Long term administration of loquat leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-ß burden and memory impairment.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. We investigated the effects of loquat leaf powder and methanol extract in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells) and C57BL/6 J mice. Surprisingly, the extract greatly enhanced cellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aß) 42 productions in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of leaf powder increased Aß42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. Administration of UA decreased Aß42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of leave powder for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Aß42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin increased Aß42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of leaf powder for 3 months. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Aß42 and P-tau levels. Also, amygdalin might be one of the compounds responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Aß42 levels.

Effects of L-Cysteine and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Treatment on Postharvest Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Loquat Fruit during Storage.

Sichuan is the China's leading producer of loquat, with the largest cultivation area and yield ranked first in China. Loquat is a seasonal fruit highly appreciated by consumers; however, the fruit is prone to browning and lignification after harvest, affecting its storage quality. The effects of L-Cysteine (L-Cys, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2%) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1%) on the sensory quality and antioxidant activity of loquat fruit during cold storage at 4 °C for 35 days and simulated shelf life for 5 days were investigated. The results showed that after 40 days of storage, compared with the control, 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA treatment of 'Zaozhong No. 6' loquat fruit effectively reduced the weight loss rate, browning index, decay index, respiratory rate, firmness, and lignin content and slowed the decreases in total soluble solids, soluble sugar, titratable acidityand vitamin C contents. The application of 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA significantly increased the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, flavanols, and carotenoids; delayed the increase of relative electric conductivity, MDA, POD, and PPO activities; and significantly enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and FRAP, thereby improving antioxidant capacity. In summary, 0.05% L-Cys and 0.05% GABA treatment promotes the quality of loquat fruit after 40 days of storage, and significantly enhances antioxidant capacity, thus delaying senescence after harvest.

Total Sesquiterpene Glycosides from Loquat Leaves Ameliorate HFD-Induced Insulin Resistance by Modulating IRS-1/GLUT4, TRPV1, and SIRT6/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.), a subtropical fruit tree native to Asia, is not only known to be nutritive but also beneficial for the treatment of diabetes in the south of China. To expand its development, this study was undertaken concerning the potential therapeutic role of total sesquiterpene glycosides (TSGs) from loquat leaves in insulin resistance (IR), the major causative factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Male C57BL/6 mice were fed on high-fat diet (HFD) to induce IR and then were given TSG by oral administration at 25 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. TSG notably improved metabolic parameters including body weight, serum glucose, and insulin levels and prevented hepatic injury. Moreover, inflammatory response and oxidative stress were found to be remarkably alleviated in IR mice with TSG supplement. Further research in liver of IR mice demonstrated that TSG repaired the signalings of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/glucose transporter member 4 (GLUT4) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which improved glucose and lipid metabolism and prevented lipid accumulation in liver. It was also observed that TSG suppressed the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), whereas the signaling pathway of sirtuin-6 (SIRT6)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was significantly promoted. Based on the results, the current study demonstrated that TSG from loquat leaves potentially ameliorated IR in vivo by enhancing IRS-1/GLUT4 signaling and AMPK activation and modulating TRPV1 and SIRT6/Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Structure features, selenylation modification, and improved anti-tumor activity of a polysaccharide from Eriobotrya japonica.

A homogeneous polysaccharide, EJP90-1, was isolated from the leaves of E. japonica by hot water extraction in this study. EJP90-1 (7702 Da) was a heteropolysaccharide mainly consisting of →5)-linked-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4)-linked-ß-D-Manp-(1→, →2,4)-linked-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →4)-linked-α-D-Xylp-(1→, →4)-linked-ß-D-Galp-(1→, →2)-linked-ß-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-linked-ß-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-Glcp-(4→, and t-linked-α-L-Araf. EJP90-1 was found to show moderate anti-tumor activity at the cellular level. In order to improve the anti-tumor activity and the potential applications of EJP90-1, a typical sodium selenite-nitric acid (Na2SeO3-HNO3) modification on EJP90-1 was carried out. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis confirmed that Se was successfully introduced into the polymer chain of EJP90-1. The subsequent in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation showed the selenylation modification derivative (EJP90-1-Se) possessed significant antiproliferative activity against cancer cells (HepG2 and A549 cells) through inducing cell apoptosis. The anti-tumor activity of EJP90-1-Se was further confirmed by zebrafish models, which inhibited the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells and the angiogenesis.

