Physicochemical and Biochemical Characterization, Total Phenolic and Energy Value from Bulbs of Different Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Senegal

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties of some local varieties of onion (Allium cepa L.) and compare them with an imported variety, all collected in May 2021. Proteins, reducing sugars, lipids, and polyphenol content were estimated according to the AFNOR standardized methods. The determination of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium and phosphorus was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer coupled with a CCD detector. The results highlighted an average acidity of 0.377% ± 0.002% lower than the value of the imported variety which is 0.520% ± 0.001%. Local varieties have a pH ranging from 6.35 ± 0.003 to 6.42 ± 0.004, while the variety has a pH of 6.36 ± 0.003. The ash and dry matter contents vary respectively from 4.788% ± 0.004% to 8.253% ± 0.003% and 7.945% ± 0.021% to 11.945% ± 0.007% for the local varieties. Moreover, the imported one has ash and dry matter contents of 5.175% ± 0.007% and 10.035% ± 0.021% respectively. The results show that the protein, reducing sugar and lipid contents in the local onion varieties vary respectively from 2.815 ± 0.000 to 15.634 ± 0.001 g·100 g-1;4.691 ± 0.001 to 12.596 ± 0.002 g·100 g-1 and 0.006 ± 0.001 to 0.050 ± 0.057 g·100 g-1. Furthermore, the imported variety has a protein, reducing sugar and lipid content of 5.649 ± 0.002;8.565 ± 0.002 g·100 g-1 and 0.011 ± 0.010 g·100 g-1 respectively. The maximum levels of total polyphenols are obtained in the imported variety, Bellani and Gandiol, respectively 9.973 ± 0.001, 4.535 ± 0.002, and 3.425 ± 0.006 mg EAG/g of dry matter. The local varieties have a significant calorific intake of between 35.451 ± 0.001 and 112.980 ± 0.003 kcal·100 g-1 compared to the imported one with an energy value of 56.953 ± 0.001 kcal·100 g-1 of dry matter. The bulbs of different onion varieties studied have a fairly high content of mineral elements. The potassium content of local varieties is between 502.16 ± 0.06 mg·100 g-1 and 582.77 ± 0.04 mg·100 g-1 while the imported variety has a content of 536.62 ± 1.30 mg·100 g-1. They note that the local varieties have a better calcium content (249.75 ± 0.07 to 434.20 ± 0.57 mg·100 g-1) and magnesium (142.15 ± 0.07 to 162.60 ± 0.42 mg·100 g-1) than the imported variety (229.58 ± 0.04 mg·100 g-1) except for the varieties White Grano (228.29 ± 0.01 mg·100 g-1) and Rouge Amposta (117.00 ± 0.42 mg·100 g-1) respectively. These results reveal that Gandiol, Dayo and Orient F1 are nutritionally found better due to their higher antioxidant property, proteins, carbohydrates, and reducing sugar and should be included in diets to supplement our daily allowance needed by the body.

Tandem hydroalkylation and deoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolics to synthesize high-density fuels

Lignin is the most abundant naturally phenolic biomass,and the synthesis of high-performance renewable fuel from lignin has attracted significant attention.We propose the efficient synthesis of high-density fuels using simulated lignin cracked oil in tandem with hydroalkylation and deoxygenation reactions.First,we investigated the reaction pathway for the hydroalkylation of phenol,which competes with the hydrodeoxygenation form cyclohexane.And then,we investigated the effects of metal catalyst types,the loading amount of metallic,acid dosage,and reactant ratio on the reaction results.The phenol hydroalkylation and hydrodeoxygenation were balanced when 180℃ and 5 MPa H_(2)with the alkanes yield of 95%.By extending the substrate to other lignin-derived phenolics and simulated lignin cracked oil,we obtained the polycyclic alkane fuel with high density of 0.918 g·ml^(-1)and calorific value of41.2 MJ·L^(-1).Besides,the fuel has good low-temperature properties(viscosity of 9.3 mm^(2)·s^(-1)at 20℃ and freezing point below-55℃),which is expected to be used as jet fuel.This work provides a promising way for the easy and green production of high-density fuel directly from real lignin oil.

