Search Results (2,160)

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

The instability of pigments and non-quantitative indication limit the application of intelligent labels in food freshness monitoring. Natural anthocyanins face challenges including photodegradation and difficulty in quantifying shrimp freshness. To solve these problems, this study prepared a colorimetric intelligent label with UV-shielding and real-time monitoring functions. Carbon-coated nano-TiO₂ (C-TiO₂) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and combined with blueberry anthocyanins (BAs) in an agarose (AG)/gellan gum (GG)/glycerol matrix. The label properties were characterized and a remaining shelf-life prediction model was established based on the correlation between label color difference (ΔE) and shrimp total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). The results demonstrated that C-TiO₂ could enhance compatibility and color stability, and maintain mechanical properties. After 24 h of ultraviolet irradiation, the BA degradation rate was 98.4% in the GAB group and 62.8% in the GABT-0.05 group, representing a reduction of 35.6% compared to the former. This indicates that the addition of C-TiO₂ significantly enhanced photostability. The predictive model demonstrated an error below 10% at both 10 °C and 20 °C conditions, indicating its potential for shelf-life prediction applications. This dual-functional label provides a reliable method for visual and quantitative evaluation of shrimp freshness. Full article

Plum fruits are a valuable raw material to produce fermented beverages and a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, information on changes in phenolic composition during plum wine production is still limited. In this study, the evolution of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity during maceration and fermentation of wine from the ‘Stanley’ cultivar was investigated. Total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically, while individual compounds were identified by HPLC–DAD analysis. Eleven phenolic compounds were detected, including anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols. Neochlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and rutin were the predominant compounds in fruits and wines. Phenolic content in plum skin was more than twofold higher than in whole fruit (445.20 vs. 198.32 mg GAE/100 g FW), with markedly higher anthocyanins (180.08 vs. 36.73 mg CGE/100 g FW), while juice showed much lower levels (89.32 mg GAE/L and 1.08 mg CGE/L). Maceration increased phenolic content and antioxidant activity, whereas fermentation led to a gradual decrease in most compounds, likely due to polymerization and degradation reactions. The wine produced contained 10.80 ± 0.15% (v/v) ethanol. Principal component analysis differentiated samples according to phenolic profile and fermentation stage. Full article

Despite Morocco’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest berry exporter, no comprehensive review has evaluated the polyphenol composition, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of raspberries (Rubus idaeus), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) specifically within the Moroccan cultivation context. This narrative review synthesized evidence from phytochemical analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and epidemiological data sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Blackberries exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (149 μmol GAE/L) and antioxidant capacity, driven primarily by anthocyanin concentration and diversity. Antioxidant mechanisms included free radical scavenging, transition metal chelation, and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Pooled RCT data demonstrated that regular consumption (150–300 g/day) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (−2.72 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (−0.21 mmol/L), and fasting glucose (−2.70 mg/dL). Additional benefits included neuroprotection via blood-brain barrier crossing and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) elevation, prebiotic modulation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia populations, and anti-cancer activity via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition. Processing significantly affected bioactive retention: freezing preserved phenolic compounds effectively, while conventional drying reduced anthocyanin content by up to 49%. These findings support the integration of Moroccan-cultivated berries—particularly from the Gharb, Loukkos, and Souss-Massa regions—into evidence-based dietary and functional food strategies. Priority research gaps include bioavailability assessment, dose-response characterization, and cultivar-specific phytochemical profiling under Moroccan agro-climatic conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory mediators within the tumor microenvironment contribute to lung cancer progression by enhancing cellular motility and invasive capacity through cytokine-dependent signaling networks. Modulation of these inflammation-associated pathways by dietary bioactive compounds may provide complementary strategies for limiting cancer aggressiveness. Our objective was to examine the inhibitory effects of a cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)-rich fraction from Kum Akha pigmented black rice (CKAB-P1) on inflammation-stimulated A549 cancer cell progression. Methods: CKAB-P1 was obtained through solvent-partition extraction and chemically characterized using the pH differential method and high-performance liquid chromatography. A549 cells were pretreated with CKAB-P1 or C3G, followed by stimulation with conditioned medium predominantly containing IL-6 and IL-1β derived from LPS-exposed THP-1 macrophages (THP-1-CS). Effects on cancer cell migration and invasion were evaluated using wound-healing, Transwell invasion, gelatin zymography, and Western blot analyses. Results: CKAB-P1 contained 106.62 ± 3.54 mg/g extract of total anthocyanins, with C3G representing the major constituent (59.42 ± 2.54 mg/g extract). Exposure of THP-1-CS stimulated migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer, and neutralization of IL-6 and IL-1β reduced these pro-migratory effects, confirming cytokine involvement. Treatment with CKAB-P1 (10–40 μg/mL) or C3G (2.5–20 μg/mL) markedly attenuated inflammation-enhanced migration and invasion (p < 0.05). A reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, along with decreased expression of invasion-associated protein expressions (uPA, uPAR, and MT1-MMP), was observed. Furthermore, both CKAB-P1 and C3G attenuated phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3. Conclusions: These findings suggest that anthocyanin-enriched black rice fraction may limit inflammation-driven A549 lung cancer cell aggressiveness through modulation of the cytokine-driven JAK1/STAT3 signaling cascade, indicating its potential relevance as a bioactive dietary component targeting tumor-associated inflammatory signaling. Full article

