Genome-Wide Investigation of BAM Gene Family in Annona atemoya: Evolution and Expression Network Profiles during Fruit Ripening.

ß-amylase proteins (BAM) are important to many aspects of physiological process such as starch degradation. However, little information was available about the BAM genes in Annona atemoya, an important tropical fruit. Seven BAM genes containing the conservative domain of glycoside hydrolase family 14 (PF01373) were identified with Annona atemoya genome, and these BAM genes can be divided into four groups. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that AaBAM3 and AaBAM9 were located in the chloroplast, and AaBAM1.2 was located in the cell membrane and the chloroplast. The AaBAMs belonging to Subfamily I contribute to starch degradation have the higher expression than those belonging to Subfamily II. The analysis of the expression showed that AaBAM3 may function in the whole fruit ripening process, and AaBAM1.2 may be important to starch degradation in other organs. Temperature and ethylene affect the expression of major AaBAM genes in Subfamily I during fruit ripening. These expressions and subcellular localization results indicating ß-amylase play an important role in starch degradation.

SOURSOP: A Python Package for the Analysis of Simulations of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.

Conformational heterogeneity is a defining hallmark of intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDRs). The functions of IDRs and the emergent cellular phenotypes they control are associated with sequence-specific conformational ensembles. Simulations of conformational ensembles that are based on atomistic and coarse-grained models are routinely used to uncover the sequence-specific interactions that may contribute to IDR functions. These simulations are performed either independently or in conjunction with data from experiments. Functionally relevant features of IDRs can span a range of length scales. Extracting these features requires analysis routines that quantify a range of properties. Here, we describe a new analysis suite simulation analysis of unfolded regions of proteins (SOURSOP), an object-oriented and open-source toolkit designed for the analysis of simulated conformational ensembles of IDRs. SOURSOP implements several analysis routines motivated by principles in polymer physics, offering a unique collection of simple-to-use functions to characterize IDR ensembles. As an extendable framework, SOURSOP supports the development and implementation of new analysis routines that can be easily packaged and shared.

Annona muricate Extract Supplementation Contributes to Improve Aberrant Multi-Organ Energy Metabolism via Muscle-Brain Connectivity in Diabetic Mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related with the incidence of sarcopenia and cognitive impairment that reduces quality of life in the elderly. Recent evidence has demonstrated that sarcopenia is associated with cognitive dysfunction, and muscle-derived endocrine factors might contribute to cognitive function by the skeletal muscle-brain endocrine loop. This study investigated the beneficial effects of Annona muricata (AM, graviola) on multi-organ energy metabolism with muscle-brain connectivity via brain function-related myokines in mice. Body composition, fasting blood glucose level, insulin, HbA1c%, histopathological changes, and the protein levels of insulin-signaling, energy metabolism, neuroprotection, inflammation, and protein-degradation pathways were measured. AM extract (AME) treatment selectively enhanced insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle and hippocampus of T2DM mice. Furthermore, AME treatment effectively increased muscle-derived fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), cathepsin-B (CTSB), irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and liver-derived FGF21 that contribute to whole-body energy homeostasis. In particular, AME increased the levels of circulating myokines (FGF21, BDNF, irisin, and CTSB), and these were accordance with the hippocampal neurotrophic factors (BDNF and CTSB) in T2DM mice. In conclusion, we suggest that AME would be a potential nutraceutical for improving the energy metabolism associated with muscle-brain connectivity via brain function-related myokines in T2DM.

Transcriptome analysis reveals key metabolic pathways and gene expression involving in cell wall polysaccharides-disassembling and postharvest fruit softening in custard apple (Annona squamosa L.).