Nano-silica modified lightweight and high-toughness carbon fiber/phenolic ablator with excellent thermal insulation and ablation performance

Lightweight and high-toughness carbon fiber/phenolic ablator(CFPA)is required as the Thermal Protection System(TPS)material of aerospace vehicles for next-generation space missions.To improve the ablative properties,silica sol with good particle size distribution prepared using tetramethoxysilane(TMOS)was blended with natural rubber latex and deposited onto carbon fiber felt,which was then integrated with phenolic aerogel matrix,introducing nano-silica into the framework of CFPA.The modified CFPA with a low density of 0.28—0.31 g/cm3exhibits strain-in-fracture as high as 31.2%and thermal conductivity as low as 0.054 W/(m·K).Furthermore,a trace amount of nano-silica could effectively protect CFPA from erosion of oxidizing atmosphere in different high-temperature environments.The oxyacetylene ablation test of 3000°C for 20 s shows a mass ablation rate of 0.0225 g/s,a linear ablation rate of 0.209 mm/s for the modified CFPA,which are 9.64%and 24.82%lower than the unmodified one.Besides,the long-time butane ablation test of 1200°C for 200 s shows an insignificant recession with mass and linear ablation rate of 0.079 g/s and 0.039 mm/s,16.84%and 13.33%lower than the unmodified one.Meanwhile,the fixed thermocouple in the test also demonstrates a good thermal insulation performance with a low peak back-face temperature of 207.7°C,12.25%lower than the unmodified one.Therefore,the nano-silica modified CFPA with excellent overall performance presents promising prospects in high-temperature aerospace applications.

Distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds in flour milling fractions from hard red winter wheat

Mature wheat kernels contain three main parts:endosperm,bran,and germ.Flour milling results in multiple streams that are chemically different;however,the distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds has not been well documented in terms of conventional milling by-product streams.In this study,multiple analytical methods were used to investigate antioxidant activity and phenolic compound compositions of hard red winter wheat(whole ground wheat),the parts of a wheat kernel(bran,flour,germ),and wheat by-product streams(mill feed,red dog,shorts)for the first time.For each mill stream,phenolic compounds(total,flavonoid,and anthocyanin contents)were determined and antioxidant activities were evaluated with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)radical-scavenging activity,ferric reducing/antioxidant power(FRAP),and total antioxidant capacity assays.Significant differences(P<0.05)were observed in phenolic concentrations among fractions of bran,flour,and germ milled from the same kernels and noted that germ accounts for the majority of antioxidant properties,whereas bran contains a substantial portion of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins.Mill feed was high in phenolic content(5.29 mg FAE/g),total antioxidant capacity(866 mg/g),and antioxidant activity(up to 75% DPPH inhibition and 20.26μmol FeSO_(4)/g).The comprehensive information on distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds provides insights for future human consumption of commonly produced co-products from flour milling,and for selecting and using different milling fractions to make foods with improved nutritional properties.

Hollow ZIF-67-derived Co@N-doped carbon nanotubes boosting the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols

The selective hydrogenation of highly toxic phenolic compounds to generate alcohols with thermal stability,environmental friendliness,and non-toxicity is of great importance.Herein,a series of Co-based catalysts,named Co@NCNTs,were designed and constructed by direct pyrolysis of hollow ZIF-67(HZIF-67)under H_(2)/Ar atmosphere.The evolution of the catalyst surface from the shell layer assembled by ZIF-67-derived particles to the in situ-grown hollow nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs)with certain length and density is achieved by adjusting the pyrolysis atmosphere and temperature.Due to the synergistic effects of in situ-formed hollow NCNTs,well-dispersed Co nanoparticles,and intact carbon matrix,the as-prepared Co@NCNTs-0.10-450 catalyst exhibits superior catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols.The turnover frequency value of Co@NCNTs-0.10-450is 3.52 h^(-1),5.9 times higher than that of Co@NCNTs-0.40-450 and 4.5 times higher than that of Co@NCNTs-0.10-550,exceeding most previously reported non-noble metal catalysts.Our findings provide new insights into the development of non-precious metal,efficient,and cost-effective metal-organic framework-derived catalysts for the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alcohols.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of characteristic free and bound phenolics in three colored quinoas

