabrata. The samples from Sifnos exerted better bioactivities, with air-drying being the most effective preservation process in terms of antioxidant properties and phenolic content, although it resulted in a more bitter taste. Due to its high economic value, the caper holds great potential for further exploitation through better established and optimized processes in the food industry. Full article

Edible flowers have been used since ancient times directly as food, flavoring agents, and garnish in food products, and are now reappearing in modern cuisine. Edible flowers have gained popularity due to changing consumer habits focused on healthier food options. In addition to contributing to the esthetics and flavor of various dishes, edible flowers are now recognized for their nutritional value, as they contain bioactive components with different health benefits. However, a significant concern regarding edible flowers is the potential contamination by undesirable microorganisms. Since edible flowers are often consumed fresh or minimally processed, they can pose a microbiological risk. Edible flowers may be susceptible to contamination by various pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, mycotoxin-producing fungi, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, or Fusarium, can be found in various flowers. Good agricultural practices, hygienic handling, and appropriate storage are essential to reduce contamination and guarantee the safe consumption of edible flowers. Since current investigations on the microbiological safety aspects of edible flowers are scarce, this review aims to provide an overview of the consumption of edible flowers and a discussion of their uses, health benefits, and risks, focusing on microbiological aspects. Full article

The flowers of Santolina chamaecyparissus have a distinct aroma and taste, with a wide range of applications in medicine, food, and packaging. Its essential oil offers numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. Additionally, it is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages and as a natural preservative in edible coatings for food packaging. This study investigates the chemical composition and sensory properties of the S. chamaecyparissus essential oil from Serbia, obtained via hydrodistillation, and includes a literature-based analysis of the existing profiles. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed for identifying the essential oil composition, while chemometric techniques like the genetic algorithm (GA), quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) analysis, artificial neural network (ANN), and molecular descriptors were applied to ensure accurate and reliable results for authenticating the oil. Among the 47 identified compounds, oxygenated monoterpenes, especially artemisia ketone (36.11%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, notably vulgarone B (22.13%), were the primary constituents. Chemometric analysis proved effective in predicting the oil’s composition, and sensory evaluation revealed a herbal aroma with earthy, woody, and camphoraceous notes. A literature review highlighted the variability in oil composition due to geographical, environmental, and extraction factors, underscoring its chemical diversity, bioactivity, and potential applications. Full article

Edible chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.), widely consumed in Asia, is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids. Optimizing cultivation temperature is critical for maximizing both yield and quality, especially under the challenges posed by climate change. This study evaluated the growth performance, photosynthetic characteristics, and metabolite accumulation of the ‘Taiwan Hangju No. 1’ variety under five day/night temperature regimes (15/13 °C, 20/15 °C, 25/20 °C, 30/25 °C, and 35/30 °C) over a 220-day period in an artificial climate greenhouse. The 25/20 °C regime promoted the best overall growth, with the highest yields of bud-leaves and flowers, and supported the highest net photosynthetic rate, indicating optimal carbon assimilation under moderate temperatures. In contrast, stomatal conductance, respiration rate, and transpiration rate increased with temperature, peaking at 35/30 °C. Water use efficiency was greatest at 15/13 °C. Bioactive compound accumulation exhibited complex and organ-specific responses to temperature. The concentration of polyphenols, luteolin, and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (CQAs) increased with temperature in both bud-leaves and flowers, free amino acids decreased in bud-leaves with rising temperature, reaching a peak at 15/13 °C, and flavonoid concentration peaked at 35/30 °C. In flowers, free amino acids accumulated most at 20/15 °C, and flavonoids peaked at 25/20 °C. The differing yields of bud-leaves and flowers under various temperature conditions contributed to variation in the total content of functional compounds. Except for free amino acids, the total of other functional compounds in bud-leaves was highest at 30/25 °C. The total content of all functional compounds in flowers was highest at 25/20 °C. This study demonstrated that 25/20 °C provides the best balance between growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and accumulation of key bioactive compounds and is therefore recommended as the optimal cultivation temperature for ‘Taiwan Hangju No. 1’. These findings reveal temperature-dependent and organ-specific metabolic adjustments, suggesting that moderate warming may enhance crop quality if managed carefully. The results provide a scientific basis for climate-adaptive cultivation strategies of edible chrysanthemums in subtropical regions. Full article

