Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) Anti-Inflammatory Activity-A Review.

The manuscript provides an overview of recent scientific reports on the properties and range of health-promoting effects of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruits and leaves. Acerola is a natural raw material that, in its unprocessed form, is known to be a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds. For this reason, the consumption of acerola may provide a number of health-promoting benefits, particularly related to its strong anti-free radical effects. The review discusses anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of acerola fruit and leaves as well as its therapeutic effects on selected physiological processes in the human system. Their biochemical mechanisms are also explained. Recommendations for the consumption of acerola in the prevention of inflammatory and free radical diseases are presented. The part of the article devoted to anticancer effects of acerola describes the possibilities of using the edible parts of this raw material to obtain products and preparations of potential use in cancer prevention and therapy.

Arabinan-rich pectic polysaccharide fraction from Malpighia emarginata fruits alleviates inflammatory pain in mice.

Malpighia emarginata (Malpighiaceae), popularly known as "acerola", is a tropical and subtropical fruit native to the Americas. Despite its high vitamin C content, which gives it a high antioxidant property, soluble dietary fibers, such as polysaccharides, are also abundant constituents of acerola (10% of the dried fruit). The acerola cold-water soluble (ACWS) fraction presented anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro. To infer further systemic effects of ACWS, this study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS in murine models of pain. In formalin-induced nociception, ACWS (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) reduced only the inflammatory phase, and also (10 and 30 mg/kg) attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing and leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity. The mechanical allodynia and paw edema induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan were greatly reduced by ACWS (10 mg/kg). At the inflammatory pick induced by carrageenan (4 h), ACWS significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and PGE2 levels, and restored IL-10 levels. ACWS also exhibited antioxidant properties by decreasing lipid hydroperoxides content, increasing GSH levels, and restoring superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the carrageenan model and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Collectively, these results support the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS and reveal a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions.

Byrsonima sericea Ethanol Extract Protected PC12 Cells from the Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway and oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms that lead to neuronal death in this disease. Previous studies have shown antioxidant activity from the leaves of Byrsonima sericea, a plant of the Malpighiaceae family. This study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective activity of the B. sericea ethanolic extract (BSEE) against the cytotoxicity induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in PC12 cells, an in vitro model of parkinsonism. The identification of phenolic compounds in the extract by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of geraniin, rutin, isoquercetin, kaempferol 3-O-ß-rutinoside, and quercetin. The BSEE (75-300 µg/mL) protected PC12 cells from toxicity induced by 6-OHDA (25 µg/mL), protected cell membrane integrity and showed antioxidant activity. BSEE was able to decrease nitrite levels, glutathione depletion, and protect cells from 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis. Thus, we suggest that the BSEE can be explored as a possible cytoprotective agent for Parkinson's disease due to its high antioxidant capacity and anti-apoptotic action.

Acerola fruit by-product alleviates lipid, glucose, and inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed a high-fat diet.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) by-product (ABP) has various bioactive compounds with hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The ABP effects on the biochemical changes in the enterohepatic axis caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) remains unclear. This study assessed whether the ABP or fenofibrate administration for 28 days interferes in lipid, glucose, or inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP induced in the rats fed HFD a reduction in body weight, serum lipids, blood glucose, and liver fat accumulation; increased insulin tolerance, and faecal bile acid excretion; regulated organic acid synthesis, faecal and colonic microbial growth; reduced M1 macrophage and increased M2 macrophage infiltration in the colon and liver, respectively. The fenofibrate did not improve the lipid or glucose alterations in enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP has functional/nutraceutical potential in treating HFD-induced metabolic disorders with beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, and reduction of inflammation.

Bioactive compounds from acerola pomace: A review.

Acerola is a tropical fruit rich in vitamins, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid. The production of this fruit has increased over the last few years due to its physiochemical, organoleptic, and nutritional qualities, and has gained importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The change in the current world scenario, with focus on sustainable development and sustainable use of resources, has powered the search for new techniques that reduce the impact caused on the environment and promote efficient use of resources. In addition, several studies have proven that the by-products of fruit and vegetable processing contain highly nutritious components. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide information regarding recent studies related to the use and application of the by-products obtained from acerola processing.

Are the floral morphology and anatomy of Galphimia australis, an atypical neotropical Malpighiaceae, associated to a new pollination syndrome?