This study aimed to investigate the effect of custard apple cell wall polysaccharides-disassembling on postharvest fruit softening and to explore its key metabolic pathways and gene expression. Custard apple fruit was stored at 15 ± 0.5 °C for 12 days, it was found that the decreased significantly in fruit firmness, contents of Na2CO3-soluble pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose, and the increased significantly in water-soluble pectin and CDTA-soluble pectin. The activities of cell wall-degrading relevant enzymes in fruit were improved significantly during storage, including cellulase, polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase, neutral xylanase, ß-galactosidase, and ß-D-glucosidase. The RNA sequencing results revealed 41,545 nonredundant unigenes and 7571 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in custard apple fruit samples. Functional annotation and DEGs data revealed cell wall degradation potentially involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, galactose metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Specifically, two EG and six ß-Glc genes controlled the cellulose decomposition, and one ß-xyl and one GATU genes involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, and two PME, one Pel, and four PG genes were the major regulators of pectin disassembling. These results provide a molecular foundation for explaining fruit softening and extending shelf life of custard apple.

Melatonin Treatments Reduce Chilling Injury and Delay Ripening, Leading to Maintenance of Quality in Cherimoya Fruit.

Spain is the world's leading producer of cherimoya, a climacteric fruit highly appreciated by consumers. However, this fruit species is very sensitive to chilling injury (CI), which limits its storage. In the present experiments, the effects of melatonin applied as dipping treatment on cherimoya fruit CI, postharvest ripening and quality properties were evaluated during storage at 7 °C + 2 days at 20 °C. The results showed that melatonin treatments (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mM) delayed CI, ion leakage, chlorophyll losses and the increases in total phenolic content and hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities in cherimoya peel for 2 weeks with respect to controls. In addition, the increases in total soluble solids and titratable acidity in flesh tissue were also delayed in melatonin-treated fruit, and there was also reduced firmness loss compared with the control, the highest effects being found for the 0.05 mM dose. This treatment led to maintenance of fruit quality traits and to increases in the storage time up to 21 days, 14 days more than the control fruit. Thus, melatonin treatment, especially at 0.05 mM concentration, could be a useful tool to decrease CI damage in cherimoya fruit, with additional effects on retarding postharvest ripening and senescence processes and on maintaining quality parameters. These effects were attributed to a delay in the climacteric ethylene production, which was delayed for 1, 2 and 3 weeks for 0.01, 0.1 and 0.05 mM doses, respectively. However, the effects of melatonin on gene expression and the activity of the enzymes involved in ethylene production deserves further research.

Anticancer acumens of three Annona species: a proportional review.

INTRODUCTION: Cumulative pattern of cancer could be seen in day-to-day life with each passing year and, it is becoming a great matter of concern especially to the scientific community worldwide. Alternative treatment methods for various types of cancer are in place and, being continuously worked out. Plant-derived natural substances have shown great results in combating cancer in comparison to chemo and radiotherapies which are toxic besides having serious side effects. In continuation, Annona species, native to America, Africa, Asia and Australia have been used in folk medicines and, are reported to have many anti-carcinogenic substances. METHODS: For a prudent understanding of Annona species against various cancers, comparative investigation and analysis of three species viz., A. cherimola, A. muricata, and A. squamosa was undertaken through a detailed review of the in-attendance subject. The major scientific biomedical literature databases were consulted and the information available from 2011 until January 2021 was taken into account. RESULTS: Studies on anti-cancer activities along with the thorough analysis of the findings and the pieces of evidence supporting their anti-proliferative, apoptosis, G1 cell cycle arrest and cytotoxic effects are described. A. muricata displayed maximum number of anti-cancer activities being revealed by most of its parts with the lowest IC50 values against various cancer cell lines compared to A. cherimola and A. squamosa. On account of the findings, it is advocated that, further detailed studies on anti-cancer explorations of Annona species could be proved fruitful in paving new and innovative methodologies for novel anti-cancer drug discovery and development.

In vivo, in vitro and Molecular Modelling Analysis of Isoquercetin, Roseoside, Coreximine, Anonaine, and Arianacin Molecules.