Quinoa is a good source of phenolics,which both exist as free and bound forms.In order to mark clear the characteristic free and bound phenolics in different quinoa samples,in this study,characteristic free and bound phenolics in three colored quinoas including WQ(white quinoa),RQ(red quinoa)and BQ(black quinoa)were investigated.Result showed a total of 14 phenolics both acted as free and bound form were analyzed in three colored quinoas(WQ,RQ and BQ).Gallic acid,vanillic acid,epicatechin,p-coumaric acid and quercetin existed both as free and bound forms were common phenolics in quinoas.The highest total free phenolics(238.10 mg/kg)and bound phenolics(3377.75 mg/kg)were presented in WQ and RQ,respectively.It indicated WQ and RQ were respectively good source of free and bound phenolics.Moreover,characteristic free and bound phenolics in three colored quinoas could be well analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA),indicating it was an effective and reliable method in distinguishing three colored quinoas based on their characteristic free and bound phenolics,respectively.

Mechanism of action of Balanophora involucrata polyphenolic compounds in the treatment of myocardial injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques

The objective of this work was to investigate the mechanism of action of Balanophora involucrata polyphenolic compounds in the treatment of myocardial injury.In the present study,Balanophora involucrata was extracted by refluxing 75%of ethanol.The obtained extract was extracted with petroleum ether,ethyl acetate and n-butanol respectively.And the ethyl acetate layer was separated.The extract was prepared by silica gel column chromatography,sephadex LH-20 elution and thin layer chromatography.After that,the Swiss target prediction database was utilized to obtain the targets of Balanophora involucrata,and the Genecards,OMIM and TTD databases were used to predict and screen the targets of Balanophora involucrata for the treatment of myocardial injury.The active ingredient-target network was constructed using Cytoscape software,and the PPI network was mapped using String database and Cytoscape software.GO bioprocess enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by Metascape software to predict the mechanism of action.Molecular docking was performed in Discovery Studio 2016 client software to verify the binding of Balanophora involucrata polyphenols to key targets.In this study,six polyphenolic compounds were isolated from Balanophora involucrata.By GO enrichment analysis,1614 biological processes(BP),127 cellular compositions(CC),and 215 molecular functions(MF)were obtained;a total of 155 cross-targets were involved in the KEGG enrichment analysis.The PPI network showed that quercetin was the main active component of polyphenolic compounds against myocardial injury and that AKT1,EGFR,STAT3,SRC,ESR1,MMP9,HSP90AA1 and other related signals were associated with myocardial injury treatment.Finally,the multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway action of Balanophora involucrata was concluded,which provided new ideas and methods for further research on the mechanism of action of Balanophora involucrata in myocardial injury.

Sliding wear behaviors of Nomex fabric/phenolic composite under dry and water-bathed sliding conditions

A Nomex fabric/phenolic composite was prepared,and its tribological properties were evaluated under dry and water‐bathed sliding conditions by a pin‐on‐disk tribometer.The resulting size of the friction coefficient for the Nomex fabric/phenolic composite in the study occurred in the following order:dry sliding condition>distilled water‐bathed sliding condition>sea water‐bathed sliding condition.The fabric composite’s wear rate from high to low was as follows:distilled water‐bathed sliding condition>sea water‐bathed sliding condition>dry sliding condition.Under water‐bathed sliding conditions,penetration of water into the cracks accelerated the composite’s invalidation process,resulting in a higher wear rate.We also found that the extent of corrosion and transfer film formed on the counterpart pin significantly influenced the wear rate of the Nomex fabric composite.Discussion of the Nomex fabric composite’s wear mechanisms under the sliding conditions investigated is provided on the basis of the characterization results.

The SmMYB36-SmERF6/SmERF115 module regulates the biosynthesis of tanshinones and phenolic acids in salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots

Tanshinone and phenolic acids are the most important active substances of Salvia miltiorrhiza,and the insight into their transcriptional regulatory mechanisms is an essential process to increase their content in vivo.SmMYB36 has been found to have important regulatory functions in the synthesis of tanshinone and phenolic acid;paradoxically,its mechanism of action in S.miltiorrhiza is not clear.Here,we demonstrated that SmMYB36 functions as a promoter of tanshinones accumulation and a suppressor of phenolic acids through the generation of SmMYB36 overexpressed and chimeric SmMYB36-SRDX(EAR repressive domain)repressor hairy roots in combination with transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis.SmMYB36 directly down-regulate the key enzyme gene of primary metabolism,SmGAPC,up-regulate the tanshinones biosynthesis branch genes SmDXS2,SmGGPPS1,SmCPS1 and down-regulate the phenolic acids biosynthesis branch enzyme gene,SmRAS.Meanwhile,SmERF6,a positive regulator of tanshinone synthesis activating SmCPS1,was up-regulated and SmERF115,a positive regulator of phenolic acid biosynthesis activating SmRAS,was down-regulated.Furthermore,the seven acidic amino acids at the C-terminus of SmMYB36 are required for both self-activating domain and activation of target gene expression.As a consequence,this study contributes to reveal the potential relevance of transcription factors synergistically regulating the biosynthesis of tanshinone and phenolic acid.

The hypoglycemic potential of phenolics from functional foods and their mechanisms

Long-term postprandial hyperglycemia is a primary risk factor for developing chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity,type 2 diabetes,and cardiovascular disease.Chronic hyperglycemia induces the glycation of proteins,oxidative stress,inflammation and increases plasma insulin and lipid concentrations.Insulin resistance is the primary cause of postprandial excursions of blood glucose and lipids.Hyperglycemia can be treated by lowering dietary carbohydrates intake,digestion,and absorption.Various functional foods improve glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and inhibitingα-glucosidase in the small intestine.Natural phytochemicals,especially active phenolics are good antioxidants and show anti-inflammatory action and regulate blood glucose.This review aimed to report on hypoglycemic properties of active phenolics from functional foods and their proposed anti-diabetic mechanisms.Nevertheless,further clinical trials are required to confirm the bioavailability,safety,and efficacy of phenolics,especially the dosage and duration of treatment,to avoid adverse effects and give better dietary recommendations.

The SmNPR4-SmTGA5 module regulates SA-mediated phenolic acid biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots

Phenolic acids are the main bioactive compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza,which can be increased by salicylic acid(SA)elicitation.However,the specific molecular mechanism remains unclear.The nonexpresser of PR genes 1(NPR1)and its family members are essential components of the SA signaling pathway.Here,we report an NPR protein,SmNPR4,that showed strong expression in hairy root after SA treatment,acting as a negative moderator of SA-induced phenolic acid biosynthesis in S.miltiorrhiza(S.miltiorrhiza).Moreover,a basic leucine zipper family transcription factor SmTGA5 was identified and was found to interact with SmNPR4.SmTGA5 activates the expression of phenolic acid biosynthesis gene SmTAT1 through binding to the as-1 element.Finally,a series of biochemical assays and dual gene overexpression analysis demonstrated that the SmNPR4 significantly inhibited the function of SmTGA5,and SA can alleviate the inhibitory effect of SmNPR4 on SmTGA5.Overall,our results reveal the molecular mechanism of salicylic acid regulating phenolic acid biosynthesis in S.miltiorrhiza and provide new insights for SA signaling to regulate secondary metabolic biosynthesis.

Study on Optimization of Ethanol Reflux Extraction of Phenolic Acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza

The extraction technology of phenolic acid compounds from Salvia miltiorrhiza by ethanol reflux was studied. In this experiment, salvianolic acid B standard was used to make the standard curve. Single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment were used to study the extraction of different ethanol concentrations, reflux times and material-to-liquid ratios. The OD value of salvianolic acid compounds was measured with a spectrophotometer. The extraction rate of phenolic acid compounds under different extraction conditions was calculated through a regression equation, so as to obtain the optimal conditions for the ethanol reflux extraction process of Salvia miltiorrhiza. The experimental data can provide a reference for the ethanol reflux extraction process of salvianolic acids in the industry. According to the experiment, the extraction rate of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza was the highest when the ethanol concentration was 60%, the reflux time was 1.5 hours, and the ratio of material-to-liquid was 1:10.