The flowers of the species of Malpighiaceae in the Neotropical Region are relatively uniform in their morphology due to their dependence on oil-collecting bees as their main pollinators. However, many species of the genus Galphimia seem to have acquired a different floral syndrome, lacking markedly zygomorphic flowers and developed elaiophores in the calyx. Likewise, these species present anthers with great development, probably in response to the selection of pollinators that collect pollen. Galphimia australis incorporated some of these traits but also retained some residual characteristics typical of species pollinated by oil bees. This leads to many questions on how these flowers ensure their pollination. Inquiring about the reduction or modification of these characteristics allows us to understand how G. australis achieves a different pollination syndrome. In this research, we carry out a detailed morphological and anatomical study of the flowers and pollen grain devolvement of G. australis and floral visitors were observed and captured. Results were analyzed in order to determine how this species changed from the oil-floral syndrome, typical of neotropical Malpighiaceae, to one syndrome with pollen as the main reward.

Chitosan suspension as extractor and encapsulating agent of phenolics from acerola by-product.

The polymeric suspension of chitosan (Ch) has been an effective media for the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from the acerola by-product. It facilitates the subsequent production of nanoparticles loaded with the phenolics (Np-TPC) by ionic gelation. However, neither the effects of Ch concentration on encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of TPC nor which compounds are extracted in its media are known, being it the first objective of this study. The second objective was to analyze the stability of the Np-TPC under accelerated conditions and its release profile at pHs 3.0 and 7.0. The results showed that Ch does not affect the extraction of TPC. However, the EE increased from 35.0 to 48.1 % with the increase of Ch concentration (0.4 to 1.0 %). LC/ESI-QTOF MS analysis showed that phenolic acids and flavonoids are extracted in 0.8 % Ch medium. After encapsulation, microscopy images revealed particle sizes ranging between 110 and 150 nm. Additionally, the presence of phenolics did not change the stability of the particles under accelerated conditions and the actives were fully released into the released medium for 10 h. The Np-TPC suspension appears to be useful for the production of edible antioxidant coatings to preserve fruits/vegetables, with potential application as carrier of other food ingredients.

Development, Validation, and Use of 1H-NMR Spectroscopy for Evaluating the Quality of Acerola-Based Food Supplements and Quantifying Ascorbic Acid.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is an exotic fruit with high agro-industrial potential due to its high content of ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds, and carotenoid pigments. Acerola fruit is processed into concentrated juice or powder to be incorporated into food supplements. The ascorbic acid content of concentrated juice or powders must be controlled and well assessed. Therefore, the development of optimal methods and procedures for the rapid and accurate determination of the ascorbic acid content in juice concentrate and juice powder remains of considerable commercial interest. NMR spectroscopy is currently a powerful spectroscopic tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecules of all types and sizes. Firstly, this article presents the NMR-based metabolomic profiling of acerola juice and concentrate powder to describe and compare their composition. Thirty-six metabolites were identified. The AA over choline ratio and the NMR metabolomic profiles could be used for authentication in the future. Secondly, a rapid (8 min), reliable, and non-destructive method for the quantification of ascorbic acid by 1D 1H-NMR spectroscopy was developed and validated. The LOD and LOQ were 0.05 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. These two approaches could be combined to better characterize ingredients derived from acerola and incorporated into food supplements.

Untargeted metabolomic profile of recovered bioactive compounds by subcritical water extraction of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace.

The untargeted metabolomics approach was used to compare the chemical profiles of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace extracts. The effect of drying the raw material before subcritical water extraction (SWE) at different temperatures on the yield, phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained via Soxhlet and the findings suggest that SWE saves time (15 min) and solvent for extracting valuable components as compared to Soxhlet (6 h). An increase in temperature significantly improved the extraction yield (23.9 to 33.4 %), phenolic content (119.1 to 362 mgGAEg-1), and antioxidant activity, and higher values were obtained with SWE as compared to Soxhlet. The most abundant compounds detected by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS were ascorbic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The investigation of different moisture contents in the SWE showed promising results for eliminating the drying operation, saving time and energy, and obtaining highly concentrated phenolic-rich by-products.

Aspidopterys obcordata vine inulin fructan affects urolithiasis by modifying calcium oxalate crystallization.