Theory of the exterior-interior relationship between the lungs and the large intestine to explore the mechanism of Eriobotrya japonica leaf water extract in the treatment of cough variant asthma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl leaf (EJL) is used as a traditional Chinese medicine. E. japonica is a member of the Rosaceae family. EJL suppresses cough and relieves asthma and is widely used to treat lung diseases. In the present study, guided by the traditional Chinese medicine theory of the exterior-interior relationship between the lungs and the large intestine, the pathogenesis of cough variant asthma (CVA) and the treatment mechanism of EJL on CVA were explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the airway remodeling effects of EJL in CVA from the perspective of the intestinal flora and the matrix metallopeptidase 9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oleanolic acid and ursolic acid contents in EJL were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure the quality of EJL. BALB/c mice were used to establish a CVA model through ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and atomization. EJL (at 5, 10, or 20 g/kg/day) was intragastrically administered. The body weight, ratio of total bronchial wall area (WAt) to bronchial basement membrane perimeter (Pbm) (WAt/Pbm), the number of coughs, and cough latency were measured. The pathological changes of the lung tissue were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected in the lung tissue by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Additionally, an Illumina Hiseq platform was used for 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) high-throughput sequencing to detect the intestinal flora in feces samples. RESULTS: The results confirmed the positive effects of EJL on CVA. After administration of EJL, the number of coughs and the WAt/Pbm ratio decreased, the cough latency was prolonged, body weight was increased, and the general status was better than that of the CVA model mice. HE staining revealed that EJL decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and improved the histopathological structure of the lung tissue. EJL also showed significant inhibitory effects on the expression of α-SMA, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 and normalized the intestinal flora to a certain extent. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that EJL alleviated airway remodeling of CVA mice, which might be related to the inhibition of the MMP-P/TIMP-1 pathway and the regulation of intestinal flora.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Eriobotrya japonica extract: a promising approach against cancer cells proliferation, inflammation, allergic disorders and phagocytosis induction.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have biological activities like antibacterial, antifungal, drug delivery, immunomodulation and antitumor activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate some of biomedical applications of silver NP synthesis using extracts from leaves of Eriobotrya japonica. Colour changes, UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, FTIR and XRD were used to confirm AgNPs formation. The UV-vis spectrum absorption band was observed at almost 430 nm. The SEM image shows quasi-spherical shape of AgNPs. The zeta potential demonstrated the negative surface charge of NPs. FTIR results showed the functional groups of AgNPs. Crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed by XRD pattern. MTT assay was used to study the anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Apoptosis was tested using a DNA-fragmentation test, and expression of P53. AgNPs inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and HeLa cells, and reduced inflammation. Treatment with AgNPs significantly decreased allergic disorder. AgNPs stimulated the phagocytosis process in BMDMs. The results suggested that AgNPs could be a promising therapy for future and preventing inflammation, reduce allergic disorders and prevent bacterial infection through the up-regulation of phagocytosis. Hence, future work such as developed and improved NPs as adjuvants, immune-modulating substances and nano-drug delivery system is needed.

