Presence of resveratrol in wild Arachis species adds new value to this overlooked genetic resource.

Genus Arachis comprises 82 species distributed into nine taxonomic sections. Most Arachis species are wild and those from Arachis section have been evaluated for many traits, since they can be used in peanut breeding. Most of the remaining species have been neglected and understudied. Recently, resveratrol content and expression of a resveratrol synthase gene were analyzed in wild Arachis species. Our aim was to expand the knowledge about resveratrol in Arachis, analyzing species from five sections and evaluating the expression of a resveratrol synthase (RS) gene responsive to ultraviolet light (UV) along the time. In a first experiment, the resveratrol content after UV induction was analyzed on detached leaves of 12 species from five sections. Variation was observed among species and accessions of the same species. The highest contents were found in A. lignosa (843.9 µg/g) and A. triseminata (745.4 µg/g). In a second experiment, RS expression and resveratrol content in four species and one synthetic amphidiploid were analyzed at 0, 7, 15 and 24 h pos induction (hpi) with UV. In most genotypes, the highest RS expression level was at 0 hpi, whereas the highest resveratrol content was at 15 hpi. Our results suggested that resveratrol is ubiquitously present in the genus Arachis with different capacities of synthesis among species and accessions in response to ultraviolet treatment. Presence of resveratrol in wild Arachis species adds new value to these genetic resources.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of Pereskioideae and Cactoideae: A review.

Several genera of the Cactoideae and Pereskioideae subfamilies (Hylocereus, Cereus, Pilosocereus, Stenocereus, Myrtillocactus, Melocactus and Pereskia genera) are often consumed as fresh fruits, processed foods and as functional plants. This review discusses the complete bioactive composition related to the genetic effects, the health properties and the safety of these succulent plants, aiming to provide some contributions for future research. Their cladodes, leaves and fruits are notable for water-soluble compounds, carbohydrate polymers, bioactive nitrogen compounds, polyphenols and some uncommon terpenoids. Mucilage, phenethylamines, flavonol glycosides, betalains and some uncommon triterpenoids have been related to the improvement of human health against general inflammation, metabolic disorders and disturbances of the digestive system. The intensive study of different species (and accessions) of both subfamilies, including their complete chemical profile related to genetic and environmental effects, biological properties and safety could represent a significant contribution to benefit human health and preserve biodiversity.