Aspidopterys obcordata vine is a Chinese Dai ethnic herb used to treat urolithiasis. However, the material basis and underlying mechanisms remain undefined. In this study, a 2.3 kD inulin-like A. obcordata fructan (AOFOS) was isolated by size exclusion column chromatography and characterized by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-IT-TOF-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HGPC). In addition, AOFOS showed unique anti-urolithiasis activity in Drosophila kidney stone models. Mechanism study indicated that AOFOS reduced the size of calcium oxalate crystals by inhibiting the formation of large size crystals and the generation rate of calcium oxalate crystals as well as the crystal form conversion from calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) to calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD).

Five New Polyoxypregnane Glycosides from the Vines of Aspidopterysobcordata and Their Antinephrolithiasis Activity.

From the dried vines of Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl, five new polyoxypregnane glycosides, named obcordatas J-N (1-5), were obtained. Their structures were fully elucidated and characterized by HRESIMS and extensive spectroscopic data. In addition, all of the new compounds were screened for their antinephrolithiasis activity in vitro. The results showed that compounds 1-3 have prominent protective effects on calcium oxalate crystal-induced human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells, with EC50 values ranging from 6.72 to 14.00 µM, which is consistent with the application value of A. obcordata in folk medicine for kidney stones.

Galloylquinic acid derivatives from Byrsonima fagifolia leaf extract and potential antifungal activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Byrsonima fagifolia Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae) and other Byrsonima species are popularly employed in Brazilian traditional medicine in the form of preparations as cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. AIM OF THE STUDY: To characterize the phytochemical profile of the hydromethanolic extract obtained from B. fagifolia leaves (BF extract) and to evaluate the toxicity and the antifungal activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds from BF extract were isolated by HPLC and the structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra (HMQC, HMBC and COSY) data. The antifungal effect was determined by the broth microdilution method and the toxicity was evaluated on erythrocytes from sheep's blood and Galleria mellonella larvae. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of the BF extract led to the isolation and characterization of pyrogallol, n-butyl gallate, 3,4-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid, and 1,3,4,5-tetra-O-galloylquinic acid. The BF extract showed high content of galloylquinic acid derivatives reaching more than twenty-times the quercetin derivatives content, according to the quantification by HPLC. These galloylquinic acid derivatives, obtained during this study, and quercetin derivatives, previously isolated, were submitted to the antifungal assays. The BF extract inhibited yeast growth mainly against Cryptococcus spp., at concentrations of 1-16 µg/mL, comparable to isolated compounds galloylquinic acid derivatives. However, the quercetin derivatives as well as quinic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate showed lower antifungal effect compared with galloylquinic derivatives. In addition, the BF extract had no hemolytic effect and no toxicity on G. mellonella. CONCLUSION: The phytochemical analysis revealed that galloylquinic acid derivatives are the major compounds in the leaves of B. fagifolia and they are associated to anti-cryptococcal activity and presented reduced toxicity.

Deciphering the Heteropterys pannosa species complex (Malpighiaceae).

We describe three new species of Malpighiaceae that are endemic to central Brazil and related to the Heteropterys pannosa complex, a group of xylopodiferous, unbranched subshrubs with fruit in mericarps that have a strongly reduced or no dorsal wing. Heteropterys tocantinensis is more common in eastern Tocantins State and on the border with Bahia State, and there are a few records from Mato Grosso State. Heteropterys veadeirensis is restricted to northern Goiás State and H. walteri has a wider distribution, occurring in some municipalities in northern Goiás and southern Tocantins. Additionally, we also provide detailed redescriptions of H. pannosa and H. rosmarinifolia, the two previously known species in this complex. All species are considered Endangered (EN) based on IUCN criteria, especially due to the low area of occupancy. Illustrations, distribution maps, and information about phenology and habitat are also provided for all taxa.

Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed the differential accumulation of secondary metabolites during the ripening process of acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata) fruit.

BACKGROUND: Acerola cherry is a famous functional fruit containing plentiful antioxidants and other nutrients. However, studies on the variations among nutrients during the ripening process of acerola fruit are scare. RESULTS: Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed and identified 31 331 unigenes and 1896 annotated metabolite features in acerola cherry fruit. K Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that several antioxidant and nutrient-related metabolic pathways, such as the flavonoids, vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, and fatty acids metabolic pathways, were significantly changed during the ripening process. The metabolites related to the vitamin, carotenoid, and fatty acid metabolic pathways were downregulated during the ripening process. Several flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes (including dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, and anthocyanidin synthase), were significantly upregulated, suggesting their essential functions in the accumulation of flavonoids in mature fruit. CONCLUSION: Most of the vitamin and carotenoid metabolism-related metabolites significantly accumulated in immature fruit, suggesting that immature acerola fruit is a good material for the extraction of vitamins and carotenoids. For macronutrients, most of the amino acids accumulated in mature fruit and most of the fatty acids greatly accumulated in immature fruit. Our data revealed the differential accumulation of antioxidants and nutrients during the ripening process of acerola cherry fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae).

