Anti-Inflammatory Flavonoids from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb: Focusing on Activity-Guided Isolation.

To elucidate the anti-inflammatory properties and constituents of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (A. pilosa), a comprehensive investigation was conducted employing activity-guided isolation. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through an in vitro nitric oxide (NO) assay on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Seven bio-active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties were successfully isolated from the butanol fraction and identified as follows: quercetin-7-O-ß-d-rhamnoside (1), apigenin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2), kaempferol-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin (4), kaempferol (5), apigenin (6), and apigenin-7-O-ß-d-glucuronide-6″-butylester (7). All isolated compounds showed strong NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.4 to 31 µM. Compound 6 demonstrated the most potent NO inhibition. Compound 7, a rare flavonoid, was discerned as a novel anti-inflammatory agent, ascertained through its inaugural demonstration of nitric oxide inhibition. Subsequently, a comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis was conducted employing eight flavonoids derived from A. pilosa. The outcomes elucidated that flavones exhibit superior NO inhibitory effects compared to flavonols, and the aglycone form manifests greater potency in NO inhibition than the glycone counterpart. These results highlight A. pilosa as a promising source of effective anti-inflammatory agents and indicate its potential as a health-beneficial dietary supplement and therapeutic material.

Influence of Genotype on High Glucosinolate Synthesis Lines of Brassica rapa.

This study was conducted to investigate doubled haploid (DH) lines produced between high GSL (HGSL) Brassica rapa ssp. trilocularis (yellow sarson) and low GSL (LGSL) B. rapa ssp. chinensis (pak choi) parents. In total, 161 DH lines were generated. GSL content of HGSL DH lines ranged from 44.12 to 57.04 µmol·g-1·dry weight (dw), which is within the level of high GSL B. rapa ssp. trilocularis (47.46 to 59.56 µmol g-1 dw). We resequenced five of the HGSL DH lines and three of the LGSL DH lines. Recombination blocks were formed between the parental and DH lines with 108,328 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in all chromosomes. In the measured GSL, gluconapin occurred as the major substrate in HGSL DH lines. Among the HGSL DH lines, BrYSP_DH005 had glucoraphanin levels approximately 12-fold higher than those of the HGSL mother plant. The hydrolysis capacity of GSL was analyzed in HGSL DH lines with a Korean pak choi cultivar as a control. Bioactive compounds, such as 3-butenyl isothiocyanate, 4-pentenyl isothiocyanate, 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate, and sulforaphane, were present in the HGSL DH lines at 3-fold to 6.3-fold higher levels compared to the commercial cultivar. The selected HGSL DH lines, resequencing data, and SNP identification were utilized for genome-assisted selection to develop elite GSL-enriched cultivars and the industrial production of potential anti-cancerous metabolites such as gluconapin and glucoraphanin.

Roles of Vegetable Surface Properties and Sanitizer Type on Annual Disease Burden of Rotavirus Illness by Consumption of Rotavirus-Contaminated Fresh Vegetables: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment.

Enteric viruses are often detected in water used for crop irrigation. One concern is foodborne viral disease via the consumption of fresh produce irrigated with virus-contaminated water. Although the food industry routinely uses chemical sanitizers to disinfect post-harvest fresh produce, it remains unknown how sanitizer and fresh produce properties affect the risk of viral illness through fresh produce consumption. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was conducted to estimate (i) the health risks associated with consumption of rotavirus (RV)-contaminated fresh produce with different surface properties (endive and kale) and (ii) how risks changed when using peracetic acid (PAA) or a surfactant-based sanitizer. The modeling results showed that the annual disease burden depended on the combination of sanitizer and vegetable type when vegetables were irrigated with RV-contaminated water. Global sensitivity analyses revealed that the most influential factors in the disease burden were RV concentration in irrigation water and postharvest disinfection efficacy. A postharvest disinfection efficacy of higher than 99% (2-log10 ) was needed to decrease the disease burden below the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold, even in scenarios with low RV concentrations in irrigation water (i.e., river water). All scenarios tested here with at least 99.9% (3-log10 ) disinfection efficacy had a disease burden lower than the WHO threshold, except for the endive treated with PAA. The disinfection efficacy for the endive treated with PAA was only about 80%, leading to a disease burden 100 times higher than the WHO threshold. These findings should be considered and incorporated into future models for estimating foodborne viral illness risks.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides leaf.

