Tropical Fruits
Xuan Phong Huynh; Ngoc Thanh Nguyen; Minh Chau Luu; Thi Ngoc Bich Bui; Hoang Dang Long Bui; Bach Long Tran; Thi Kim Ngan Tran
Abstract
Purpose: King orange (Citrus reticulata × sinensis) is a fruit spices native to tropical and subtropical regions that holds significant economic and nutritional value and is widely consumed in daily life. The primary chemical constituents of king orange include flavonoids (such as hesperidin and ...
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Purpose: King orange (Citrus reticulata × sinensis) is a fruit spices native to tropical and subtropical regions that holds significant economic and nutritional value and is widely consumed in daily life. The primary chemical constituents of king orange include flavonoids (such as hesperidin and naringin), organic acids, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds. Due to its unique biological properties, nutritional benefits, and divers pharmacological effects, king orange is not only a widely consumed fruit but also a promising ingredient for developing natural functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This study investigated the distribution of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity in different tissues of king orange cultivated in four provinces of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Research Method: Physical characteristics of the fruit were analyzed, and phytochemical screening was performed identify secondary metabolites. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were quantified, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Findings: The fruits had thick, juicy flesh (42.4-51.2% w/w) and thin peel (27.2-35.2% w/w). Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins were detected in both juice and peel extracts, while terpenoids were found only in the peel. The juice had the highest flavonoid and phenolic content, followed by flavedo and albedo extracts. Antioxidant activity was highest in the juice from "Can Tho" and in the peel extracts from "Vinh Long". Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: Orange juice and peel are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, highlighting their potential for health-promoting applications. Citrus reticulata is not only a widely consumed fruit but also a promising raw material for the development of natural functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.
Medicinal Plants
Saeed Fatahi Siahkamary; Vali Rabiei; Mahmoud Shoor; Silvana Nicola
Abstract
Purpose: Lycium barbarum berries can be a source of natural antioxidants for human food production. Research method: To increase the antioxidant activity of secondary metabolites in goji berry seedlings, we applied amino acid L-phenylalanine (Phe: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), sodium selenate (Se: 0.25, 0.5, ...
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Purpose: Lycium barbarum berries can be a source of natural antioxidants for human food production. Research method: To increase the antioxidant activity of secondary metabolites in goji berry seedlings, we applied amino acid L-phenylalanine (Phe: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), sodium selenate (Se: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg. L-1), and nitroxine biological fertilizer (170, 330, and 500 μL.L-1) at three levels. Distilled water was the control treatment. The experiment took place at the research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2021-2022. Findings: The results revealed that the treatments significantly affected goji berry plants regarding physiological and chemical attributes. Phenylalanine, selenium, and nitroxine substantially affected photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll and carotenoid, antioxidant, and catalase during the two years of foliar application. The results showed that phenylalanine with selenium increased the amounts of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carbohydrates in goji berry plants. Applying phenylalanine alone had a positive, more potent effect on the amount of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme, which shows the impact of this substance on the phenylpropanoid pathway. Using it with nitroxine enhanced the phenol content and superoxide dismutase activity significantly. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: According to the results of this experiment, during the two years of 2021 and 2022, phenylalanine improved antioxidant enzyme activity and other traits significantly. Using phenylalanine and sodium selenate at low concentrations increased all antioxidant compounds and improved plant growth.
Pomology
Walid Abidi; Rawaa Akrimi; Yolanda Gogorcena
Abstract
Purpose: Apricot production extends from the north to the south of Tunisia with many cultivars adapted to different local microclimates. This large extension of apricot is associated with an important genetic diversity, which is threatened to erosion. This study aims to select cultivars with enhanced ...
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Purpose: Apricot production extends from the north to the south of Tunisia with many cultivars adapted to different local microclimates. This large extension of apricot is associated with an important genetic diversity, which is threatened to erosion. This study aims to select cultivars with enhanced antioxidant capacity that will benefit consumers with health-promoting properties. Research Method: This study was conducted over three growing seasons (2016-2018) in flesh fruits nine apricot cultivars (‘Amor Leuch’, ‘Bakour’, ‘Búlida’, ‘Bayoudhi’, ‘Canino’, ‘Khit eloued’, ‘Khad hlima’, ‘Sayeb’ and ‘Wardi’). The experiment was established in private apricot orchard in the region of Hajeb Laayoun- Kairouan, west central Tunisia. Findings: Results showed that the fruit firmness ranged from 20.4 N in the cultivar ‘Sayeb’ to 32.5 N in the cultivar ‘Canino’. The soluble solids content varied from 10.2 °Brix in the cv. ‘Bakour’ to 15.0 °Brix in the cultivar ‘Bayoudhi’. A wide range of variability was found among the apricot cultivars with regard to the phenolic compounds content [32.7-71.5 mg GAE/100 g FW]. The cultivar ‘Khad Hlima’ presented the highest value of relative antioxidant capacity (366.8 μg Trolox Equivalents/g FW). Our study permits to select the cv. ‘Bakour’ with the needed precocity, the cv. ‘Canino’ with high firmness, the cv. ‘Bayoudhi’ with the highest SSC and the cv. ‘Khad Hlima’ with high nutritional quality. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: This study represents a valuable source of genotypes to be used in apricot breeding programs.