Antioxidants play an essential role in human health by reducing damage caused by free radicals. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and the antioxidant capacity of two sour cherry cultivars (Cigánymeggy, Oblacsinszka) grown under conventional and organic production systems were evaluated over two consecutive years at different stages of ripening. Results showed that the concentrations of different antioxidant compounds varied during ripening, but more significant differences were observed between the growing seasons, whereas no significant differences were found between the investigated genotypes or cultivation methods. In 2024, total polyphenol values during the harvest period ranged from 1116.33 to 1874.39 mg GAE/100 g DM, while in 2025 they ranged from 909.81 to 1668.96 mg GAE/100 g DM. Polyphenol profile analysis showed that the main polyphenolic compounds of sour cherries, including cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-sophoroside, were detected in both years, indicating that the major anthocyanin components were consistently present despite harvesting year effects. Full article

Alternative substrates to traditional Camellia sinensis tea are increasingly investigated to diversify kombucha and enhance its functional properties. This review synthesizes evidence (2020–2025) on how non-tea substrates influence microbial ecology, metabolite composition, and bioactivity of kombucha. A semi-systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and publisher platforms identified studies on fruit, vegetable, herbal, algal, cereal, dairy, and food-industry by-product substrates reporting compositional or functional outcomes. Extracted data included substrate characteristics, fermentation conditions, SCOBY features, analytical methods, and reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, probiotic, and dermatological effects. Fermentation often leads to an increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. These effects are highly dependent on fermentation conditions, particularly duration and substrate composition. In some cases, prolonged fermentation may result in phenolic degradation or transformation, leading to reduced levels of certain compounds. Fruit- and hibiscus-based systems enhanced anthocyanin-driven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Vegetable and cereal substrates supplied phenolic acids and β-glucans associated with metabolic regulation and gut health, whereas by-products and algal fermentations supported waste valorization and enrichment in chlorogenic acids, pigments, fibers, and peptides. Despite promising functionality, substantial inter-study variability and limited in vivo validation and the lack of standardized fermentation protocols constrain translational application. In addition, the inherent variability in SCOBY microbial composition represents a major source of inconsistency, as differences in microbial communities can significantly influence fermentation dynamics, metabolite profiles, and functional outcomes. Full article

Berberis darwinii is a native Chilean berry distributed across contrasting agro-ecological zones, highlighting its broad ecological amplitude and agronomic relevance. The objective of this study was to identify productive, functional, and balanced elite accessions of B. darwinii by integrating phenotypic, fruit quality, nutritional, and antioxidant traits under contrasting water availability. Ninety-six accessions were evaluated in a common-garden experiment over two consecutive growing seasons (irrigated and rainfed) for morphological, productive, and fruit quality traits. Substantial variation was observed in plant height, shoot number, leaf area, and spine density. Across seasons, some accessions combined high yields (up to 8.5 t ha⁻¹), fruit diameters exceeding 8 mm, and elevated soluble solids (up to 33 °Brix). Because water regime, season, and plant age were not experimentally separated, these contrasts indicate adaptive performance under contrasting water availability rather than direct irrigation effects. Functional analyses revealed high biochemical diversity, with total polyphenols reaching 18,168.7 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ dry weight, anthocyanins up to 5747.7 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside 100 g⁻¹ dry weight, and ORAC values up to 35.4 mmol Trolox 100 g⁻¹ fresh weight. Multivariate analyses supported the selection of elite candidates for low-input domestication and functional ingredient development. This integrated common-garden framework links intra-specific phenotypic variation with phenolic/antioxidant diversity, supporting trait-based selection and interpretation of stress-associated secondary metabolism. Full article

