The Phenolics and Antioxidant Properties of Black and Purple versus White Eggplant Cultivars.

The total phenolic content, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, antioxidant capacity and α-amylase inhibitory activity of black (Aydin Siyahi), purple (Kadife Kemer) and white (Trabzon Kadife) eggplants grown in Turkey were subjected to a comparative investigation. The black cultivar exhibited the highest total phenolic (17,193 and 6552 mg gallic acid equivalent/kg fw), flavonoid (3019 and 1160 quercetin equivalent/kg fw) and anthocyanin (1686 and 6167 g delphinidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent/kg fw) contents in crude extracts of the peel and pulp. The majority of the caffeic acid was identified in the ester (2830 mg/kg fw) and ester-bound (2594 mg/kg fw) forms in the peel of 'Kadife Kemer' and in the glycoside form (611.9 mg/kg fw) in 'Aydin Siyahi', as well as in the pulp of these two eggplants. 'Kadife Kemer' (purple eggplant) contained the majority of the chlorogenic acid in free form (27.55 mg/kg fw), compared to 'Aydin Siyahi' in the ester (7.82 mg/kg fw), glycoside (294.1 mg/kg dw) and ester-bound (2.41 mg/kg fw) forms. The eggplant cultivars (peel and pulp, mg/kg fw) exhibited a relatively high delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside concentration in the peel of 'Aydin Siyahi' (avg. 1162), followed by 'Kadife Kemer' (avg. 336.6), and 'Trabzon Kadife' (avg. 215.1). The crude phenolic extracts of the eggplants exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity values (peel and pulp, µmoL Trolox equivalent/kg fw) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 8156 and 2335) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 37,887 and 17,648). The overall results indicate that black and purple eggplants are the cultivars with greater potential benefits in terms of their phenolics and antioxidant values than the white eggplant.

Vitis vinifera Turkish novel table grape 'Karaerik'. Part II: Non-anthocyanin phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity.

BACKGROUND: 'Karaerik' is a novel table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) native to Turkey and widely cultivated in areas bordering the city of Erzincan. Because of the demonstrated beneficial effects on human health of the grape phenolic composition, the aim of this work was to conduct a detailed profiling of non-anthocyanin phenolic fractions from different grape tissues of the 'Karaerik' table grape. Both qualitative and quantitative characterization of phenolic compounds were achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Total phenolic content and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were also determined to evaluate the antioxidant properties of this table grape. RESULTS: A high number of non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds was identified in 'Karaerik' table grape skins and seeds, including 11 flavonols, six hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, two stilbenes, several monomeric and dimeric flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins. Quercetin-type derivatives dominated the flavonol profile of grape skins, followed by myricetin type. Tartaric acid esters of three acids (caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids) were the main hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in this cultivar. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed in flavan-3-ol composition among the grape tissues. Proanthocyanidins were the most abundant class of phenolic compounds in 'Karaerik' grapes, being mainly located in seeds. Higher antioxidant capacity values were determined in grape seeds, in correlation with the total phenolic content. CONCLUSION: These results provide useful information for a better understanding of phenolic antioxidants from the 'Karaerik' table grape and will contribute to promoting the varietal identity and health-related properties of this fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity during Berry Development in Black 'Isabel' Grape (Vitis vinifera L. x Vitis labrusca L.).

Grapes are one of the most economically important fruits in the world and are of considerable benefit to human health due to their phenolic compounds. The black 'Isabel' grape (V. vinifera L. xV. labrusca L.) is widely grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey, where it is attracting increasing interest. The aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity)) in the grape during berry development, which has been not reported yet from the region. A trend towards an increase in total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacity values was observed from un-ripened to overly ripened berries. In addition, anthocyanins in berries and proanthocyanidins seeds were characterized during berry development. Accordingly, malvidin-3-O-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in skin (1.05-1729 mg/kg fresh weight (fw)) and whole berry (0.23-895 mg/kg fw), followed by the content of peonidin-3-O-glucoside (0.98-799 mg/kg fw and 0.15-202 mg/kg fw, respectively). After veraison (onset of ripening or change of color in the grape berries), all proanthocyanidins showed a gradual decrease through ripening. The results showed that anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in the grape showed significant stage-dependent changes with positive or negative strong correlations. Considering the phenolic compounds, an optimum harvest date of the grape might be suggested between mid-September and mid-October (263 and 293 DAFBs).

Vitis vinifera Turkish grape cultivar Karaerik. Part I: anthocyanin composition, and identification of a newly found anthocyanin†.