Eucommia ulmoides is valuable medicinal plant in China. In this study, ultrasonic technology was used to extract polysaccharides and orthogonal design was applied to choose the optimal extraction conditions. The optimal extraction conditions of E. ulmoides polysaccharides were made up of the ratio of water to raw 30, extraction time 80 min, extraction temperature 60°C and extraction power 200 W. Under these conditions, the extraction polysaccharides content reached 164.95 mg/g. In addition, the potential antioxidant activity of crude polysaccharides (Cp) and pure polysaccharides (Pp) was demonstrated by evaluating reducing power assay, DPPH radical-scavenging assay, OH radical-scavenging assay and ABTS radical-scavenging assay. The results showed that E. ulmoides polysaccharides had significantly impact on the scavenging of DPPH radicals, OH radicals and ABTS radicals, expecially in DPPH radicals with an IC50 values of 0.005 mg/mL and 0.011 mg/mL in Cp and Pp, respectively. However, they were less effective in reducing power assay with low IC50 values of 1.091 mg/mL and 1.041 mg/mL separately. These results indicated that polysaccharides from E. ulmoides leaf could be applied as potential antioxidant.

Targeted Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of "Red Russian" Kale (Brassicae napus var. pabularia) Following Methyl Jasmonate Treatment and Larval Infestation by the Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni Hübner).

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), synthesized in the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway, has been found to upregulate glucosinolate (GS) biosynthesis in plant species of the Brassicaceae family. Exogenous application of MeJA has shown to increase tissue GS concentrations and the formation of myrosinase-mediated GS hydrolysis products (GSHPs). In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated the potential health-promoting effects of certain GSHPs. MeJA is also known to elicit and induce genes associated with defense mechanisms to insect herbivory in Brassica species. To investigate the relationship between MeJA-induced GS biosynthesis and insect defense, three treatments were applied to "Red Russian" kale (Brassicae napus var. pabularia) seedlings: (1) a 250 µM MeJA leaf spray treatment; (2) leaf infestation with larvae of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni (Hübner)); (3) control treatment (neither larval infestation nor MeJA application). Samples of leaf tissue from the three treatments were then assayed for changes in GS and GSHP concentrations, GS gene biosynthesis expression, and myrosinase activity. Major differences were observed between the three treatments in the levels of GS accumulation and GS gene expression. The insect-damaged samples showed significantly lower aliphatic GS accumulation, while both MeJA and T. ni infestation treatments induced greater accumulation of indolyl GS. The gene expression levels of CYP81F4, MYB34, and MYB122 were significantly upregulated in samples treated with MeJA and insects compared to the control group, which explained the increased indolyl GS concentration. The results suggest that the metabolic changes promoted by MeJA application and the insect herbivory response share common mechanisms of induction. This work provides potentially useful information for kale pest control and nutritional quality.

Comparative Phytonutrient Analysis of Broccoli By-Products: The Potentials for Broccoli By-Product Utilization.

The phytonutrient concentrations of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets, stems, and leaves were compared to evaluate the value of stem and leaf by-products as a source of valuable nutrients. Primary metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, chlorophylls, vitamins E and K, essential mineral elements, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis and hydrolysis genes were quantified from the different broccoli tissues. Broccoli florets had higher concentrations of amino acids, glucoraphanin, and neoglucobrassicin compared to other tissues, whereas leaves were higher in carotenoids, chlorophylls, vitamins E and K, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Leaves were also good sources of calcium and manganese compared to other tissues. Stems had the lowest nitrile formation from glucosinolate. Each tissue exhibited specific core gene expression profiles supporting glucosinolate metabolism, with different gene homologs expressed in florets, stems, and leaves, which suggests that tissue-specific pathways function to support primary and secondary metabolic pathways in broccoli. This comprehensive nutrient and bioactive compound profile represents a useful resource for the evaluation of broccoli by-product utilization in the human diet, and as feedstocks for bioactive compounds for industry.