Eriobotrya japonica leaf triterpenoid acids ameliorate metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated in some studies that triterpenoid acid extract fromEriobotrya japonica leaf is beneficial to prevent hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance. However, the effect of triterpenoid acids in Eriobotrya japonica leaf on a series of typical symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been rarely studied systematically. Therefore, the present study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of Eriobotrya japonica leaf triterpenoid acids (ELTA) on MetS and explore its potential mechanism. METHODS: ELTA (HPLC purity 95.2 %) was prepared and administered orally (200 mg/kg) to C57BL/6 J mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Pioglitazone (30 mg/kg) was used as a positive control drug. Food intake, body weight, total lipid in feces, lipid profiles, inflammatory factors in serum, hepatic glutathione, and lipid peroxide were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed to evaluate insulin sensitivity. RT-qPCR and molecular docking were performed to explore the potential mechanism. RESULTS: ELTA administration reduced body weight gain, relative liver weight, and relative visceral adipose weight. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hepatic total cholesterol, and hepatic triglycerides were also reduced. ELTA reduced the area under curve (AUC) of blood glucose curves in OGTT and ITT. Relative mRNA level analysis of genes related to MetS showed that ELTA can effectively increase the transcriptional levels of Nrf2, HO-1, PPAR-γ, GluT2, GK, FXR, while effectively decrease those of PTP1B, p65, TNF-α, IL-6, SREBP, 11ßHSD-1. Molecular docking showed that the ligands in ELTA can bind to 11ßHSD-1, GK, PPAR-γ, and JNK, the important targets involved in MetS. CONCLUSIONS: ELTA can effectively alleviate visceral central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation of HFD-induced MetS in C57BL/6 J mice. This is possibly achieved by acting on 11ßHSD-1, GK, PPAR-γ, and JNK.

Liquid chromatographic and liquid-liquid chromatographic separation of structural isomeric oleanolic acid and ursolic acid using hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin as additive.

Two structural isomeric pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, were considered as the models for the quality control of many traditional Chinese herbal medicines and they have been proved to own important pharmacological activities. In the present work, liquid chromatographic and liquid-liquid chromatographic separation with high peak resolution of structural isomeric oleanolic acid and ursolic acid using hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin as mobile phase additive was successfully achieved, respectively. A high peak resolution, RS=8.143, was achieved for the two structural isomeric compounds by conventional reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, which was greatly improved compared with the published values. Meanwhile, a biphasic solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-0.1 mol/L hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (9:1:10, v/v) was selected for liquid-liquid chromatography, which provided a high peak resolution, RS = 6.573, for analytical apparatus and Rs = 8.500 for semi-preparative apparatus after optimization by liquid-liquid extractions. Two elution modes including reverse phase mode and normal phase mode were investigated for preparative separation of two acids from crude exact of Eriobotrya japonica Thunb. Furthermore, the inclusion complex between each of the two structural isomers and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin were also investigated for high performance liquid chromatography and liquid-liquid chromatography, respectively, in which formation constants were determined for oleanolic acid and ursolic acid.

Flavonoids isolated from loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in COPD mice: the role of TRPV1 signaling pathways.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive lung disease with few successful treatments, and is strongly associated with cigarette smoking (CS). Since the novel coronavirus has spread worldwide seriously, there is growing concern that patients who have chronic respiratory conditions like COPD can easily be infected and are more prone to having severe illness and even mortality because of lung dysfunction. Loquat leaves have long been used as an important material for both pharmaceutical and functional applications in the treatment of lung disease in Asia, especially in China and Japan. Total flavonoids (TF), the main active components derived from loquat leaves, showed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, their protective activity against CS-induced COPD airway inflammation and oxidative stress and its underlying mechanism still remain not well-understood. The present study uses a CS-induced mouse model to estimate the morphological changes in lung tissue. The results demonstrated that TF suppressed the histological changes in the lungs of CS-challenged mice, as evidenced by reduced generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and diminished the protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Moreover, TF also inhibited phosphorylation of IKK, IκB and NFκB and increased p-Akt. Interestingly, TF could inhibit CS-induced oxidative stress in the lungs of COPD mice. TF treatment significantly inhibited the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, TF markedly downregulated TRPV1 and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and upregulated the expression of SOD-2, while the p-JNK level was observed to be inhibited in COPD mice. Taken together, our findings showed that the protective effect and putative mechanism of the action of TF resulted in the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress through the regulation of TRPV1 and the related signal pathway in lung tissues. It suggested that TF derived from loquat leaves could be considered to be an alternative or a new functional material and used for the treatment of CS-induced COPD.

Optimization of extraction of loquat flowers polyphenolics and its antioxidant and anti-polyphenol oxidase properties.