This work aimed to carry out phytochemical prospecting and evaluate the antioxidant potential of Diplopterys pubipetala, a species of Malpighiaceae family that has not yet been studied.In qualitative analyses of hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and stems were detected the presence of flavonoids, alkaloidsand terpenes. The histochemical evaluation evidenced a greater distribution of these compounds in the tissues of leaf when compared with those of stem. The analysis by mass spectrometry allowed the identification of prenylated xanthones and glycoside flavonoids that have not yet been reported in the literature. The antioxidant activity of the stem extract was considered moderate (IAA = 0.79), but the leaves presented a strong antioxidant activity (IAA = 1.6). In this work we present information about the phytochemicals of D. pubipetala, showing that the species is promising in obtaining compounds with medicinal potential mainly antioxidant potential.

Development of tropical mixed juice with low added-sugar content: Sensory and nutritional aspects.

The aim of the present study was to develop a mixed tropical fruit juice of cashew apple, acerola and melon with low added-sugar content considering sensory and nutritional aspects. Five formulations were developed varying the concentration of the different fruits. A total of 172 consumers rated their overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale and described their sensory characteristics using a Check-all-that-apply question. In addition, the functional properties of the juices were evaluated by analyzing vitamin C, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that the addition of sugar and fruit composition affected the sensory characteristics and consumer liking of the formulations. Samples without added sugar and with higher melon concentration showed lower liking scores (p < 0.05). In addition, the highest concentration of acerola had a positive effect on nutritional characteristics. The formulation with 50% of fruit pulp (60% of cashew apple, 30% of acerola and 10% of melon), 47% of water, and 3% of added sugar achieved the best results. The effect of aroma on sweetness perception was investigated by adding identical to natural aromas of melon, apple and pineapple to the selected formulation. However, aroma did not significantly modify sweetness perception, evaluated using a rate-all-that-apply question.

Structural diversity of elaiophores in Argentine species of Malpighiaceae: morphology, anatomy, and interaction with pollinators.

Most Neotropical Malpighiaceae species are characterized by having zygomorphic flowers and oil glands in the sepals called elaiophores; these floral characteristics are associated with a particular pollination syndrome through oil-collecting bees. This work proposes a study about the structural characteristics of elaiophores in 18 species of Malpighiaceae present in Argentina. The main objectives are to describe the morphology and anatomy of the elaiophores, to detect variation in the number of glands, to compare similarities or differences in elaiophores of species belonging to different lineages, and to know about the potential pollinators and their association with the structural traits of the elaiophores. The morphology and the anatomy were studied using traditional methods of scanning electron and bright-field microscopes. Field trips were carried out to capture oil-collecting bee species on flowers, in different natural populations. Different measurements were taken in the flowers, elaiophores, and oil-collecting bees and were statistically analyzed. Although elaiophores showed a common pattern, some particularities in number, morphology, and anatomy were detected; few of these seem to be restricted to some groups of species phylogenetically related. As regards pollinators, a positive tendency was observed between the size of the flowers, elaiophores, and oil-collecting bees. However, the thickness of the cuticle presented a negative association with the size of the elaiophore and consequently with the floral diameter, which could be presumably related to the foraging behavior and/or the structure of oil-collecting apparatus of the bee species.

Müllerian mimicry between oil-producing orchids and Malpighiaceae? An old hypothesis finally tested.

