Flavonoid Profiles of Wild Grapes Native to Japan: <i>Vitis coignetiae </i>Pulliat and<i>Vitis ficifolia </i>Bunge var. <i>ganebu</i>Hatusima

Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds in plants with versatile health benefits for humans. Grapes are a dietary source of flavonoids and the flavonoid components in grape berries can depend on the grape species and cultivar. In this experiment, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins were analyzed in Vitis coignetiae and V. ficifolia var. ganebu, wild grapes native to Japan, and compared with those in V. labruscana cv. Muscat Bailey A, to evaluate the potential of the wild grapes as a grape resource. Proanthocyanidin contents in seeds were lower in the two wild grapes than in Muscat Bailey A. However, the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was the richest source of proanthocyanidins. Flavonol levels in the skins of the two wild grapes were lower than that in the skin of Muscat Bailey A. Colorimetry determined that the total anthocyanin content in the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was 6 times and 7 times higher, respectively, than those of V. coignetiae and Muscat Bailey A. Although monoglucoside anthocyanin levels analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were in the order Muscat Bailey A > V. ficifolia var. ganebu > V. coignetiae, most of the diglucoside and acylated monoglucoside and diglucoside anthocyanin levels identified by HPLC-mass spectrometry were highest in V. ficifolia var. ganebu. These data suggest that V. ficifolia var. ganebu might be a novel source of flavonoids and superior to V. coignetiae as a source of flavonoids.

Description of Flower Biology of Under-Exploited Species, <i>Zingiber barbatum</i>(Wall.) from Myanmar

Characterization of the reproductive morphology in genus Zingiber is still relevant on classical taxonomic studies because most of the species are phenotypically similar and difficult to distinguish in the absence of the flowering stage. Reports mainly derived based on the herbarium collections are insufficient for the detailed morphological review. Zingiber barbatum (Wall.) belongs to the genus Zingiber and has been neglected for a long time. Existed intraspecific morphological and genetic variations also intricate the description of this species. The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive morphology of under-exploited Z. barbatum species. The study was done based on the traditional description of morphology and habit of inflorescence and flowers, with a recording of minimum quantitative and qualitative parameters and phenological observation regarding inflorescence life span and duration of blossom. Assessment of reproductive morphology displayed phenotypic variations regarding inflorescences habit during the growth stage and morphological features of the flower. Perhaps, an existed variation was driven by eco-geographical factors resulting in reproductive isolation due to which genetic divergence might occur. The taxonomic affiliation of Z. barbatum based on inflorescence habit has been confirmed. This is the first comprehensive report regarding flower biology on Z. barbatum.