In this study, the conditions of extraction of loquat flowers polyphenolics were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). Proper extraction conditions were: solid to liquid ratio 1 g per 50 mL and ethanol concentration 50% at 61°C for 9 min. Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of purified total polyphenolics (PTP) were investigated. PTP displayed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 126.3 ± 8.9, 162.4 ± 6.3 and 94.97 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry weight (mg AAE/d.w.) for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. In addition, PTP has a substantial inhibitory activity on PPO (IC50 = 115 ± 9.2 µg/mL). From the kinetics analysis, it was proved to be a reversible and mixed-type inhibitor of PPO with KI and KIS values of 76.77 µg/mL and 227.86 µg/mL, respectively. Further, the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of PPO by PTP was investigated by molecular docking techniques. The results showed that PTP units could form interaction with the catalytic pocket of PPO through the interaction with amino acid residues in the enzyme active center. The antioxidant activities of PTP together with its effect on PPO activity provide a strong starting point for their practical usage in the food industry.

Eriobotrya japonica leaf extract attenuates airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced mice model of asthma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eriobotrya japonica leaves has a very long history of medicinal use as an anti-inflammatory and antitussive agent for bronchial inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of Eriobotrya japonica (EJ) leaf water extract in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model and human tracheal smooth muscle cell (HTSMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were sensitized by intra peritoneal OVA and challenged with nebulized OVA. EJ extract was administered orally at various dose. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was quantified for nitric oxide (NO), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 level and immunoglobulin (Ig) E was quantified in serum. Lung tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of inflammatory cell infiltration whereas mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia were studied by periodic acid schiff staining. Western blot was done for analysis of pERK1/2 expression and NFκB translocation in HTSMC whereas iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW264.7 cell. RESULTS: EJ significantly reduced the levels of BALF's NO, EPO, MMPs, IL-4, IL-13, and serum IgE. It also decreases inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production. EJ also attenuated the proliferation of HTSMC, inhibits overexpression of ERK 1/2 and translocation of NFκB in HTSMC as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 cell. CONCLUSION: Present study suggest that, EJ effectively protects against allergic airway inflammation thus possessing potential therapeutic option for allergic asthma management.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in extract from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Eriobotrya japonica (EJ) is a Chinese medicinal plant that is currently grown in Brazil. E. japonica leaves infusion is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammation; however, there are few scientific studies showing the effects of these properties on joint articular and persistent experimental inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present research had objective investigation of the effect of infusion obtained from leaves of E. japonica (EJLE) on acute and persistent experimental articular inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Swiss mice were treated orally with EJLE and analyzed for acute pleural inflammation (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), paw edema induced by carrageenan (100 mg/kg), acute knee inflammation induced by zymosan (100 mg/kg), and persistent inflammation induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) (30 and 100 mg/kg). Mechanical hyperalgesia, cold and edema were analyzed. RESULTS: The chromatographic analysis of EJLE revealed the presence of corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. EJLE presented anti-inflammatory activity in the pleurisy model, inhibiting leukocyte migration, protein extravasation and nitric oxide production. In the articular inflammation model, EJLE reduced the number of leukocytes in the joint cavity, paw edema and hyperalgesia (4 h after induction). In the persistent inflammation model induced by CFA, the extract reduced paw edema after 11 days of mechanical and cold hyperalgesia on day 6. CONCLUSIONS: The EJLE has anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic potential in models of acute and persistent experimental articular inflammation, making this infusion a new possibility for complementary treating acute or chronic articular inflammatory diseases.

The Inhibitory Effects of Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Loquat Leaf against Th17 Differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Loquat leaf is an herb that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Th17 cells play a fundamental role in mediating SLE pathological deterioration. In our study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of pentacyclic triterpenes from loquat leaf on T helper 17 (Th17) cells and the therapeutic efficacy of OA in Lupus nephritis (LN) development. METHODS: We isolated three pentacyclic triterpene compounds rom loquat leaf by bioassay-directed fractionation and separation method. There were methyl corosolate (MC), uvaol (UL), and oleanolic acid (OA) Firstly, we elucidated Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) inhibitory activity of these three compounds in the cell-based assay and Th17 differentiation in vitro assay. Then, we used OA-treated pristine-induced LN mice to evaluate the therapeutic effects of OA in LN development. Anti-dsDNA level in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression in spleen cells by Flow cytometry (FCM), histomorphologic examination of kidneys were performed by periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: Pentacyclic triterpene compounds (MC, UL, OA) displayed inhibition of RORγt activity in cell-based assay and Th17 differentiation in vitro. Furthermore, our results also showed that OA could significantly decrease serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels, IL-17A and IFN-γ expression and alleviate renal pathological damage in OA-treated group mice than in the model group mice. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that OA can improve the clinical manifestation of LN, indicating potential application in SLE therapy.