INTRODUCTION: Annona muricata is a member of the Annonaceae family. This plant has a high concentration of acetogenin, which gives it excellent therapeutic property. Researchers have tested this miraculous herb in breast cancer cells treatment and observed that it could be a source of anti-cancer agents. The proposed study focused on screening the anticancer biological activity of Annona muricata plant by using the in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. METHODS: In in vitro analysis, the IC50 was determined on two-dimensional and three-dimensional breast cancer cells. 2D cells were cultured on flat dishes typically made of plastic, while 3D cells were cultured using the hanging drop method. In in vivo analysis, Drosophila melanogaster was preferred, and the LC50 was determined. In in silico analysis, molecular docking studies have been carried out on the different classes of Annona muricata acetogenins against the target proteins. Nearly, five acetogenins were selected from the literature, and docking was performed against human Bcl-2, Bad and Akt-1 proteins. RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo results revealed the IC50 value of 2D MDA-MB-231 cells as 330 µg.mℓ-1, of 2D MCF-7 cells as290 µg.mℓ-1, and of 3D MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells about 0.005 g.mℓ-1; the LC50 value of Drosophila melanogaster was determined as 0.1 g.mℓ-1. In silico results revealed that the docked complex formed by Isoquercetin showed better binding affinity towards target proteins. CONCLUSION: As a result of the analysis, the Annona muricata plant has been observed to be effective against cancer and likely to be a potential drug.

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Atemoya Fruit (Annona atemoya) for Food-Drug Interactions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atemoya (Annona atemoya) is increasingly being consumed worldwide because of its pleasant taste. However, only limited information is available concerning possible atemoya-drug interactions. In the present study, the issue of whether atemoya shows food-drug interactions with substrate drugs of the major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450s (i.e., CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A) is addressed. METHODS: The ability of atemoya juice to inhibit the activities of phenacetin O-deethylase (CYP1A2), diclofenac 4'-hydroxylase (CYP2C9), and midazolam 1'-hydroxylase (CYP3A) was examined in vitro using human and rat liver microsomes. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of phenacetin and metabolites derived from it in rats when atemoya juice or fluvoxamine (a CYP1A2 inhibitor) was preadministered were also investigated. RESULTS: Atemoya juice significantly inhibited CYP1A2 activity in human liver microsomes, but not the activities of CYP2C9 and CYP3A. In spite of this inhibition, preadministration of atemoya had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, in rats. Meanwhile, preadministration of fluvoxamine significantly extended the time needed for the elimination of phenacetin, possibly due to the inhibition of CYP1A2. This suggests that the intake of an excess amount of atemoya juice is necessary to cause a change in the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin when the IC50 values for CYP1A2 inhibition by atemoya and fluvoxamine are taken into account. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that a daily intake of atemoya would not change the pharmacokinetics of CYP1A2 substrates such as phenacetin as well as CYP2C9- and CYP3A-substrate drugs.

Susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) Larvae to Methanolic Extracts of Annona reticulata.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Environment pollution and resistance of many pests to the most frequently used chemical insecticides gave the rationale of altering to replace them with natural herbal extracts for pests and vector control. This study investigated the effect of methanolic extract of <i>Annona reticulata</i> on the mortality and development of larvae of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Methanolic herbal extracts were analyzed using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to identify the phytochemical compounds in them. Ten mosquito larvae were used as replicates and exposed to each of the five concentrations of the plant extract (30, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg mL¹) and ten larvae were exposed to double distilled water and considered as control. <b>Results:</b> Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, steroids, quinones, tannins and saponins. Statistical analysis showed a significant strong correlation and regression between exposure to the different concentrations of the extract and mortality of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> larvae where R² = 0.982, the Correlation value is 0.991099 (p<0.05). Results also showed that the extracts affect the development of larvae more than mortality. The effect of the extracts on the early larval stages was significantly high compared to the late stages of larvae. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to our knowledge results of this study has been reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia where <i>Annona reticulata</i> is neglected regionally and no study approved its efficacy as a botanical herbal extract against mosquitoes.

Non-targeted metabolomics characterization of Annona muricata leaf extracts with anti-angiogenic activity.

The tropical plant Annona muricata has been widely used for traditional ethnobotanic and pharmacologic applications. Extracts from different parts of this plant have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we carry out a metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves that has allowed us to identify 33 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, we have shown that aqueous extracts are able to inhibit endothelial cell migration and both aqueous and DMSO extracts inhibit the formation of tubule-like structures by endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel. We conclude that extracts of Annona muricata leaves have great potential as anti-angiogenic natural combinations of bioactive compounds.

α-Terpineol: An Aggregation Pheromone in Optatus palmaris (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Pascoe, 1889) Enhanced by Its Host-Plant Volatiles.