BACKGROUND: Grape berries exhibit various beneficial health effects due to the potent antioxidant roles of their phenolic compounds. A new Vitis vinifera grape cultivar (Karaerik) grown in Turkey has attracted growing interest due to its antioxidant phenolic compounds, which have still not been investigated. The phenolic/anthocyanin profile needs to be investigated to ascertain its potential health benefits and market value in the region. The present study therefore involves a detailed characterization of the anthocyanin composition of 'Karaerik' grape berries in conjunction with a determination of the antioxidant capacity value of the phenolics present in the skin and the whole berry. RESULTS: Total phenolic compounds (average 8.56 and 2.88 g gallic acid equivalent kg-1 fresh weight) and anthocyanin (7.48 and 1.66 g mv-3-glc equivalent kg-1 fresh weight) contents varied significantly in the skin and whole berry. Malvidin-based anthocyanins made the highest contribution to the pigment content of the berry. Accordingly, the major anthocyanin in the skin (average 42.08 mol%) and whole berry (39.98 mol%) was malvidin-3-glucoside (mv-3-glc). In addition, we found strong evidence of the occurrence of sometimes reported malvidin-3-pentoside and particularly of the not previously reported feruloyl derivative of malvidin-3-(6″-feruloyl)-glucoside (mv-3-ferglc) for V. vinifera grapes. CONCLUSION: The current study is the first report to profile the anthocyanins of the grape with a detailed description of the rare and novel anthocyanin in V. vinifera grapes. The berry is also a potential source of phenolics/anthocyanins with a high antioxidant capacity value and is worthy of comparison with other V. vinifera grapes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutrient profiles of the hybrid grape cultivar 'Isabel' during berry maturation and ripening.

BACKGROUND: The hybrid grape cultivar 'Isabel' (Vitis labrusca × V. vinifera) is widely grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey and constitutes an important part of the diet of its inhabitants. Phenological and ampelographic studies of the grape have previously been performed, but there are no data concerning nutrient composition. Its nutrient content needs to be investigated to ascertain its potential economic and nutritional uses in the region. RESULTS: The concentrations (range, g kg-1 fresh weight) of major soluble sugars (fructose 2.08-79.70; glucose 3.71-66.74) increased and those of organic acids (tartaric acid 0.05-6.60; malic acid 2.38-9.92) decreased in the skin and pulp during ripening. The major fatty acid was linoleic acid in the skin (50.13), pulp (18.11) and seed (704), while the main minerals (dry weight) were potassium (2.70-19.70), followed by phosphorus (0.53-3.40) and calcium (0.42-5.90) in the parts. CONCLUSION: Berry maturation and ripening significantly influenced the concentrations of sugars and organic acids the most in the skin and pulp, but did not significantly affect the concentrations of fatty acids and minerals in the 'Isabel' grape. Our findings also suggest an optimal harvest time in terms of levels of the nutrients. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genotoxic effects of the insecticide cypermethrin on the root meristem cells of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.).

In this study, the genotoxic effects of the insecticide cypermethrin on the root meristem cells of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) were investigated. The roots were treated with 10- 25- 50- and 100-ppm concentrations of cypermethrin for 6, 12 and 24 h. The mitotic index and mitotic abnormalities were determined in both control and test groups. The cypermethrin showed a marked mitodepressive action on mitosis. The types of mitotic abnormalities included disturbed metaphase, c-mitosis, stickiness, laggards and chromatid bridges. A pronounced toxic effect was observed at the 50-ppm concentration. Cypermethrin may have genotoxic effects on sunflowers.

A genome size and phylogenetic survey of Mediterranean Tripleurospermum and Matricaria (Anthemideae, Asteraceae).

The study of genome size variation can contribute valuable information on species relationships as well as correlate to several morphological or ecological features, among others. Here we provide an extensive report on genome sizes on genus Tripleurospermum and its closely related genus Matricaria, which are two typically Mediterranean genera particularly widespread and diverse in Turkey, the origin of most of the populations here studied. We analyse and discuss genome size variation in the first relatively complete molecular phylogenetic framework of Tripleurospermum (based on ITS and ETS ribosomal DNA-rDNA-regions). We find cases of intraspecific genome size variation, which could be taxonomically significant. Genome downsizing is also detected as the typical response to polyploidisation in Tripleurospermum taxa, being most conspicuous at the tetraploid level. Several positive correlations with genome size, including those with pollen and stomatal size or cypsela length, among others, are also found. Remarkably, taxa presenting rhizomes tend to present higher genome sizes, confirming a trend to accumulate nuclear DNA in such species, which could be explained by the nutrient reserves availability in their storage organs, allowing genome expansion, or by the lower rates of sexual reproduction in rhizomatous taxa.

Bog bilberry phenolics, antioxidant capacity and nutrient profile.