基于Fabric的海量交易数据上链预处理机制

Hyperledger Fabric是一种国内外广泛使用的联盟链框架,在基于Fabric技术的一些业务中具有协同组织众多、交易操作频繁、事务冲突增加等特点。Fabric采用的多版本并发控制技术能够在一定程度上解决部分交易冲突,提升系统并发性,但其机制不完善,会出现部分交易数据无法正常上链存储的问题。为了实现海量交易数据完整、高效、可信的上链存储,提出一种基于Fabric预言机的数据上链预处理机制。设计海量数据冲突预处理(MCPP)方法,通过检测、监听、延时提交、事务加锁、重排序缓存等方式实现主键冲突交易数据的完整上链。引入数据传输保障措施,在传输过程中利用非对称加密技术防止恶意节点伪造认证信息,确保交易数据链外处理前后的一致性。通过理论分析和实验结果表明,该机制可有效解决联盟链平台中海量交易数据上链时的并发冲突问题,当交易数据规模达到1 000和10 000时,MCPP的时效性比LMLS提高了38%和21.4%,且成功率接近100%,具有高效性和安全性,同时在无并发冲突情况下不影响Fabric系统性能。

基于CP-ABE算法的Fabric隐私保护模型

传统区块链系统缺少对区块数据的隐私保护。结合CP-ABE(基于属性加密的密文策略)算法和IPFS(星际文件系统),提出一种可以对Fabric区块链实现访问控制的隐私保护模型CP-PPM。CP-PPM的数据所有者可以灵活设置访问控制策略。仿真结果表明,与现有Fabric区块链系统相比,CP-PPM模型支持细粒度的访问控制,具有更强的隐私保护效果;CP-ABE算法可以安全初始化,对数据的加解密效率更高,同时增强了区块链系统的存储性能。

Sliding Wear of the Hybrid Kevlar/PTFE Fabric Reinforced Phenolic Composite Filled with Nano-titania

The Kevlar/polytetrafluroethylene（Kevlar/PTFE） fabric composite can be used as a self-lubricating liner of the self-lubricating bearing.Many types of nano-particles can improve the tribological performance of the polymer-based composite.Unfortunately,up to now,published work on the effect of nano-particles on the tribological performance of the fabric composite which can be used as a self-lubricating liner is quite scarce.Therefore,for the purpose of exploring a way to significantly improve the tribological performance of the fabric composite,the tribological performance of the Kevlar/PTFE fabric composite filled with nano-titania is evaluated by using the block-on-ring wear tester.The scanning electron microscopy is utilized to observe the morphologies of worn surfaces of the fabric composites and the counterparts.The tensile properties of the composites are evaluated on the universal material testing machine.The test results show that the addition of nano-titania at a proper mass fraction of the matrix resin improves the wear resistance and the tensile strength,decreases the friction coefficient,and makes the wear volume of the composite reach a relative steady state more quickly;plastic deformation and microcutting are important for the wear of the fabric composite;a lubricating layer is formed on the worn surface of the composite during sliding,and the lubricating layer is critical for the tribological performance of the composite;the formation and properties of the lubricating layer are influenced by the nano-titania particles.The proposed study on the effect of nano-titania on the tribological performance of the Kevlar/PTFE fabric composite,especially on the evolution of the worn surface of the composite,provides the basis for further understanding of the influence mechanism of the nano-particles on the tribological performance of the composite and explores a method of improving the tribological performance of the composite.

Dual Role of Plant Phenolic Compounds as Antioxidants and Prooxidants

Natural phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites found in a wide range of plants including food crops. As many of them are known to be antioxidants and can prevent several chronic and degenerative diseases in humans, they are a part of a healthy diet. However, these antioxidants can act as prooxidants under high phenolic concentration, high pH, or in the presence of transition metal ions such as Cu2+ or Fe3+, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals resulting in oxidative stress and cell toxicity. While this can lead to pathogenesis including the development of various types of cancers, elevated levels of ROS are beneficial to kill malignant cells and foodborne pathogens to improve food safety. Thus, the dual nature of phenolic compounds allows them to act as antioxidants and prooxidants. Similarly, depending on the level of prooxidant activity, ROS can induce either pathogenesis or serve as a potential agent to kill malignant cells and foodborne pathogens.

Fabrication of PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composites using a layer-by-layer self-assembly method for tribology field application

Fabric composites are widely applied as self-lubricating liner for radial spherical plain bearings owing to their excellent mechanical and tribological properties.Nevertheless,the poor interfacial strength between fibers and the resin matrix limits the performance of composites utilized as tribomaterials.To overcome this drawback,a mild layer-by-layer(LbL)self-assembly method was successfully used to construct hybrid fabric composites in the present work.In addition,this investigation addressed the effect of self-assembly cycles on the friction and wear behaviors of hybrid fabric composites under dry sliding condition.The results demonstrate that fabric composites with three or more self-assembly cycles have significantly enhanced surface activities and anti-wear performances.The results obtained in this work can provide guidance in the preparation of self-lubricating liner composites and highlight how the LbL self-assembly techniques could influence the properties of hybrid fabric composites.