The Annonaceae fruits weevil (Optatus palmaris) causes high losses to the soursop production in Mexico. Damage occurs when larvae and adults feed on the fruits; however, there is limited research about control strategies against this pest. However, pheromones provide a high potential management scheme for this curculio. Thus, this research characterized the behavior and volatile production of O. palmaris in response to their feeding habits. Olfactometry assays established preference by weevils to volatiles produced by feeding males and soursop. The behavior observed suggests the presence of an aggregation pheromone and a kairomone. Subsequently, insect volatiles sampled by solid-phase microextraction and dynamic headspace detected a unique compound on feeding males increased especially when feeding. Feeding-starvation experiments showed an averaged fifteen-fold increase in the concentration of a monoterpenoid on males feeding on soursop, and a decrease of the release of this compound males stop feeding. GC-MS analysis of volatiles identified this compound as α-terpineol. Further olfactometry assays using α-terpineol and soursop, demonstrated that this combination is double attractive to Annonaceae weevils than only soursop volatiles. The results showed a complementation effect between α-terpineol and soursop volatiles. Thus, α-terpineol is the aggregation pheromone of O. palmaris, and its concentration is enhanced by host-plant volatiles.

Bioprospecting of Natural Compounds from Brazilian Cerrado Biome Plants in Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines.

Cervical cancer is the third most common in Brazilian women. The chemotherapy used for the treatment of this disease can cause many side effects; then, to overcome this problem, new treatment options are necessary. Natural compounds represent one of the most promising sources for the development of new drugs. In this study, 13 different species of 6 families from the Brazilian Cerrado vegetation biome were screened against human cervical cancer cell lines (CCC). Some of these species were also evaluated in one normal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The effect of crude extracts on cell viability was evaluated by a colorimetric method (MTS assay). Extracts from Annona crassiflora, Miconia albicans, Miconia chamissois, Stryphnodendron adstringens, Tapirira guianensis, Xylopia aromatica, and Achyrocline alata showed half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values < 30 µg/mL for at least one CCC. A. crassiflora and S. adstringens extracts were selective for CCC. Mass spectrometry (Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (ESI FT-ICR MS)) of A. crassiflora identified fatty acids and flavonols as secondary compounds. One of the A. crassiflora fractions, 7C24 (from chloroform partition), increased H2AX phosphorylation (suggesting DNA damage), PARP cleavage, and cell cycle arrest in CCC. Kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside and oleic acid were bioactive molecules identified in 7C24 fraction. These findings emphasize the importance of investigating bioactive molecules from natural sources for developing new anti-cancer drugs.

Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Biological Activities.

Annona squamosa L. (custard apple) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is an important tropical fruit cultivated in the West Indies, South and Central America, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, India, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Egypt. Leaves of custard apple plants have been studied for their health benefits, which are attributed to a considerable diversity of phytochemicals. These compounds include phenol-based compounds, e.g., proanthocyanidins, comprising 18 different phenolic compounds, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Extracts from Annona squamosa leaves (ASLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiobesity, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective functions. In the current article, we discussed the nutritional and phytochemical diversity of ASLs. Additionally, ASL extracts were discussed with respect to their biological activities, which were established by in vivo and in vitro experiments. A survey of the literature based on the phytochemical profile and health-promoting effects of ASLs showed that they can be used as potential ingredients for the development of pharmaceutical drugs and functional foods. Although there are sufficient findings available from in vitro and in vivo investigations, clinical trials are still needed to determine the exact effects of ASL extracts on human health.

Physicochemical Properties and Effects of Fruit Pulps from the Amazon Biome on Physiological Parameters in Rats.