Given the transformation that gastronomy has undergone in recent years, there is a need to characterize some new foods that are being incorporated into the modern diet. Among them, edible flowers stand out, which are used today not only to enhance the organoleptic properties of gourmet dishes but also for some of the beneficial properties they provide to human health. In this study, the volatilomic fingerprint of seven edible flowers that are used daily in Michelin-starred restaurants on Madeira Island was established. For this purpose, the extraction of volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) was carried out using the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed a wide variability among the analyzed flowers. While fewer VOMs were detected in some flowers, other flowers, such as Viola tricolor and Rosa spp., exhibited a greater number of these compounds. Acmella oleracea had the highest number of detected VOMs. Each of these VOMs contributes to the characteristic aroma representative of the respective flower, highlighting their potential health benefits, as some are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even anticancer properties. Full article

Brassica species evolved through recurrent polyploidization and chromosomal rearrangements, forming diploid progenitors that hybridize into allopolyploids. These plants exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with specialized edible organs including leaf-, stem-, root-, and oil-type cultivars, yet cross-species multi-organ transcriptomic studies elucidating their gene expression similarities and divergences remain lacking. To address this gap, we analyzed publicly available transcriptomes (downloaded from NCBI SRA) from eight organs (embryo, seed coat, silique, root, stem, leaf, flower and seedling) across six U’s Triangle species (Brassica rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. napus, B. carinata), revealing that (1) reproductive organs show higher gene expression conservation (GEC), particularly embryos (p < 0.05); (2) lineage-specific subgenome dominance patterns (BnaC/BjuB/BcaC) persist across organs; and (3) ancestral subgenomes functionally specialize, with MF2-subgenome transcription factors (YABBY/GRF) regulating embryogenesis and LF/MF1-subgenome MYBs controlling seed coat development. Comparative analyses demonstrate floral GEC exceeds that of the Arabidopsis thaliana homologs, while also exhibiting seed-specific divergence patterns. This study establishes a comprehensive Brassica multispecies expression atlas, elucidating organ-specific evolutionary conservation principles and providing molecular insights into subgenome functional partitioning, which offers valuable perspectives for understanding Brassica evolutionary mechanisms and crop improvement strategies. Full article

The globular buds and stems are the main edible organs of broccoli. Bolting is an important agronomic trait, and the timing of its occurrence is particularly critical when breeding and domesticating broccoli. The molecular mechanism that regulates broccoli bolting time is not well-understood. In this study, the apical flower bud and leaf tissues of two broccoli varieties with different bolting intensities were selected for metabolome and transcriptome analyses. In the apical flower buds of early-bolting B2554 and late-bolting B2557, 1094 differentially expressed genes and 206 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified. In the leaves, 487 differentially expressed genes and 40 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified. In the floral pathway, the expression of FLC (FLOWERING LOCUS C) was significantly upregulated, and that of FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) was significantly downregulated in the late-bolting plants, indicating their possible role in suppressing bolting. In addition, significant differences were identified in the sucrose synthesis and transport, hormone synthesis, and signal transduction processes in early-bolting B2554 and late-bolting B2557. Sucrose accumulation in the leaves and apical flower buds of the early-bolting plants was about 1.3 times higher than in the late-bolting plants. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in the apical flower buds of the late-bolting plants was more than twice that in the early-bolting plants. Jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation in the apical flower buds of the late-bolting plants was more than ten times higher than in the early-bolting plants. Phenolic acids may affect the bolting time of broccoli. This study offers new insights into the regulation mechanism of broccoli bolting and provides some potential molecular targets to include in breeding methods that regulate bolting time. Full article