AcbHLH144 transcription factor negatively regulates phenolic biosynthesis to modulate pineapple internal browning

Internal browning(IB),a major physiological disorder of pineapples,usually happens in postharvest processes,but the underlying mechanism remains elusive.The bHLH transcription factors are involved in regulating various biological processes,but whether they could regulate tissue browning in fruit during storage remains unknown.Here we showed that the phenolic biosynthesis pathway was activated in pineapples showing IB following 9 days of storage.AcbHLH144 expression was the highest of the 180 transcription factors identified,downregulated in pineapple with IB,and negatively correlated with the major phenolic biosynthetic genes.AcbHLH144 was shown to be localized in the nucleus and its transient overexpression in pineapples and overexpression in Arabidopsis decreased phenolic biosynthesis.The yeast one-hybrid assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that AcbHLH144 directly bound to the Ac4CL5 promoter and the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that it inactivated Ac4CL5 transcription.These results strongly suggest AcbHLH144 as a repressor for phenolic biosynthesis.Abscisic acid(ABA)alleviated IB,reduced phenolic accumulation,and downregulated phenolic biosynthetic genes,including Ac4CL5.Transcriptomic analysis showed that AcbHLH144 was the most upregulated of all 39 bHLHs in response to ABA.ABA enhanced AcbHLH144 expression,reduced phenolic contents,and downregulated phenolic biosynthetic genes in pineapples transiently overexpressing AcbHLH144.Moreover,ABA enhanced enzyme activity of GUS driven by the AcbHLH144 promoter.These results showed that AcbHLH144 as a repressor for phenolic biosynthesis could be activated by ABA.Collectively,the work demonstrated that AcbHLH144 negatively regulated phenolic biosynthesis via inactivating Ac4CL5 transcription to modulate pineapple IB.The findings provide novel insight into the role of AcbHLH144 in modulating pineapple IB during postharvest processes.

Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

The fruits of the Sea buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)are a popular plant food and a valuable health product.Cultivating plants produces a lot of leaves with fine branches as an unnecessary residue,which needs valorization.The aim of the study was to estimate(by HPLC-MS/MS)the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of H.rhamnoides(HR),and to determine the level of antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits(by DPPH,ABTS methods and ferrozine test).Up to 19 compounds were identified in different parts of HR.The fruits are rich in flavonoids,including various glycosides of flavonols isorhamnetin,quercetin,and kaempferol.Two isorhamnetin glycosides were not identified in the leaves,while isorhamnetin-3-rhamnosylglactosides and the ellagitannins hippophaenin B,stachyurin and casuarinin were present only in the leaves of the plant.The bark and roots contained considerably more catechins,but minimal flavonols than the fruits and leaves of HR.The total phenolics and flavonols were most abundant in water infusions from leaves of HR(especially quercetin-3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside),compared to methanolic extracts.No significant differences in the quantitative and qualitative content of the fresh and dried leaves were detected.The highest antioxidant activity by all three methods was detected in the leaves of HR.In addition to the fruits,the leaves may have a perspective as a source of biologically active substances of HR.

Phenolic compounds from Chaenomeles speciosa alleviate inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 macrophages via the NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Chaenomeles speciosa(Sweet)Nakai cultivated widely in temperate regions possesses anti-inflammatory properties,however,the underlying molecular mechanisms remain not fully understood.In this study,a purified phenolic extract of C.speciosa rich in chlorogenic acid,procyanidin B1 and catechin(determined by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophages.The extract at 30μg/mL was most potent and enabled most cells in normal morphology under LPS stimulation without causing cytotoxicity.The extract suppressed the levels of nitric oxide(NO),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and the mRNA and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2).The mechanisms underlying such anti-inflammatory actions included the regulation of phosphorylation of related proteins to monitor the expressions of inflammatory mediators and genes in the nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways.Therefore,the phenolic extract from C.speciosa is a desirable anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory conditions to meet the rising demand for natural and cost-effective therapeutics.