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and the effects of Amazonian pulp fruits consumption, such as araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), abiu grande (Pouteria caimito), araticum (Annona crassiflora), biri-biri (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus), on hematologic, metabolic, renal, and hepatic function parameters in Wistar rats (n = 10 rats/group). The pulp of abiu had the highest levels of soluble solids, sugars, and pH. Biri-biri pulp had the highest levels of ascorbic acid and total titratable acidity, and a low pH. The araticum pulp had higher (p ≤ 0.05) ash content, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity than the pulp of other analyzed fruits. No significant increase in hematocrit, nor reduction of blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (TGP), creatinine, and urea was observed in experimental groups relative to the control group of rats after the consumption of fruits pulp. The intake of abiu and araticum pulps promoted a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in total leukocytes of the experimental groups as compared to the control group and only the intake of araticum significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) triglyceride blood levels in rats (99.50 mg/dL). The regular consumption of biri-biri pulp for 30 days significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO) levels in rats (116.83 U/L) compared to the control group (98.00 U/L). More researches are needed to generate knowledge about these promising Amazonian fruits, supporting the native fruit production, in addition to promoting health in the population and sustainability in the Amazon region.

Purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization of an acidic α-galactosidase from the seeds of Annona squamosa (custard apple).

Alpha galactosidase is an exoglycosidase that cleaves α-D-galactose and has numerous applications in medicine, biotechnology, food and pharma industries. In this study, a low molecular weight acidic α-galactosidase was identified from the seeds of custard apple. The purification of α-galactosidase from the crude extract of defatted seeds was achieved by employing ammonium sulphate fractionation, hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration chromatographic techniques. The purified custard apple α-galactosidase (CaG) migrated as a single band in native PAGE corresponding to molecular weight of ~67 kDa and cleaved chromogenic, fluorogenic and natural substrates. CaG was found to be a heterodimer with subunit masses of 40 and 30 kDa. The kinetic parameters such as KM and Vmax were found to be 0.67 mM and 1.5 U/mg respectively with p-nitrophenyl α-D-galactopyranoside. Galactose, methyl α-D-galactopyranoside and D-galacturonic acid inhibited CaG activity in mixed mode. The CD spectral analysis at far UV region showed that purified CaG exists predominantly as helix (35%), beta sheets (16.3%) and random coils (32.3%) in its secondary structure. These biochemical and biophysical properties of CaG provide leads to understand its primary sequence and glycan structures which will eventually define its novel physiological roles in plants and potential industrial applications.

Synthesis and characterization of palladium nanoparticles by chemical and green methods: A comparative study on hepatic toxicity using zebrafish as an animal model.

Nanoparticles synthesized by chemical methods are of a matter of concern, whereas, the green methods are said to be eco-friendly and environmentally safe. In this study, the toxicity of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) synthesized through chemical co-precipitation and green route method using Annona squamosa seed kernels (As-Pd NPs) were evaluated using zebrafish as an animal model. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 0.4 ng/L of Pd NPs and As-Pd NPs for 96-h, further oxidative stress parameters and histological changes were evaluated. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity and the lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were elevated in the Pd NPs groups. But in the As-Pd NPs group, the SOD activity showed a biphasic nature while the CAT activity gradually declined till the 96-h compared to the control and Pd NPs groups. The LPO levels in the As-Pd NPs groups showed a measurable increase till 72-h and sudden decline at the end of 96-h. Anomalies in the histological changes such as ruptured hepatocytes, sinusoidal congestion, vacuolation and accumulation of erythrocytes were observed in both the NPs treated groups but As-Pd NPs exhibited lesser lesions than the control and Pd NPs groups. However, our present study reveals the possible reliability of the nanoparticles and the mechanism of scavenging activity suggesting that the As-Pd NPs synthesized by green route are less toxic comparing to the chemically synthesized Pd NPs.

Effect of Annona muricata Leaf Extract Towards the Sertoli Cells on Alloxan-Induced Mice.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Prolonged and uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus can increase the production of reactive oxygen and enhance the risk of male infertility by reducing the number of Sertoli cells. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Ethanol Extract of <i>Annona muricata </i>leaf (EEAL) on the amount of Sertoli cells in alloxan-induced mice antioxidant to prevent reducing the number of Sertoli cells. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The samples used for this study are 30 alloxan-induced Swiss Webster mice divided into a negative control group, a positive control group (glibenclamide 0.65 mg kg¹) and three plant extract groups (EEAL 150, 300 and 600 mg kg¹). Every solution was given every day for 14 days. Histological examination using HE-stained preparations was performed on 40x magnification to evaluate many Sertoli cells counted using Image J software. <b>Results:</b> three EEAL groups of 150, 300 and 600 mg kg¹ have significant effects (p<0.05) to increase the amounts of Sertoli cells compared to a negative control group. In contrast, it does not significantly affect the amounts of Sertoli cells than the positive control group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The administration of <i>A. muricata</i> leaf extract during 14 days significantly reduced the number of Sertoli cells on alloxan-induced mice.