Comparison of structural characteristics and bioactivities of polysaccharides from loquat leaves prepared by different drying techniques.

In the present study, freeze drying, hot-air drying, vacuum drying, and microwave drying at the microwave powers of 400, 600, and 800 W, respectively, were utilized to dry loquat leaves for evaluating the effects of different drying techniques on the physicochemical structures and bioactivities of polysaccharides extracted from loquat leaves (LLPs). Results demonstrated that the physicochemical structures and bioactivities of LLPs significantly affected by different drying techniques. The degrees of esterification, molar ratios of constituent monosaccharides, contents of uronic acids, apparent viscosities, and molecular weights of LLPs were varied by different drying techniques. Additionally, LLPs, particularly LLP-M4 which extracted from loquat leaves prepared by microwave drying at the power of 400 W, exerted remarkable in vitro binding capacities, strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and obvious antioxidant activities. Results indicated that the microwave drying could be an efficient drying technique before extraction of bioactive LLPs, and LLPs had great potential applications in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioactive activities and chemical profile characterization using paper spray mass spectrometry of extracts of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. leaves.

RATIONALE: The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a fruit tree that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for the treatment of various diseases. The loquat leaf extracts contain several bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and identification of these substances using quick and simple methods has been an analytical trend. METHODS: The influence of dehydration of loquat leaves (without drying, at 40°C, and at 60°C), the type of solvent (ethanol and methanol), and the method of extraction (shaking and ultrasound) on obtaining extracts containing phenolic compounds and substances with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties was evaluated. The chemical constituents of an extract were identified using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). RESULTS: The extract obtained from the dehydrated leaves at 40°C presented the best results. The extracts obtained from these leaves and with ethanol had the highest values of total phenolics and antioxidant activities, but the methanolic extract subjected to ultrasound had the highest levels of chlorogenic, caffeic, and ellagic acids. All extracts evaluated inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Using the PS-MS technique, it was possible to identify the presence of 49 substances such as organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, sugars, quinones, and terpenes. CONCLUSIONS: In general, extracts of dehydrated leaves at 40°C and extracted with ethanol using ultrasound can be considered a good source of bioactive compounds with potential applications as functional ingredients or additives in the food and pharmaceutical industries. PS-MS was demonstrated to be a simple and ultrafast technique to obtain the chemical profile of the loquat leaf extract.

Effects of Eriobotrya japonica Water Extract on Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Impairment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of the hot water extract of Eriobotrya japonica (EJW) on EtOH- or free fatty acid (FFA)-induced fatty liver injury in vitro. HepG2/2E1 cells were exposed to EtOH and HepG2 cells were exposed to a mixture of FFAs (oleic acid:palmitic acid, 2:1) to stimulate oxidative stress and to induce lipid accumulation, respectively. Antioxidant activity was significantly increased and lipid accumulation was inhibited in cells pretreated with EJW compared to those in cells exposed to EtOH or FFA only. Also, 5'adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylations were considerably increased, indicating activation of AMPK. Furthermore, EJW reduced the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of lipogenesis-associated factors such as ACC, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), and increased mRNA expression related to components of the fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway, such as AMPK, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). These results suggest that EJW possessed potential preventive effects against both EtOH- and FFA-induced fatty liver disease by alleviation of oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.

[A new phenolic glycoside from honey-fried Eriobotrya japonica].