Cultivar-Specific Changes in Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Pak Choi (Brassica Rapa, Chinensis Group) by Methyl Jasmonate.

Glucosinolates, their hydrolysis products and primary metabolites were analyzed in five pak choi cultivars to determine the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metabolite flux from primary metabolites to glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products. Among detected glucosinolates (total 14 glucosinolates; 9 aliphatic, 4 indole and 1 aromatic glucosinolates), indole glucosinolate concentrations (153-229%) and their hydrolysis products increased with MeJA treatment. Changes in the total isothiocyanates by MeJA were associated with epithiospecifier protein activity estimated as nitrile formation. Goitrin, a goitrogenic compound, significantly decreased by MeJA treatment in all cultivars. Changes in glucosinolates, especially aliphatic, significantly differed among cultivars. Primary metabolites including amino acids, organic acids and sugars also changed with MeJA treatment in a cultivar-specific manner. A decreased sugar level suggests that they might be a carbon source for secondary metabolite biosynthesis in MeJA-treated pak choi. The result of the present study suggests that MeJA can be an effective agent to elevate indole glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products and to reduce a goitrogenic compound in pak choi. The total glucosinolate concentration was the highest in "Chinese cabbage" in the control group (32.5 µmol/g DW), but indole glucosinolates increased the greatest in "Asian" when treated with MeJA.

Health-Promoting Phytochemicals from 11 Mustard Cultivars at Baby Leaf and Mature Stages.

Mustard is a Brassica vegetable that provides a number of phytonutrients. However, the phytonutrient profile of mustard has been relatively limited. We analyzed the glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products, carotenoids, total anthocyanin and phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of 11 mustard cultivars grown in a greenhouse at the baby leaf and mature stages. An aliphatic glucosinolate sinigrin and its hydrolysis products allyl isothiocyanate and 1-cyano-2,3-epithiopropane were the major phytonutrients in the mustard leaves. Carotenoids ß-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin were detected. We found phytonutrient concentration and their change with plant growth were cultivar-dependent. The %RDA value for vitamin A calculated using ß-carotene content and retinol activity equivalents suggests that mustard cultivars used in this study can be a good source of vitamin A. Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity also varied among cultivars and between physiological stages. Our results suggest that mustard leaves are rich in various phytochemicals and their composition depends on cultivar and the physiological stage. This is the first report on phytochemical composition in various mustard cultivars at different physiological stages.

Effect of Leaf Surface Chemical Properties on Efficacy of Sanitizer for Rotavirus Inactivation.

The use of sanitizers is essential for produce safety. However, little is known about how sanitizer efficacy varies with respect to the chemical surface properties of produce. To answer this question, the disinfection efficacies of an oxidant-based sanitizer and a new surfactant-based sanitizer for porcine rotavirus (PRV) strain OSU were examined. PRV was attached to the leaf surfaces of two kale cultivars with high epicuticular wax contents and one cultivar of endive with a low epicuticular wax content and then treated with each sanitizer. The efficacy of the oxidant-based sanitizer correlated with leaf wax content as evidenced by the 1-log10 PRV disinfection on endive surfaces (low wax content) and 3-log10 disinfection of the cultivars with higher wax contents. In contrast, the surfactant-based sanitizer showed similar PRV disinfection efficacies (up to 3 log10) that were independent of leaf wax content. A statistical difference was observed with the disinfection efficacies of the oxidant-based sanitizer for suspended and attached PRV, while the surfactant-based sanitizer showed similar PRV disinfection efficacies. Significant reductions in the entry and replication of PRV were observed after treatment with either disinfectant. Moreover, the oxidant-based-sanitizer-treated PRV showed sialic acid-specific binding to the host cells, whereas the surfactant-based sanitizer increased the nonspecific binding of PRV to the host cells. These findings suggest that the surface properties of fresh produce may affect the efficacy of virus disinfection, implying that food sanitizers should be carefully selected for the different surface characteristics of fresh produce. IMPORTANCE: Food sanitizer efficacies are affected by the surface properties of vegetables. This study evaluated the disinfection efficacies of two food sanitizers, an oxidant-based sanitizer and a surfactant-based sanitizer, on porcine rotavirus strain OSU adhering to the leaf epicuticular surfaces of high- and low-wax-content cultivars. The disinfection efficacy of the oxidant-based sanitizer was affected by the surface properties of the vegetables, while the surfactant-based sanitizer was effective for both high- and low-wax leafy vegetable cultivars. This study suggests that the surface properties of vegetables may be an important factor that interacts with disinfection with food sanitizers of rotaviruses adhering to fresh produce.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of Glucosinolates in Two Broccoli Cultivars Following Jasmonate Treatment for the Induction of Glucosinolate Defense to Trichoplusia ni (Hübner).

