Phenolic Compounds in Berries of Winter-Resistant Actinidia arguta Miq. and Actinidia kolomikta Maxim.: Evidence of Antioxidative Activity.

Variations between fruit cultivars can significantly impact their biochemical composition. The present research examined the variability in the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolic compounds in berry extracts of Actinidia kolomikta and Actinidia arguta cultivars. Additionally, antioxidant activities of berry extracts were evaluated. The total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin contents and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were determined using the appropriate methodologies. The average amount of phenolic compounds in A. kolomikta berries (177.80 mg/g) was three times higher than that of A. arguta (54.45 mg/g). Our findings revealed that berries of A. kolomikta and A. arguta accumulated, on average, 1.58 RE/g DW (rutin equivalent/g dry weight) and 0.615 mg RE/g DW of total flavonoids, 1439.31 mg EE/g DW (epicatechin equivalent/g dry weight) and 439.97 mg EE/g DW of proanthocyanidins, and 23.51 mg CAE/g DW (chlorogenic acid equivalent/g dry weight) and 5.65 mg CAE/g DW of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, respectively. The cultivars of both species were characterized by higher antioxidant activity of total phenolic compounds determined using CUPRAC and FRAP methods compared to the ABTS•+ method. The variability in phenolic compounds' qualitative and quantitative content in tested berry extracts was evaluated by applying ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem with electrospray ionization. Significant intraspecific differences in the amounts of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid compounds, proanthocyanidins, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were determined among cultivars. Four phenolic acids, eight flavonols, two flavones, and five flavon-3-ols were identified in the berry extracts.

Fungi Present in the Clones and Cultivars of European Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) Grown in Lithuania.

Fungi are associated with the European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) and play important roles in plant growth and disease control, especially in cranberry yields. This article presents the results of a study which was aimed to investigate the diversity of fungi found on different clones and cultivars of the European cranberry grown in Lithuania, causing twigs, leaf diseases and fruit rots. In this study seventeen clones and five cultivars of V. oxycoccos were selected for investigation. Fungi were isolated via the incubation of twigs, leaves and fruit on a PDA medium and identified according to their cultural and morphological characteristics. Microscopic fungi belonging to 14 genera were isolated from cranberry leaves and twigs, with Physalospora vaccinii, Fusarium spp., Mycosphaerella nigromaculans and Monilinia oxycocci being the most frequently isolated fungi. 'Vaiva' and 'Zuvinta' cultivars were the most susceptible to pathogenic fungi during the growing season. Among the clones, 95-A-07 was the most susceptible to Phys. vaccinii, 95-A-08 to M. nigromaculans, 99-Z-05 to Fusarium spp. and 95-A-03 to M. oxycocci. Microscopic fungi belonging to 12 genera were isolated from cranberry berries. The most prevalent pathogenic fungi M. oxycocci were isolated from the berries of the cultivars 'Vaiva' and 'Zuvinta' and clones 95-A-03 and 96-K-05.

Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Wild Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)-Effects of Geographic Origin.

In recent years, much attention has been devoted to Vaccinium L. berries because of their substantial potential to be adapted for the development of innovative food and pharmaceutical applications. The accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is extremely dependent on climate and other environmental conditions. In order to increase the reliability of the findings, this study was conducted with samples collected in four regions in Northern Europe (Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania) and analyzed in a single laboratory using a standardized methodology. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional (biologically active compounds (phenolic (477-775 mg/100 g fw), anthocyanins (20-57 mg/100 g fw), pro-anthocyanidins (condensed tannins (141-269 mg/100 g fw)) and antioxidant activity in different systems (ABTS•+, FRAP). Physicochemical properties (acidity, soluble solids, color) of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. were also evaluated. The results may contribute to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with potential health benefits in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the evaluation of the biologically active compounds of wild lingonberries from different Northern European countries based on one laboratory's validated methods. The results indicated a geomorphological influence on the biochemical and physicochemical composition of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. depending on their place of geographical origin.

Berries and Leaves of Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.: A Source of Phenolic Compounds.

