Two new terpenoids from fruits of Ziziphus jujuba

One new ceanothane-type triterpene and one new sesquiterpene, together with two known triterpenes were isolated from the fruits of Ziziphusjujuba Mill. （Rhamnaceae）. Based on the spectral analyses, the structures of two new compounds were elucidated as 2α-aldehydo-A（1）-norlup-20（29）-en-27,28-dioic acid （zizyberanal acid） （1）, and zizyberanone （2）. While the two known triterpenes were identified as zizyberanalic acid （3） and ursolic acid （4）.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus oenoplia(L.)Mill roots against antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models

Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic(50%) extract of Ziziphus oenoplia(L.) Mill(Z.oenoplia) root against isoniazid(INH) and rifampicin(RIF) induced liver damage in animal models.Methods:Five groups of six rats each were selected for the study.Ethanolic extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg as well as silymarin(100 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 21 d in INH + RIF treated groups.The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(SGOT),glutamate pyruvate transaminase(SGPT),alkaline phosphatase (SALP),and bilirubin were estimated along with activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase, glutathione S-transferase,glutathione peroxidase,and hepatic melondialdehyde formation. Histopathological analysis was carried out to assess injury to the liver.Result:The considerably elevated serum enzymatic activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,glutamate pyruvate transaminase,alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin due to INH + RIF treatment were restored towards norma) in a dose dependent manner after the treatment with ethanolic extract of Z.oenoplia roots.Meanwhile,the decreased activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were also restored towards normal dose dependency.In addition,ethanolic extract also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic melondialdehyde formation in the liver of INH + RIF intoxicated rats in a dose dependent manner. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections.Conclusions:The results of this study slrongly indicate that ethanolic extract of Z.oenoplia has a potent hepatoprotective action against INH + RIF induced hepatic damage in rats.

Inhibitory activities of extracts of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa, Ziziphus mauritiana as well as their compounds of gallic acid and emodin against dengue virus

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effects against dengue virus serotype 2(DENV-2) by five different fractions(extracted by methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform and n-hexane) of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa and Ziziphus mauritiana, as well as their constituents(gallic acid, emodin, and isovanillic acid). Methods: All the samples were tested for cytotoxicity on baby hamster kidney cells by MTT assay and for anti-DENV-2 activity by plaque reduction neutralization assay using two DENV-2 doses(45 and 90 plaqueforming units or PFU). Results: All the samples except isovanillic acid exhibited significant prophylactic effects against DENV-2 infectivity(without cytotoxicity) when administered to cells before infection, but were not effective when given 6 h post-infection. The methanol extract of Rumex dentatus demonstrated the highest antiviral efficacy by inhibiting DENV-2 replication, with IC_(50) of 0.154 μg/mL and 0.234 μg/mL, when added before infection with 45 and 90 PFU of virus, respectively. Gallic acid also exhibited significant antiviral effects by prophylactic treatment prior to virus adsorption on cells, with IC_(50) of 0.191 μg/mL and 0.522 μg/mL at 45 and 90 PFU of DENV-2 infection, respectively. Conclusions: The highly potent activities of the extracts and constituent compounds of these plants against DENV-2 infectivity highlight their potential as targets for further research to identify novel antiviral agents against dengue.

Simultaneous quantification of 18 bioactive constituents in Ziziphus jujuba fruits by HPLC coupled with a chemometric method

The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., known as Hongzao(or Hong-Zao) in Chinese and cultivated in China for more than 4 000 years, has shown to have hepatoprotective property. In previous study, we have isolated and identified 27 known compounds from Z. jujuba fruits, which demonstrated anti-tumor activity. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection-mass spectrometry(HPLC-DAD-MS) method was successfully applied to the simultaneous characterization and quantitation of 18 constituents in 28 Z. jujuba samples, comprised of 12 cultivars from different regions in China, by comparing their HPLC retention times, MS spectra, UV spectra, and NMR data with those of reference compounds. The quantitative method was validated with excellent linearity(R^(2 )> 0.999 1), preferable intra-and inter-day precisions(RSD < 2.78%), and good recoveries(94.96%–102.65%). The content variation of 18 compounds was analyzed by a chemometric method(hierarchical cluster analysis). In addition, these constituents showed protection against carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4)) intoxicated Hep G2 cell lines by decreasing lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) levels. Results in this study illustrated that the content of all 18 compounds examined has significant difference and variation among cultivars and extracts. The proposed method can serve as a prerequisite for quality control of bioactive compounds in Z. jujuba products.