Lepidopteran larvae growth is influenced by host plant glucosinolate (GS) concentrations, which are, in turn, influenced by the phytohormone jasmonate (JA). In order to elucidate insect resistance biomarkers to lepidopteran pests, transcriptome and metabolome analyses following JA treatments were conducted with two broccoli cultivars, Green Magic and VI-158, which have differentially induced indole GSs, neoglucobrassicin and glucobrassicin, respectively. To test these two inducible GSs on growth of cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), eight neonate cabbage looper larvae were placed onto each of three plants per JA treatments (0, 100, 200, 400 µM) three days after treatment. After five days of feeding, weight of larvae and their survival rate was found to decrease with increasing JA concentrations in both broccoli cultivars. JA-inducible GSs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Neoglucobrassicin in Green Magic and glucobrassicin in VI-158 leaves were increased in a dose-dependent manner. One or both of these glucosinolates and/or their hydrolysis products showed significant inverse correlations with larval weight and survival (five days after treatment) while being positively correlated with the number of days to pupation. This implies that these two JA-inducible glucosinolates can influence the growth and survival of cabbage looper larvae. Transcriptome profiling supported the observed changes in glucosinolate and their hydrolysis product concentrations following JA treatments. Several genes related to GS metabolism differentiate the two broccoli cultivars in their pattern of transcriptional response to JA treatments. Indicative of the corresponding change in indole GS concentrations, transcripts of the transcription factor MYB122, core structure biosynthesis genes (CYP79B2, UGT74B1, SUR1, SOT16, SOT17, and SOT18), an indole glucosinolate side chain modification gene (IGMT1), and several glucosinolate hydrolysis genes (TGG1, TGG2, and ESM1) were significantly increased in Green Magic (statistically significant in most cases at 400 µM) while UGT74B1 and MYB122 were significantly increased in VI-158. Therefore, these metabolite and transcript biomarker results indicate that transcriptome profiling can identify genes associated with the formation of two different indole GS and their hydrolysis products. Therefore, these metabolite and transcript biomarkers could be useful in an effective marker-assisted breeding strategy for resistance to generalist lepidopteran pests in broccoli and potentially other Brassica vegetables.

Optimization of methyl jasmonate application to broccoli florets to enhance health-promoting phytochemical content.

BACKGROUND: Spray treatment of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been shown to increase glucosinolate (GS) concentrations and health-promoting activity in Brassica vegetables. Since there is no reported standardized protocol, several MeJA treatment studies have been conducted to maximize human health bioactivity using the F1 broccoli cultivar 'Green Magic'. RESULTS: Foliar MeJA application 4 days prior to harvest of broccoli at commercial maturity resulted in enhanced total GS concentrations. Although a single application of 250 µmol L(-1) MeJA maximized GS concentrations in broccoli florets, two days of consecutive treatments (4 and 3 days prior to harvest) of 250 µmol L(-1) MeJA further enhanced neoglucobrassicin concentrations and floret extract quinone reductase (QR)-inducing activity. With increasing concentrations of MeJA in spray applications to broccoli florets, concentrations of the glucosinolates glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and neoglucobrassicin and the isothiocyanate sulforaphane as well as anticancer and anti-inflammatory bioactivities as measured by QR induction and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production respectively were significantly increased. Concentrations of these phytochemicals showed strong positive correlations with QR-inducing and NO-inhibitory activities. CONCLUSION: These application protocols were found to maximize GS and GS hydrolysis product concentrations and putatively enhance the health-promoting properties of broccoli heads for consumers.