The concept of mimicry has been developed for animals, but it also applies to plants. Plant species may be Müllerian mimics if they have similar reproductive traits and offer similar rewards to the pollinators. Several Oncidiinae orchids offer floral oils to their pollinators and have been suggested to form a Müllerian complex with species of Malpighiaceae. We provide a test of this hypothesis using Gomesa flexuosa (Orchidaceae) and Janusia guaranitica (Malpighiaceae), which are sympatric and phenologically synchronous, secrete the same floral resource (oils), and show similar flower morphology. We exposed individuals of Gomesa near and far from individuals of Janusia and monitored floral visitation. Both species were exclusively pollinated by oil-collecting bees, sharing Centris trigonoides as a pollinator. Nevertheless, the probability of bee visitation, number of contact approximations, and number of visits to flowers of Gomesa were similar when individuals were near and far from Janusia. These findings do not support the Müllerian mimicry hypothesis in these two species. Their resemblances can be better explained by the "exploitation of perceptual biases" hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, pre-existing traits in Oncidiinae orchids (e.g. colour, shape, rewards) may coopt oil-collecting bees that usually search for rewards in Malpighiaceae species with similar flower traits.

Effect of Vitamin C Source on Its Stability during Storage and the Properties of Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

The enrichment of commonly consumed foods with bioactive components might be helpful in promoting health and reducing the risk of disease, so the enrichment of probiotic fermented milk with vitamin C can be considered appropriate. The effect of vitamin C addition depends on the source of origin (rosehip, acerola and ascorbic acid in powder form) on the growth and survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the quality of fermented milk on the 1st and 21st day of storage was analyzed. The pH, total acidity, vitamin C, syneresis, color, texture profile and numbers of bacterial cells in fermented milk were determined. The organoleptic evaluation was also performed. The degradation of vitamin C in milk was shown to depend on its source. The lowest reduction of vitamin C was determined in milk with rosehip. The least stable was vitamin C naturally found in control milk. The addition of rosehip and acerola decreased syneresis and lightness of milk color, increasing the yellow and red color proportion. In contrast, milk with ascorbic acid was the lightest during the whole experimental period and was characterized by a very soft gel. The growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus during fermentation was most positively affected by the addition of rosehip. However, the best survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was demonstrated in milk with acerola. On the 21st day of storage, the number of L. rhamnosus cells in the control milk and the milk with vitamin C was >8 log cfu g-1, so these milks met the criterion of therapeutic minimum. According to the assessors, the taste and odor contributed by the addition of rosehip was the most intense of all the vitamin C sources used in the study.

Isotopic signatures reveal zinc cycling in the natural habitat of hyperaccumulator Dichapetalum gelonioides subspecies from Malaysian Borneo.

BACKGROUND: Some subspecies of Dichapetalum gelonioides are the only tropical woody zinc (Zn)-hyperaccumulator plants described so far and the first Zn hyperaccumulators identified to occur exclusively on non-Zn enriched 'normal' soils. The aim of this study was to investigate Zn cycling in the parent rock-soil-plant interface in the native habitats of hyperaccumulating Dichapetalum gelonioides subspecies (subsp. pilosum and subsp. sumatranum). We measured the Zn isotope ratios (δ66Zn) of Dichapetalum plant material, and associated soil and parent rock materials collected from Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). RESULTS: We found enrichment in heavy Zn isotopes in the topsoil (δ66Zn 0.13 ‰) relative to deep soil (δ66Zn -0.15 ‰) and bedrock (δ66Zn -0.90 ‰). This finding suggests that both weathering and organic matter influenced the Zn isotope pattern in the soil-plant system, with leaf litter cycling contributing significantly to enriched heavier Zn in topsoil. Within the plant, the roots were enriched in heavy Zn isotopes (δ66Zn ~ 0.60 ‰) compared to mature leaves (δ66Zn ~ 0.30 ‰), which suggests highly expressed membrane transporters in these Dichapetalum subspecies preferentially transporting lighter Zn isotopes during root-to-shoot translocation. The shoots, mature leaves and phloem tissues were enriched in heavy Zn isotopes (δ66Zn 0.34-0.70 ‰) relative to young leaves (δ66Zn 0.25 ‰). Thisindicates that phloem sources are enriched in heavy Zn isotopes relative to phloem sinks, likely because of apoplastic retention and compartmentalization in the Dichapetalum subspecies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal Zn cycling in the rock-soil-plant continuum within the natural habitat of Zn hyperaccumulating subspecies of Dichapetalum gelonioides from Malaysian Borneo. This study broadens our understanding of the role of a tropical woody Zn hyperaccumulator plant in local Zn cycling, and highlights the important role of leaf litter recycling in the topsoil Zn budget. Within the plant, phloem plays key role in Zn accumulation and redistribution during growth and development. This study provides an improved understanding of the fate and behaviour of Zn in hyperaccumulator soil-plant systems, and these insights may be applied in the biofortification of crops with Zn.