Phosphorus (P) deficiency severely limits the growth and yield of crop plants, and anthocyanin accumulation is a key adaptive physiological response to low-P stress. However, the role of MYB transcription factors in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis under P-deficient conditions and the application of favorable haplotypes in foxtail millet low-P tolerance breeding remain unclear. Here, we performed genome-wide identification of SiMYB genes, elucidated their evolutionary characteristics, and identified key members regulating anthocyanin accumulation under P deficiency to provide genetic resources and a theoretical basis for foxtail millet molecular breeding aimed at improving nutrient use efficiency. Specifically, a total of 229 SiMYB genes were identified in the foxtail millet genome and classified into three subgroups, with the R2R3-MYB subfamily accounting for 59.8%. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses across 15 plant species revealed diverse divergence times and complex relationships, with 29 R2R3-MYB genes showing conserved collinearity with rice and maize orthologs. Association analysis using 196 foxtail millet accessions showed that 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 16 SiMYB genes were significantly associated with leaf anthocyanin content under P deficiency (p < 0.001). Notably, the SiMYB169 gene exhibited differential tissue expression and was highly upregulated in the leaves of a P-tolerant genotype after 24 h of P deficiency treatment. Furthermore, accessions carrying the favorable G allele of SiMYB169 showed significantly higher anthocyanin accumulation under P deficiency (p < 0.01). Network prediction analysis found that SiMYB169 interacted with key genes and multiple transcription factors in the biosynthesis pathway of anthocyanin. These findings highlight SiMYB169 as an evolutionarily conserved regulator that modulated anthocyanin biosynthesis under P-deficient conditions. Full article

This study comprehensively characterized the chemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties of wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices collected from three regions of Herzegovina (Ljubuški, Neum, and Stolac). Juices obtained by mechanical pressing of fully ripe fruits were analyzed for total acidity, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids, density, total phenolics, flavonoids, non-flavonoid phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Statistically significant regional differences (p < 0.05) were observed for all analyzed parameters. Total phenolic content ranged from 807.78 mg/L in Stolac to 998.01 mg/L in Ljubuški. Flavonoid concentrations were high across all samples, ranging from 718.60 mg/L (Stolac) to 734.71 mg/L (Neum), with no pronounced differences among locations. In contrast, non-flavonoid phenols showed marked regional variability, with values of 89.18 mg/L in Stolac, 167.11 mg/L in Neum, and 271.14 mg/L in Ljubuški. Anthocyanin content ranged from 463.51 to 681.83 mg/L, with the highest concentrations recorded in Stolac. Ascorbic acid content (79.61–96.31 mg/100 g) exceeded most values reported for cultivated pomegranate varieties. Antioxidant activity varied significantly among samples and showed strong positive correlations with total phenolic content, particularly in the FRAP and DPPH assays. The results confirm that wild pomegranate juices from Herzegovina are characterized by a rich phenolic composition and high antioxidant potential. Full article

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) processing is characterized by early biomass exclusion and thermal stabilization, which may limit in-process retention of phytochemicals. This study evaluated an integrated sequence combining Flash Vacuum Expansion (FVE) under different processing conditions with whey protein-based cryostructuring as a strategy to enhance the redistribution and structural immobilization of tamarillo bioactives. FVE promoted migration of phenolics and pigments prior to mechanical fractionation. Selected FVE-treated puree was incorporated into a whey protein matrix and subjected to cryostructuring and freeze-drying to generate a porous stabilization scaffold. Structural characterization by scanning electron microscopy and gas adsorption confirmed the formation of an interconnected porous matrix. Cryostructuring reduced water activity to 0.17 ± 0.01 and produced high porosity (91.9%) with low bulk density (0.109 g·cm⁻³). Total phenolic retention exceeded 83%, while anthocyanins showed greater sensitivity (46% retention). No statistically significant additional losses of phenolics or antioxidant activity were observed during cryostructuring relative to gelation. The integrated approach illustrates a process-level stabilization pathway in which redistributed phytochemicals are physically confined within a porous scaffold, providing a structurally differentiated alternative to conventional drying for improved in-stream resource utilization. Full article

‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranate is highly valued for its sweet flavor but faces significant commercial hurdles due to pale coloration and sensitivity to postharvest disorders. This study investigates the impact of preharvest foliar applications of L-α-amino acids, applied alone (AA) or combined with 2.5% sorbitol (Sor–AA), on secondary metabolism and physiological resilience, defined here as the fruit’s capacity to maintain metabolic homeostasis and stabilize antioxidant pigments during cold storage (7 °C). Our results show that both treatments triggered a substantial shift in secondary metabolism, doubling anthocyanin concentrations at harvest and effectively overcoming the cultivar’s color deficit. While the AA treatment maximized fruit quantity per tree, the Sor–AA combination achieved the highest total yield (83.58 ± 6.82 kg) and individual fruit weight (469.00 ± 16.00 g) through a ‘metabolic bypass’ that optimizes energy use. Crucially, the physiological resilience of the fruit was uniquely bolstered by the Sor–AA treatment, which was the only strategy to stabilize anthocyanin levels (~108 mg L⁻¹) and maximize free ellagic acid in the husk (371.72 mg kg⁻¹) throughout 42 days of storage. Multivariate PCA (explaining 79.79% of variance) confirmed that the synergy of amino acids and sorbitol triggers systemic metabolic reprogramming. Consequently, this targeted agronomic approach could provide significant economic benefits by increasing the proportion of export-grade fruit and extending the commercial window for the pomegranate sector. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), the fourth most important food crop worldwide, serves as a multi-purpose resource for food, feed and industrial raw materials, and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food security, diversifying dietary structure and boosting the development of agricultural economy. With increasing consumer demand for nutritional quality, elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of potato quality traits has become a research priority. In this study, three potato cultivars with distinct coloration were employed as materials. Metabolomic profiling identified a total of 1128 metabolites, and revealed that pigmented potato cultivars accumulated higher levels of flavonoids and linoleic acid derivatives compared with the white-fleshed cultivar. Transcriptomic analysis uncovered numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the three cultivars; notably, DEGs in pigmented cultivars were significantly enriched in pathways related to terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Integrated multi-omics analysis revealed that the high expression of structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is strongly associated with flavonoid accumulation in pigmented potatoes, suggesting that transcriptional upregulation of these genes may be a key driver of flavonoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, several MYB and WD40 family transcription factors were identified as potential regulators of flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato. Collectively, our study provides insight into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in potato by combining transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, and the findings provide a valuable theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of potato nutritional quality in future breeding programs. Full article

Lycium ruthenicum is a typical desert halophyte with strong stress resistance and high medicinal value in the Tarim Basin. Root endophytic microbes play critical roles in host adaptation, nutrient cycling, and secondary metabolite accumulation. To clarify the diversity patterns of root endophytic bacteria and fungi and their relationships with environmental factors and fruit quality, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze microbial community characteristics of Lycium ruthenicum collected from different habitats in the Tarim Basin. The results showed that rarefaction curves of alpha diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou_e) tended to be saturated, indicating sufficient sequencing depth. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed significant habitat-driven differentiation in both bacterial and fungal community structures. Community composition analysis showed that the relative abundance of dominant taxa at the phylum and genus levels differed significantly among sampling sites. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that bacterial and fungal networks exhibited high modularity and were dominated by positive synergistic interactions, with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, Alternaria, and Fusarium as key hub genera. Moreover, root endophytic communities were significantly correlated with climatic variables, soil physicochemical properties, and fruit quality traits, including anthocyanin (AC), proanthocyanidin (PA), total flavonoids (TF), and total polyphenols (TP). Several keystone microbial genera were closely associated with the accumulation of functional metabolites in fruits. This study reveals the biogeographic distribution and co-occurrence characteristics of root endophytes in Lycium ruthenicum and provides a theoretical basis for understanding microbe–host–environment interactions and the quality improvement of desert medicinal plants. Full article

This study investigated highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants cultivated in distinct cultivation systems (greenhouse vs. open field) to determine if they exhibited significant differences in rhizosphere microbiota, soil nutrient profiles, and fruit metabolites. A clear metabolic trade-off was observed: open-field cultivation significantly enhanced fruit secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins (9.5% higher), flavonoids (56.0% higher), and ascorbic acid (15.6% higher). In contrast, greenhouse fruits were enriched in primary metabolites such as water-soluble sugars (28.3% higher) and total organic acids (30.2% higher) (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). These divergent metabolite profiles were correlated with distinct rhizosphere microenvironments. The open field soil exhibited higher organic carbon and microbial α-diversity, while the greenhouse soil was characterized by a niche with high availability of cations, lower pH, higher electrical conductivity, and elevated levels of exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and available potassium. These contrasting niches were correlated with shifts in the rhizosphere microbiota assembly. Notably, the greenhouse soil was associated with a higher relative abundance of copiotrophic bacterial taxa such as Streptomyces and Bacillus, whose abundances showed strong positive correlations with cation availability (e.g., Streptomyces vs. Ca²⁺, correlation coefficient r = 0.827, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis integrated these patterns, revealing that soil cations were negatively correlated with fruit antioxidants but positively linked to sugars and acids. This correlative study suggests that cultivation systems are strongly associated with fruit quality, potentially through their association with functionally specific rhizosphere microbiota that covaries with a shift in the plant’s resource allocation between growth (primary metabolism) and defense (secondary metabolism). Our findings provide an integrative framework for understanding how agricultural practices are associated with the soil–plant–microbe continuum to correlate with crop quality in perennial systems and generate testable hypotheses for future mechanistic research. Full article