Turning glucosinolate into allelopathic fate: investigating allyl isothiocyanate variability and nitrile formation in eco-friendly Brassica juncea from South Korea.

Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is explored for its biofumigant properties, derived from its secondary metabolites, particularly allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), produced during the enzymatic breakdown of glucosinolates like sinigrin. The research examines eight leaf mustard cultivars developed in Yeosu city, South Korea, focusing on their genetic characteristics, AITC concentration and nitriles formation rates from glucosinolates. Results indicate that the allelopathic effects, largely dependent on AITC concentration and enzymatic activity, vary across cultivar. Sinigrin and AITC constitute 79% and 36%, respectively, of glucosinolate and its hydrolysis products. The cultivar 'Nuttongii' demonstrates significant potential for inhibiting weeds, exhibiting the highest AITC concentration at 27.47 ± 6.46 µmole g-1 These outcomes highlight the importance of selecting mustard cultivars for biofumigation based on their glucosinolate profiles and hydrolysis product yields. The study also identifies a significant genetic influence on AITC and nitrile formation, suggesting that epithiospecifier protein modulation could enhance both allelopathic and other beneficial effects. Collectively, the research underscores the promise of mustard as a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional herbicides.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds in Korean-bred strawberries: insights for improving fruit flavor.

Introduction: The strawberry industry in South Korea has witnessed a significant 65% growth over the past decade, surpassing other fruits and vegetables in production value. While sweetness and acidity are well-recognized flavor determinants, the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in defining the desirable flavor profiles of strawberries is also crucial. However, existing research has predominantly concentrated on a limited range of commercial cultivars, neglecting the broader spectrum of strawberry varieties. Methods: This study embarked on developing a comprehensive VOC database for a diverse array of strawberry cultivars sourced both domestically and internationally. A total of 61 different strawberry cultivars from Korea (45), the USA (7), Japan (8), and France (1) were analyzed for their VOC content using Tenax TA Thermo Desorption tubes and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition to VOC profiling, heritability was assessed using one-way ANOVA to compare means among multiple groups, providing insights into the genetic basis of flavor differences. Results and discussion: The analysis identified 122 compounds categorized into esters, alcohols, terpenes, and lactones, with esters constituting the majority (46.5%) of total VOCs in Korean cultivars. 'Arihyang', 'Sunnyberry', and 'Kingsberry' exhibited the highest diversity of VOCs detected (97 types), whereas 'Seolhong' showed the highest overall concentration (57.5mg·kg-1 FW). Compared to the USA cultivars, which were abundant in γ-decalactone (a peach-like fruity aroma), most domestic cultivars lacked this compound. Notably, 'Misohyang' displayed a high γ-decalactone content, highlighting its potential as breeding germplasm to improve flavor in Korean strawberries. The findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive VOC analysis across different strawberry cultivars to understand flavor composition. The significant variation in VOC content among the cultivars examined opens avenues for targeted breeding strategies. By leveraging the distinct VOC profiles, particularly the presence of γ-decalactone, breeders can develop new strawberry varieties with enhanced flavor profiles, catering to consumer preferences for both domestic and international markets.

Effects of seasonal harvest of kimchi cabbage on microbial and metabolic profiles of kimchi.