New spinosin derivatives from the seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana

Three new acylated flavonoid C-glycosides,6'''-(-)-phaseoylspinosin(1),6'''-(3'''',4'''',5''''-trimethoxyl)-(E)-cinnamoylspinosin(2),and 6'''-(4''''-O-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl)-benzoylspinosin(3),were isolated from the seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana(Rhamnaceae).A further 19 known compounds including eight spinosin analogues(4-11)were also isolated.Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis and chemical method.Among spinosin derivatives 1,2,4,7,8,and triterpenoid saponin 14,jujuboside A(14)displayed moderate acetylcholinesterase(AchE)inhibitory activity with an inhibition value of 46.2%at a concentration of 1μM.

Current Development Situations of Ziziphus Jujuba Industry in South Xinjiang and Recommendations

Through surveying current development situations and existing problems of planting and processing of Ziziphus jujuba in south Xinjiang,this paper discussed planting,processing mode of Ziziphus Jujuba in south Xinjiang and development direction of enterprises in Ziziphus Jujuba production. It is expected to ensure and increase quality and sales volume of Ziziphus Jujuba and promote sound and sustainable development of Ziziphus Jujuba industrial chain in south Xinjiang.

Physico-chemical analysis and antimicrobial potential of Apis dorsata,Apis mellifera and Ziziphus jujube honey samples from Pakistan

Objective:To evaluale physico-chemical properties and antimicrobial potential of indigenous honey samples against different reference strains including Escherichia coli ATCC 8739.Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048.Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027.Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633.Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923.Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028,Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 13883.Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404.Rhizopus oligasparus PCSIR1.Candida albicans ATCC14053 and Candida utilis ATCC 9950.Methods:By using standard methods samples were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties including additive effect of starch and non—peroxidase activity,antioxidative properties(phenol contents,flavonoid contents,1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity).Prior to this evaluation,complete physico-chemical properties including pH,color,ash contents,protein contents,moisture contents,hydroxymethyl furfural contents,total sugar contents,reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar contents were analyzed.Results:Relatively higher ash contents were found in the Siddar honey i.e.(0.5900±0.0336)%and small honey showed relatively higher protein contents i.e.(777.598±9.880) mg/kg.The moisture contents of tested honey samples ranged between 13.8%—16,6%,total sugar contents foam 61.672%-72.420%and non-reducing sugar contents from 1.95%—3.93%.Presences of phenolic contents indicate higher antioxidant potential of these honey samples.All bacteria showed clear inhibition zones in response to tested honey samples whereas fungi and yeast showed inhibition at higher concentrations of these honey samples.For Escherichia coli.Bacillus subtilis.Salmonella typhi.Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger,overall the small honey showed the higher activity than other honey samples.Conclusion:Physico-chemical analysis of honey samples confirmed good quality of honey according to the standards set by European Union Commission and Codex Alimcntarius Commission.Evaluation of these honey samples confirms antimicrobial potential of particular types of honeys indigenous to Pakistan.

Gastro-protective effect of Ziziphus abyssinica root extracts in ethanol-induced acute ulcer in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate the gastro-protective effect of the aqueous, methanol and hexane root extracts of Ziziphusabyssinica on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats as models. Methods: Seventy rats were divided into seven groups of ten rats each: control group, ulcer control group, standard control group (cimetidine 100 mg/kg body weight), aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract groups. They were administered the extracts at 300 and 600 mg/kg for two weeks before ulcer was induced, and the protective effect of all extracts determined. Results:Histological changes in gastric tissue were evaluated. Pretreatment withZiziphus abyssinica extracts showed significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effect with aqueous extract having the highest gastro-protective effect (95% and 93% at 300 and 600 mg/kg extract respectively). Methanol extract had 66.6% and 65.5% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The percentage protection in ethyl acetate extract treated group was 51% and 45% respectively. The group treated with hexane had 23.8% and 28.6% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. Histological study showed that pretreatment with aqueous extract resulted in the preservation of the functional cyto-architecture of the entire mucosa with little pathological changes, compared to other extracts. Conclusions:The results of this study indicated that aqueous extract is effective against induced gastric ulcer.

Jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.(Rhamnaceae)):a review on its pharmacological properties and phytochemistry

Jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)belongs to the Rhamnaceae family.It is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Europe and Asia,including India,China,Iran,Russia,and the Middle East.Jujube is a highly tolerant tree that is resistant to soil salinity and alkalinity.Jujube possesses many phytochemical components and pharmacological properties that make it a good choice for the human diet.Jujube fruit is nutritious and rich in proteins,minerals,vitamins,organic acids,and carbohydrates.It also contains phytochemical components such as polyphenols,flavonoids,terpenoids,anthocyanins,alkaloids,and carotenoids.Jujube has both nutraceutical and cosmeceutical properties.All parts of this plant possess medicinal properties.Jujube has a long history of use in traditional medicine,especially in traditional Persian medicine.It has many pharmacological properties according to traditional Persian medicine,which include anti-pruritic and tranquilizing effects for renal and bladder pain.In Chinese medicine,jujube is used to increase appetite and treat diarrhea and fatigue.This indicates that jujube has several chemical constituents and beneficially affects multiple organs and tissues.These properties include antioxidant,anti-cancer,antimicrobial,neuroprotective,cardioprotective,and hepatoprotective activities.It also has health-promoting effects,including anti-aging properties.

Technological Study on Instant Date Powder in Natural Ziziphus jujuba through Vacuum Freeze-drying

[Objective] The aim was to get optimized conditions for date powder with good color and taste.[Method] The pectinase enzymolysis and vacuum freeze-drying technology were used in the extract process of date powder.[Result] The production boasts of superior quality were with rich fragrance and uniform particle under certain process conditions.The optimized conditions for pectinase enzymolysis were:the amount of pectinase reached to 0.1% of that of date syrup,enzymolysis temperature and time were 50 ℃ and 50 min respectively,the pH value was 4.0.The optimized conditions for vaccum freeze-drying were:10% altodextrin,three times volumn of water with the thickness of 7 mm.[Conclusion] The optimized conditions were obtained in this study to produce instant date powder from Ziziphus jujuba.

Anti-infective, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of Ziziphus oxyphylla and Cedrela serrata

Objective: To search for the most active antimicrobial and antioxidant sub-fractions related to traditional use of Ziziphus oxyphylla(Z. oxyphylla) and Cedrela serrata(C. serrata) in Pakistan against infectious and liver diseases.Methods: Factions of different polarity were tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal,antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal activity against different pathogens. Cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cell lines(human lung fibroblasts) as well as, in vitro radical scavenging activity was evaluated using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay.Results: The highest antiprotozoal activity was observed for the CHCl3 fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots and leaves, and C. serrata bark. The CHCl3 and Et OAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots, the CHCl3 fraction of Z. oxyphylla leaves, the Et OAc and the residual Me OH: H2 O fraction of C. serrata bark showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The same residual Me OH: H2 O fraction of C. serrata bark was active against Candida albicans. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the more hydrophilic Et OAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla leaves, C. serrata bark and leaves, and the residual Me OH: H2 O fraction of C. serrata bark.Conclusions: This study supports at least in part the traditional uses of these plants for antimicrobial purposes and against liver diseases.

Plant Regeneration of Ziziphus spina-christi by in vivo and in vitro Methods

Christ's thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi L. Desf.) is ecologically and economically important in Iran. Since it is a cross-pollinated plant with a wide range of genetic variability, an investigation was carried out to determine the best method for mass and clonal propagation. Three vegetative methods were examined, including 1) cutting, where shoots with a 22-25 cm length and three shoot diameters were treated with two culture media; 2) layering, where air layering and trench layering treatments consisted of three growth regulators at three levels of concentration; and 3) tissue culture with nodal segments bearing axillary buds that were removed from shoots of mature trees at different seasons. Several experiments were carried out to determine the best disinfectant chemical, the best culture method, the best season, the appropriate explant characteristics and media type. Rooting was successful only on the sandy beds for cuttings with more than (S.O mm diameter. For the trench layering method, only one specimen in one replicate rooted a very small root, while for the air layering method, only seedlings with growth regulator treatments rooted successfully. The best season for explant harvesting was determined as mid summer, and among the disinfecting treatments, Ca(OCI)2 at a concentration of 0 5 g kg-1 for 20 minutes was the best. There were no significant differences for shoot weight and length with a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with and without a hormone.