Berries of Actinidia kolomikta (A. kolomikta) are known for high ascorbic acid content, but the diversity of phenolic compounds has been little studied. The present research aimed to investigate phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in berries and leaves of twelve A. kolomikta cultivars. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS technique was used to determine differences among cultivars in the quantitative composition of individual phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH• free radical scavenging and CUPRAC methods. In the present study, 13 phenolic compounds were detected in berries, whereas leaves contained 17 phenolic compounds. Flavonols were the primary class found in both berries and leaves; other identified phenolic compounds were flavan-3-ols, flavones and, phenolic acids; and dihydrochalcone phloridzin was identified in the leaves. The amount and variety of phenolic compounds in berries and leaves and antioxidant activity were found to be cultivar-dependent. The highest total content of phenolic compounds was found in the leaves of the cultivar 'Aromatnaja' and in the berries of the cultivar 'VIR-2'. Results of this study have confirmed that berries and leaves of A. kolomikta could be a valuable raw material for both food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties of Lonicera caerulea Berries: Evaluation of 11 Cultivars.

The aim of the study was to evaluate 11 cultivars of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) for bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and the antibacterial activity of berries. Total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total anthocyanin contents (TACs) were established by using ethanolic extracts. For contents of organic acids and saccharides, aqueous extracts were used, and vitamin C was determined by using oxalic acid solution. DPPH• radical scavenging capacity was evaluated by using ethanolic extracts; antibacterial activity was assessed by using both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The TPC varied from 364.02 ± 0.41 mg/100 g in 'Vostorg' to 784.5 ± 0.3 mg/100 g in 'Obilnaja', and TAC ranged from 277.8 ± 1.1 mg/100 g in 'Celnocnaja' to 394.1 ± 8.4 mg/100 g in 'Nimfa'. Anthocyanins comprised 53.8% of total phenolic contents on average. Among organic acids, citric acid was predominant, averaging 769.41 ± 5.34 mg/100 g, with malic and quinic acids amounting to 289.90 ± 2.64 and 45.00 ± 0.37 mg/100 g on average, respectively. Contents of vitamin C were 34.26 ± 0.25 mg/100 g on average. Organic acids were most effective in the inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. In conclusion, berries of L. caerulea are beneficial not only for fresh consumption, but also as a raw material or ingredients of foods with high health-promoting value.

Effect of molecular weight of chitosan on the shelf life and other quality parameters of three different cultivars of Actinidia kolomikta (kiwifruit).

The kiwi fruit, Actinidia kolomikta, has valuable properties such as high antioxidant activity, high vitamin C, polyphenols, chlorophylls and organic acids content, but the species are hardly commercialized due to their short shelf life (less than two days). In this study three different cultivars of A. kolomikta (Anyksta, Sentiabrskaya and VIR2) were coated with low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan bio-polymer with the aim to extend the shelf life. The changes in fruit firmness, mass, phenolic compound content, vitamin C content and subjective criteria (withering level, decoloration level and aesthetic appearance) were monitored. It was observed that high molecular weight chitosan had higher positive effect on the shelf life of Sentiabrskaya and Anyksta cultivars than VIR2. Low molecular weight chitosan was found effective on VIR2.

Chitosan coating of red kiwifruit (Actinidia melanandra) for extending of the shelf life.

Commercial production of red kiwifruit (Actinidia melanandra) has been unsuccessful because of its short shelf life. Here in this study, we used chitosan to extend the shelf life of red kiwifruit berries. Chitosan (with 70-75% deacetylation degree and low molecular weight) was dissolved in acetic acid (at pH 2.0-2.3) to obtain gel material, which was used for coating of the fruit. The coated and uncoated samples were kept for 26 days at room temperature (20±2°C). The changes in the weight loss, firmness, soluble solid content, total polyphenol content and ascorbic acid content were evaluated. All these findings showed that chitosan could be an effective coating material for berries of red kiwifruit to extend its short shelf life.

Antioxidant properties, phenolic composition and potentiometric sensor array evaluation of commercial and new blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) genotypes.