Kimchi cabbage, the key ingredient in kimchi, is cultivated year-round to meet high production demands. This study aimed to examine the effects of seasonal harvesting (spring, summer, fall, and winter) on the microbial and metabolic profiles of kimchi during 30 days of fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria distribution is notably influenced by seasonal variations, with Latilactobacillus dominant in fall-harvested kimchi group and Weissella prevailing in spring, summer, and winter. The microbial communities of spring and fall group exhibited similar profiles before fermentation, whereas the microbial communities and metabolic profiles of spring and summer group were similar after 30 days of fermentation. Seasonal disparities in metabolite concentrations, including glutamic acid, serine, and cytosine, persist throughout fermentation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the substantial impact of seasonal harvesting of kimchi cabbage on the microbial and metabolic characteristics of kimchi, providing valuable insights into producing kimchi with diverse qualities.

Pre-harvest methyl jasmonate treatment enhances cauliflower chemoprotective attributes without a loss in postharvest quality.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment can significantly increase glucosinolate (GS) concentrations in Brassica vegetables and potentially enhance anticancer bioactivity. Although MeJA treatment may promote ethylene biosynthesis, which can be detrimental to postharvest quality, there are no previous reports of its effect on cauliflower postharvest quality. To address this, cauliflower curds in field plots were sprayed with either 0.1 % Triton X-100 (control) or 500 µM MeJA solutions four days prior to harvest, then stored at 4 °C. Tissue subsamples were collected after 0, 10, 20, and 30 days of postharvest storage and assayed for visual color change, ethylene production, GS concentrations, and extract quinone reductase inductive activity. MeJA treatment increased curd GS concentrations of glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin by 1.5, 2.4, and 4.6-fold over controls, respectively. MeJA treated cauliflower showed significantly higher quinone reductase activity, a biomarker for anticancer bioactivity, without reducing visual color and postharvest quality for 10 days at 4 °C storage.

The effect of additional shading utilizing agriphotovoltaic structures on the visual qualities and metabolites of broccoli.

Agriphotovoltaic (APV) systems allow the simultaneous production of crops and electricity in the same land area. Since the reduction of yield caused by APV systems is important for food security, studies to improve the yield have been conducted steadily. However, there have been limited data on the appearance, quality, and metabolomic changes of crops. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the visual qualities and metabolites as well as the yield of broccoli grown using an APV system during the fall season. In addition, additional shading treatment was performed, and the same qualities were evaluated. In the spring season, an additional cultivar that does not express anthocyanins was cultivated. Glucosinolate content was more sensitive to the seasonal environment and the type of cultivar than it was to treatment type. The additional shading treatment had a positive effect on the visual qualities of anthocyanin-expressing broccoli cultivar regardless of the season, and we observed that even a cultivar that does not express anthocyanins can be greener. Regardless of cultivar, higher chlorophyll content was detected in broccoli florets with additional shading treatment under the APV system. In addition, reduced anthocyanin content was observed (6.1 mg g-1 DW; about 20% of that obtained on open-field). Aspartic acid content was enhanced upon additional shading treatment. Pathway analysis revealed changes in anthocyanin, alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid metabolism. Overall, our findings suggests that it is possible to produce crops with better visual qualities by utilizing APV systems.

Carbon dioxide treatment modulates phosphatidic acid signaling and stress response to improve chilling tolerance and postharvest quality in paprika.

Introduction: Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) is prone to chilling injury (CI) during low-temperature storage. Although recent findings suggest that CO2 treatment may protect against CI, the effects of short-term CO2 treatment on CI and the underlying molecular mechanisms in paprika remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of short-term CO2 treatment on CI and postharvest quality in paprika during storage at cold storage and retail condition at physio-biochemical-molecular level. Methods: Paprika was treated with 20 and 30% CO2 for 3 h and stored at 4°C for 14 days, followed by additional storage for 2 days at 20°C (retail condition). Fruit quality parameters, including weight loss, firmness, color, and pitting were assessed, and the molecular mechanism of the treatment was elucidated using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Results: Short-term treatment with 20 and 30% CO2 effectively maintained paprika quality during cold storage and retailer conditions, with reduced surface pitting, a common symptom of CI. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that 20% CO2 treatment induced genes associated with biosynthesis of phosphatidic acid (PA), diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol, and stress response, metabolites associated with phasphatidyl inositol signaling, inositol phosphate metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Conclusion: CO2 treatment activates PA biosynthesis through PLD and PLC-DGK pathways, and induces inositol phosphate, starch, and sucrose metabolism, thereby regulating chilling stress response via the ICE-CBF pathway. These findings suggest that short-term CO2 treatment enhances resistance to cold-induced injury and preserves postharvest quality in non-climacteric fruits, such as paprika, through activation of PA signaling, which improves membrane stability during cold storage and distribution.