Growth inhibitory effect of phenolic extracts of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.in dengue vector Aedes aegypti(L)in parent and F1 generation

Objective: To evaluate the lethal and emergence inhibitory effect of alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts of Ziziphus jujuba(Z. jujuba; Rhamnaceae) against Aedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae), and to explore the effect of the most effective fraction on developmental and biochemical parameters of the dengue vector. Methods: The fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were exposed to alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts from Z. jujuba leaves to test their toxicity and emergence inhibitory effects. Phenolic extract, being the most effective was further tested against the mosquitoes for their growth inhibitory effect supported by biochemical changes in the parent and F1 generation. Results: While the different secondary metabolite fractions i.e., alkaloid, phenolics and terpenoid caused mortality at larval and pupal stages, the LC_(50) value was the lowest for phenolic fraction. Further study carried out with the phenolic fraction revealed that it affected growth by decreasing adult life span, fertility and fecundity of the mosquitoes. The reduction in growth was also accompanied by decrease in carbohydrate and lipid levels. Conclusions: It is concluded that the phenolic extract of the leaves of Z. jujuba is a potential candidate for control of Aedes mosquitoes.

Ziziphus mucronata: an underutilized traditional medicinal plant in Africa

In Africa, rural people depend heavily, if not exclusively, on medicinal plants and indigenous healthcare knowledge to meet their medical needs. Over 80000 flowering plant species are used medicinally worldwide. Amongst them are the underutilized Ziziphus species in the Rhamnaceae family. In terms of abundance and economic value, Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana are currently the most important, especially in China and India where they are cultivated and exploited for medicinal use and their edible fruits. We examined a related common species widely distributed in Africa, Z. mucronata, whose economic value has not, as yet, been explored. Local people in various African countries use its different parts to cure a large number of diseases, many of which are similar to those treated with Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana. Several studies have shown that Z. mucronata has cyclopeptide alkaloids, i.e., mucronines F, G and H, with antibacterial properties. Conservation strategies to sustain and maximize the benefits of Z. mucronata to people are proposed.

Analysis of the Genetic Relationships in Chinese Ziziphus with SRAP Markers

The phylogenic and genetic relationships in germplasm resources of Chinese Ziziphus were studied at molecular levels, for providing new molecular evidences of classification, protection, and utilization of germplasm resources of Ziziphus. The sequence-related amplified polymorphism （SRAP） was assessed to analyse the genetic relationships among 14 species of Ziziphus, 11 cultivars of Z. jujuba Mill., and one outgroup. A total of 580 DNA bands were amplified by 19 selective primers, 570 of which （98.28%） were polymorphic. The average number of polymorphic DNA bands amplified by each primer was 30. The genetic similarities of 26 sample materials were between 0.22 and 0.99. UPGMA method cluster analysis showed that 26 sample materials were classified into six cluster groups with the genetic similarity of 0.28. The results showed that SRAP technique is efficient in studying genetic relationships among Ziziphus, Z. jujuba Mill. and Z. acidojujuba C. Y. Cheng et M. J. Liu which should be treated as one species, and further infraspecific classification of Z. jujuba Mill. should be classified into two subspecies; the scientific names of new taxa, Chinese jujube, and wild jujube were Ziziphus jujuba Mill. subsp, jujuba and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. subsp, spinosa （Bunge） J. Y. Peng, X. Y. Li et L. Li, respectively. Z. xiangchengensis Y. L.Chen et P. K. Chou, Z. montana W.W. Smith and Z. mairei Dode might be originated from same ancestry. Z xiangchengensis Y. L. Chen et P. K. Chou and Z. montana W.W. Smith should be treated as one species. The infrasubspecific taxon of Z. jujuba Mill. was not suitable to set up varieties.

Biochemical and Molecular Effects of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>and <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i>Extracts on <i>Candida albicans</i>

Our overall knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants suggests that natural compounds could be useful in the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections in tropical regions. Furthermore, the possibilities of treatment using plant extracts may be even broader than is already known when one considers plants that have not been extensively studied in this context, such as the regional species Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi. This study compared the antimicrobial activity of Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts in terms of their biochemical and molecular effects on Candida albicans (ATCC CA 10231). These effects included altered levels of intracellular sterols, changes in the permeability of the cell membrane, and changes in the TEF1: QRTTEF1, CaERG1: ERG1, CdERG12: CdERG1, and ERG25: ERG25 genes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify morphological characteristics, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analyses were conducted. In treated samples, the SEM and EDAX analyses showed cell cavities and shrinkage of the cell wall, and the number of cells was reduced to only a few abnormal cells as compared with that in the untreated samples. Yttrium was detected in the cells treated with Z. spina-christi, and high levels of osmium were detected in the cells treated with P. dactylifera. Compared with control cells, cells exposed to the concentration 150 μl/ml of Z. spina-christi extract had an average sterol concentration that was nearly 3 times higher, while the concentration was 5.5 times higher for cells treated with the 150 μl/ml of P. dactylifera extract. The ethanol extracts affected the permeability of C. albicans cell membrane. Gene sequencing showed gaps and mismatches in the ERG1, ERG12, and ERG25 genes after treatment with P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi extracts compared with that in the controls. The results were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). We conclude that the ethanol extracts of P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi have antimicrobial activity through several mechanisms in the yeast cell.