A total of twelve compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate of the water extract of honey-fried Eriobotrya japonica through column chromatography over silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,RP-18,and preparative HPLC. Their structures were established by MS,1 D NMR and 2 D NMR data as japonicanoside A( 1),nerolidol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside( 2),nerolidol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( l→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1 → 2)-[α-L-( 4-trans-feruloyl)-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1 → 6) ]-ß-D-glucopyranoside( 3),( +)-catechin( 4),(-)-epicatechin( 5),kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside( 6),quercitrin( 7),quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside( 8),quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopyranoside( 9),vanillin( 10),protocatechuic aldehyde( 11),and maltol( 12). Among them,1 is a new phenolic glycoside.

Fatty Acid Composition and Applications of Eriobotrya japonica Seed Oil.

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is commonly found in Japan. Its fruits are consumed raw or used in processed foods, and its leaves are used as a traditional medicine and in the manufacturing of cosmetics. Additionally, its seeds have several industrial applications. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the fatty acid composition of loquat seed oil, and to evaluate its potential application as a deodorant. Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, behenic acid, and lignoceric acid were found to be the primary fatty acids present in the seeds, among which linoleic acid was involved in the deodorization of allyl methyl sulfide. Based on these results, loquat seed oil has potential for use in deodorant production.

Physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from the leaves of different loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) cultivars.

In order to explore polysaccharides from loquat leaves (LLPs) as functional food ingredients for prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the physicochemical characteristics, in vitro binding properties, and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase of polysaccharides from the leaves of different loquat cultivars, including 'Baiyu', 'Chuannong8', 'Yuanbao', and 'Dawuxing', were investigated and compared. Results showed that the contents of total uronic acids and degree of esterification in LLPs ranged from (27.04 ±â€¯1.76)% to (41.46 ±â€¯1.91)%, and from (20.54 ±â€¯0.11)% to (26.90 ±â€¯0.10)%, respectively. The weight-average molecular weights of LLPs ranged from 4.307 × 106 Da to 5.101 × 106 Da, and the major constituent monosaccharides of LLPs were rhamnose, galacturonic acid, arabinose, and galactose. Furthermore, LLPs exerted strong in vitro fat binding, cholesterol binding, and bile acid binding capacities, as well as remarkable inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which might be attributed to their molecular weights, molecular weight distributions, and degree of esterification. Results are helpful for better understanding of chemical structures and bioactivities of polysaccharides from loquat leaves, and LLPs had good potential to be explored as functional food ingredients for prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Multivariate Analysis Illuminates the Effects of Vacuum Drying on the Extractable and Nonextractable Polyphenols Profile of Loquat Fruit.

The current study evaluated the effects of vacuum drying on the whole polyphenol profile of loquat fruit, including extractive and nonextractive polyphenols. Absorbance analysis determined that total polyphenol content and antioxidant levels were higher in loquat fruit vacuum dried at 140 °C than in loquat fruit vacuum dried at 70 °C. The results of ultra-HPLC-triple quadruple mass spectrum analysis showed that 15 phenolic acids and 17 flavonoids were found in dried loquat fruit. Multivariate integrative (MINT) sparse partial least square-discriminant analysis showed that vacuum drying affects the polyphenol profile of loquat fruit. Co-analysis of principal component analysis, partial least square-discriminant analysis, and orthometric partial least square-discriminant analysis revealed that vacuum drying mainly changed the content of chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, phloretin, and hesperidin in loquat fruit. Chlorogenic acid (12.020 to 39.153 µg/g d.b. [dried base weight]), the main polyphenol in dried loquat fruit, was degraded to caffeic acid (0.028 to 2.365 µg/g d.b.) and protocatechuic acid (0.014 to 18.285 µg/g d.b.) during vacuum drying. Moreover, vacuum drying also induced the isomerization of chlorogenic acid into cryptochlorogenic acid (1.628 to 12.737 µg/g d.b.). These results might be used to develop dried loquat fruit with high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Interests in polyphenols of loquat fruit had increased greatly because of their possible role in health benefits. This work provided a holistic insight in the effects of vacuum drying on polyphenols profile of loquat fruit. Current results have contributed to the development of vacuum-drying method, which produced loquat fruit rich in polyphenols. Furthermore, it also suggested that multivariate analysis was a feasible method to reveal the important changes of polyphenols profile during food processing.