Effect of Anti-Obesity and Antioxidant Activity through the Additional Consumption of Peel from 'Fuji' Pre-Washed Apple.

There is limited information on the health effects of apple peel taken from 'Fuji' (Malus pumila Mill) apples washed with ozonated water. To clarify the health-promoting effects of peel, the triterpenoids (ursolic acid and oleanolic acid) were quantified with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. Anti-obesity effects of apple peel extract on the 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cell were compared with apple flesh, whole apple, and ursolic acid. The peel extract treatment with 3.30 ± 1.05 µM of ursolic acid significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) the lipid accumulation compared with the content in flesh, and a similar level was reached in the 5 µM ursolic acid positive control group. In the peel extract and ursolic acid treatment groups, the C16:0 concentration was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05), implying the anti-obesity effect of ursolic acid on the 3T3-L1 cell. Moreover, apple peel contributed 41% of the total flavonoids content and 31% of the phenolic contents of the whole apple, but only accounted for less than 10% of the whole apple (weight basis). This study's results offer basic data on pre-washed apple as a health functional food, offering information about the health benefits of apple peel, calculated based on the partial ratio in the whole apple.

Impact of an Agriphotovoltaic System on Metabolites and the Sensorial Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Its High-Temperature-Extracted Juice.

To date, the impacts of agriphotovoltaic (APV) condition on the production yield of crop have been studied; however, the effect of APV production on the sensorial quality and consumer acceptability of the produce remains unexplored. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, we cultivated "Winter Storm" cabbage under solar panels (20.16 kW) and in open field in 2020. The weight and diameter reduction rate of fresh cabbage grown under APV condition compared to open-field conditions were 9.7% and 1.2%, respectively. The levels of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products were not significantly different in the fresh cabbage between the two conditions. The amount of volatile organic compounds, which may affect the perception of smell, were significantly higher in the cabbage juice prepared from the ones grown in open-field conditions than in the juice prepared from cabbages grown under APV conditions (n = 3, p < 0.01). However, untrained subjects could not distinguish the difference in the quality of the 2 sets of cabbage juices in the triangle test (n = 70, p = 0.724). Regardless of the distinguishing features of color, aroma, and taste, the subjects did not have any preference between the two different cabbage juices.

Seasonal Effects of Glucosinolate and Sugar Content Determine the Pungency of Small-Type (Altari) Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.).

Kimchi made from small-type (Altari) radishes grown in late spring is more pungent than that made from autumn-grown Altari radishes, which poses a major challenge in the kimchi industry. The mechanism through which the pungency of Altari radish changes seasonally has not been intensively investigated. In this study, three small-type radish cultivars with different pungency levels were cultivated in spring and autumn to identify the factors affecting the seasonal-dependent pungency of small-type radishes. The contents of pungency-related metabolite glucoraphasatin and other polar metabolites were analyzed. Although a previous study reported that the glucoraphasatin concentration affects the pungency of radish, in the current study, the concentration of neither glucoraphasatin nor its hydrolysis product (raphasatin) could fully explain the change in the pungency associated with radish cultivars grown in the two seasons. The change in the pungency of radish by season may be explained by the ratio of raphasatin content to total sweetness of sugars. In addition, the polar metabolites that differ with season were analyzed to identify seasonal biomarkers and understand the seasonal changed physio-biochemistry.