Improving Effect of Salicylic Acid on the Multipurpose Tree <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i>(L.) Willd Tissue Culture

Salicylic acid (SA) is one of numerous phenolic compounds found in plants with numerous important physiological events. Exogenously application of Salicylic acid (SA) is useful for the growth and development of plants. This investigation aimed to study the improving effect of salicylic acid on the tissue culture of Ziziphus spina-christi. To study its improving effect were used shoot-tip explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) solid medium supplemented with different concentrations and various combinations of auxins, cytokinins and Salicylic acid. Media without growth regulators enhanced the growth and elongation of shoot-tip explants not its proliferation. Lower concentrations of cytokinin were better for shoot-tip proliferation than higher ones. 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) was superior to kinetin (KN) in shoot-tip proliferation. The optimum culture conditions for shoot-tip proliferation were achieved on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 25 mg/l Salicylic acid (SA). The optimum culture conditions for callus formation were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 25 mg/l Salicylic acid (SA), while the optimum culture conditions for somatic callus formation were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 10 mg/l Salicylic acid (SA). The optimum culture conditions for rooting of shoots were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 10 mg/l Salicylic acid (SA). The highest percentage of survival plants was obtained in the soil mixture supplied with 10 mg/l Salicylic acid (SA). Salicylic acid (SA) showed positive effect and good response on callusing, shooting and rooting of Z. spina-christi. Cultures received small amounts of salicylic acid were better than those lack it.

Morphological Investigation of Genus <i>Ziziphus</i>Mill. (Rhamnaceae) in Saudi Arabia

The genus Ziziphus Mill. is a member of the Family Rhamnaceae and comprises of ca. 170 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The species in the genus are of economic and medicinal importance. This study was conducted to identify the members of the genus in Saudi Arabia as well as morphological features that show delimitation in the genus. Field survey was conducted across the study area where 74 individuals were collected and used in the study;additionally, herbarium specimens were also employed. Both floral and vegetative parts which include habit, leaf, fruit and flowers were examined. The result showed that there is variation in morphological features among the species within the genus and the genus is represented by three species namely Ziziphus nummularia, Z. mucronata, and Z. spina-christi and two varieties Z. spina-christi var. spina-christi, Z. spina-christi var. microphylla.

Comparison of Different Processing Methods of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

[Objectives]To study and compare the processing methods of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.[Methods]Z.jujuba was processed by seven methods:cleaning,yellowish frying,burnt frying,carbonized frying,moistening by hot sand,steaming,and boiling.Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry was used to determine the content of total flavonoids in each processed Z.jujuba.[Results]The content of total flavonoids measured by various processing methods was different.The content of total flavonoids in the processed Z.jujuba by moistening by hot sand was relatively high and the absorption peak spectrum was almost the same as that of the cleaned processed Z.jujuba and the rutin reference substance.[Conclusions]The moistening by hot sand is the optimal method for processing of Z.jujuba.

Primary study on respiration type of lingwu Changzao （Ziziphus. jujube Mill）

Lingwu Changzao （Ziziphus. jujube Mill） is a Ningxia local variety, it has a good table quality despite its short postharvest life. The respiration rate, the weight change of single fruit during growth development and the losing water of postharvest of fruit were studied. The results showed that the curve of fruit growth development was a double sigmoid characteristic. When the surface colour of fruit changed form jade-green to alizarin crimson, the respiration rate tended to fall during a entire growth development of fruit, which showed a fluctuation phenomenon. The respiration rate descended when the surface color changed from coloring to baby red, but after a crimson stage the respiration rate recurred to its original downtrend. With increasing of single fruit weight, phenomenon of respiration climacteric has not happened and the respiration rate curve showed a concavity characteristic at some stages. As a result, there was not a phenomenon of respiration climacteric with a double sigmoid growth development curve characteristic of fruit.