The effect of high-pressure processing on reducing the glycaemic index of atemoya puree.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the glycaemic index (GI) of atemoya puree (AP) in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with unprocessed and high-pressure processed atemoya puree (HPP-AP), and the GIs for the unprocessed AP and HPP-AP were calculated from changes in blood glucose concentrations within 2 h after meals. The physicochemical properties of AP were analysed to understand the mechanism affecting its GI. RESULTS: The results showed that HPP (600 MPa for 15 min) could delay increase in postprandial blood glucose levels, decrease the peak value of postprandial blood glucose by 76.1%, and significantly decrease the GI of AP to 49.8 in the experimental group compared to 65.4 in the control group. HPP did not exert a significant effect on the glucose and pectin contents of AP, but it increased the viscosity of the puree and its dietary fibre content and delayed the time of peak glucose response. In the analysis of enzymes of the puree, we found that HPP significantly decreased the activities of sucrose invertase, pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase, thereby decreasing the rate of glucose generation in the puree and stabilizing the pectin structure, which decreased the absorption of glucose by the small intestine, thus decreasing the GI value. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that HPP technology could effectively delay increase in postprandial blood glucose levels and decrease the GI value of AP, thus having a potential application in developing atemoya puree products with low GI. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Acetogenins from Annona coriacea on the in Vitro Reactions of Photosynthesis.

Our search for candidates for photosynthesis inhibitors is allowing us to report the effect of two acetogenins identified in Annona coriacea Mart. leaves, ACG-A and ACG-B, a non-adjacent bis-THF and a mono-THF types, respectively. This is an important class of natural products which presents biological properties such as anticancer, neurotoxic, larvicidal and insecticidal. However, this is only the second report associated to its herbicidal activity. Their mechanisms of action on the light reactions of the photosynthesis were elucidated by polarographic techniques. Compounds inhibited the noncyclic electron transport on basal, phosphorylating, and uncoupled conditions from H2 O to methyl viologen (MV); therefore, they act as Hill reaction inhibitors. Studies on fluorescence of chlorophyll a (ChL a) indicated that they inhibited the acceptor side of PSII between P680 and PQ-pool, exactly as the commercial herbicide DCMU does.

Alcoholic fermentation of soursop (Annona muricata) juice via an alternative fermentation technique.

BACKGROUND: Wines are produced via the alcoholic fermentation of suitable substrates, usually sugar (sugar cane, grapes) and carbohydrates (wheat, grain). However, conventional alcoholic fermentation is limited by the inhibition of yeast by ethanol produced, usually at approximately 13-14%. Aside from that, soursop fruit is a very nutritious fruit, although it is highly perishable, and thus produces a lot of wastage. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce fermented soursop juice (soursop wine), using combination of two starter cultures, namely mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), as well as to determine the effects of fermentation on the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of fermented soursop juice. Optimisation of four factors (pH, temperature, time and culture ratio) using response surface methodology were performed to maximise ethanol production. RESULTS: The optimised values for alcoholic fermentation were pH 4.99, 28.29 °C, 131 h and a 0.42 culture ratio (42:58, P. pulmonarius mycelia:S. cerevisiae) with a predicted ethanol concentration of 22.25%. Through a verification test, soursop wine with 22.29 ± 0.52% ethanol was produced. The antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase from the soursop juice to soursop wine. CONCLUSION: The alternative fermentation technique using yeast and mushroom has successfully been optimised, with an increased ethanol production in soursop wine and higher antioxidant activities. Ultimately, this finding has high potential for application in the brewing industry to enhance the fermentation process, as well as in the development of an innovative niche product, reducing wastage by converting the highly-perishable fruit into wine with a more stable and longer shelf-life. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.