Antioxidant properties of juices of newly bred and known blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) genotypes and wild bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) were evaluated by ABTS(+) scavenging capacity (RSC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) assays. TPC varied in the range of 0.85-2.81 mg gallic acid equiv./mL, RSC, FRAP and ORAC values were 6.38-20.9, 3.07-17.8 and 4.21-45.68 µmol Trolox equiv./g, respectively. New blueberry genotypes and bog blueberry demonstrated stronger antioxidant properties and TAC than other studied genotypes. The content of quinic (203-3614 µg/mL), chlorogenic (20.0-346.8 µg/mL) acids and rutin (0.00-26.88 µg/mL) measured by UPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS varied depending on the genotype. Juices were evaluated by electronic tongue; PCA score plot showed that the method discriminates different genotypes although some juice samples were located very closely and overlapping. Significant differences were observed between L(∗), a(∗), b(∗) colour parameters of some genotypes.

Antioxidant properties and polyphenolic compositions of fruits from different European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes.

Antioxidant properties of fruit juices of six Viburnum opulus genotypes were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS(+) radical scavenging capacity (RSC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and Folin-Ciocalteu total phenolic content (TPC) assays. TPC varied in the range of 5.4-10.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, RSC (ABTS(+)), FRAP and ORAC values were 31.9-109.8, 32.3-61.8 and 141.6-260.4 µmol trolox equivalents/g, respectively. V. opulus var. sargentii fruit juice was a remarkably stronger antioxidant than the other five V. opulus genotypes. The content of chlorogenic acid (the main phenolic compound in berry juices) depending on plant cultivar varied in the range of 0.54-6.93 mg/ml. The RSC of individual constituents was measured by the on-line HPLC-UV-DPPH method: chlorogenic acid was the dominant radical scavenger in V. opulus P3 (74%), while epicatechin and catechin (the main antioxidants in V. opulus var. sargentii) contributed to 40% and 23% of the total RSC for the sargentii genotype. Nine constituents were identified in V. opulus juice by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadruple and time-of-flight mass spectrometers (UPLC-QTOF-MS). In general, the study demonstrated that V. opulus var. sargentii followed by V. opulus P3 and V. opulus var. americanum possessed the highest antioxidant capacity. The obtained results may assist in selecting the most valuable V. opulus genotypes for the production of fruits possessing strong antioxidant capacity and containing beneficial phenolic constituents.

Determination of the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents and antimicrobial activity of Viburnum opulus fruit juice.

Viburnum opulus is a plant with fruits that are rich in biologically active substances, making it valuable to the food and pharmaceutical industries. Here, we present our study of the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents and antimicrobial activity in the fruit juice of six V. opulus L. accessions. The cultivar 'Krasnaya Grozd' was notable for its exceptionally large amount of total phenolics, 1168 mg/100 g, with anthocyanins comprising 3-5 % of the total phenolic content. The evaluation of the antimicrobial properties confirmed that the juice of V. opulus fruits strongly inhibited the growth of a wide range of human pathogenic bacteria, both Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium and S. agona) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Lysteria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis) organisms. Conversely, the yeasts Debaryomyces hansenii and Torulaspora delbrueckii showed complete resistance to the fruit juice, whereas a low sensitivity was demonstrated by Trichosporon cutaneum, Kluyveromyces marxianus var. lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae 12R, and Candida parapsilosis.

Evaluation of the biochemical components and chromatic properties of the juice of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L.

Benzoic acid, total anthocyanins, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and colour properties in juice of the American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon and the European cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos were investigated. Berry juices of V. macrocarpon cultivars were distinguished by their higher total anthocyanin and benzoic acid amounts. These cultivars accumulated on average 43.11 mg/l of benzoic acid and 92.45 mg/l of total anthocyanins. The levels of benzoic acid and total anthocyanins in V. oxycoccos cultivars were 17.52 mg/l and 42.54 mg/l, respectively. The V. macrocarpon cultivars 'Franklin', 'Le Munyon', 'Searles', and 'Early Richard' were selected as the best according to the enhanced total anthocyanins and benzoic acid amounts. The separation of anthocyanins by HPLC-UV-VIS revealed the presence of six anthocyanins, with peonidin-3-galactoside being the most prevalent. Galactoside together with glucoside conjugates comprised the largest percentage of total anthocyanins in the juices of V. macrocarpon and V. oxycoccos cultivars.