Phenolics and nutrient profiles of bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) collected from high mountain pastures in northeast Anatolia (Turkey) were examined for the first time in this study. The major soluble sugar identified in the berry was fructose, following by glucose, and the main organic acid identified was citric acid, followed by malic acid. Eleven phenolic acids and 17 anthocyanin 3-glycosides were identified and quantified. Caffeic acid in the free and glycoside forms and syringic acid in the ester form were the major phenolic acids, and the major individual anthocyanin present in the berry was malvidin 3-glucoside (24%). The highest total phenolics and anthocyanin contents were obtained from the anthocyanin fraction in conjunction with the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by the polyphenolic and aqueous fractions, FRAP, ORAC and DPPH, in that order. Our findings can be used to compare bog bilberry with other Vaccinium berries and to help clarify the relative potential health benefits of different berries.

Separation, characterization, and quantitation of phenolic acids in a little-known blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) fruit by HPLC-MS.

The aim of this study was the qualitative and quantitative determination of free, ester, glycoside, and ester-bound phenolic acids in the blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) fruit. A method for the determination of the profile of phenolic acids of four different phenolic fractions in the fruit was developed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Thirteen compounds (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, m-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, syringic, sinapic, salicylic, and trans-cinnamic acids) were identified and quantified in the berry. These experimental results showed that the predominant phenolic acid in the fruit of V. arctostaphylos is caffeic acid in free and insoluble ester-bound forms and p-coumaric acid in soluble ester and glycoside forms. Seven phenolic acids were identified as hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (HBAs) and four as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCAs). Total content of HBAs and HCAs in the four phenolic fractions constituted 30.1 and 69.9% of the free, 27.9 and 72.1% of the ester, 24.7 and 75.3% of the glycoside, and 51.7 and 48.3% of the ester-bound forms, respectively. Total phenolics as the sum of individual phenolic acids identified is 698.5 ng/g of fresh weight (fw) for the free, 3399.2 ng/g of fw for the ester, 3522.1 ng/g of fw for the glycoside, and 3671.6 ng/g of fw for the ester-bound phenolic fractions. The present results were compared with reported levels of phenolic acids in the fruits of different Vaccinium species. These data suggest that the fruit can be considered as a potentially good dietary source of phenolic acids.

Evaluation of chemical profile and antioxidant activity of Tripleurospermum insularum, a new species from Turkey.

This article presents the very first phytochemical investigation on new species Tripleurospermum insularum Inceer & Hayirlioglu-Ayaz. The volatile profile of odorous parts of the plant was analysed by GC/MS, and compounds were identified in headspace and essential oil obtained from aerial parts, representing 70.81% and 92.44% in total, respectively. The major volatiles were n-alkanes (38.43-59.22%), while essential oil was also rich in globulol (13.45%) and ß-sesquiphellandrene (9.29%). The content of phenolic compounds in methanolic extract and oil was 3621.62 and 14.4 mg GAE/100 g of dry plant, respectively. Moreover, potential medicinal effects were found in mean of antioxidant activity of this plant measured by using two different assays: radical-scavenging activity and ferric-reducing activity. Samples revealed values ranging from 0.33 to 146.80 µmol TE/100 g for DPPH assay, and from 2.29 to 5414.17 µmol AAE/100 g for FRAP assay.

Chromosome numbers in Tripleurospermum Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) and closely related genera: relationships between ploidy level and stomatal length.

This study includes 24 reports of chromosome counts in Tripleurospermum Sch. Bip. (20 taxa), Anthemis L. (1 species) and Matricaria L. (3 taxa) belonging to the tribe Anthemideae of the family Asteraceae from Turkey. Chromosome numbers of these taxa are 2n = 2x = 18, 3x = 27 and 4x = 36. Nine counts are new reports, one is not consistent with previous report, and the remainder confirm earlier information. Statistically significant differences depending on ploidy level, stomatal length or environmental factors such as altitude were determined in Tripleurospermum. Several systematic and evolutionary aspects of the genera are discussed in the light of chromosomal data.

Characterization of anthocyanins in caucasian blueberries (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) native to Turkey.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with diode array (DAD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) detections were used to characterize anthocyanins in the berries of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. The dark purple-black berries were collected from five Caucasian blueberry populations in northeastern Turkey. The HPLC-DAD profile consisted of 19 anthocyanin peaks, but HPLC-ESI-MS revealed fragment ion patterns of 26 anthocyanins. Delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin were all glycosylated with four different monosaccharide moieties (galactose, glucose, arabinose, and xylose) with the first two also conjugated with rhamnose. Furthermore, anthocyanidin disaccharides, tentatively identified as anthocyanidin sambubiosides, were characteristic for these berries. The mean content of the total anthocyanins was 1420 mg/100 g dry weight. The most predominant anthocyanidins were delphinidin (41%), petunidin (19%), and malvidin (19%). Glucose was the most typical (61%) sugar moiety. This study revealed that wild Caucasian blueberries contain an abundance of bioactive anthocyanins and thus are ideal for various functional food purposes.