Journal of Berry Research - Volume 14, issue 1

Authors: Mihaljević, Ines | Vuletić, Marija Viljevac | Tomaš, Vesna | Zdunić, Zvonimir | Vuković, Dominik | Dugalić, Krunoslav

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Salt stress has recently emerged as one of the most significant abiotic stresses with negative impact on crop production. Photosynthesis is a vital biochemical process in plants, very sensitive to environmental constraints, including salt stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of salt stress on photosystem II in the leaves of blackberry cultivars (Rubus fructicosus L.). METHODS: Two blackberry cultivars (Thornfree and Boysen) were exposed to salt stress (20, 40, and 60 mM NaCl) for 28 days in in vitro culture. The photosynthetic activity was evaluated …by probing chlorophyll a fluorescence (JIP test) and photosynthetic pigments. RESULTS: The maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv /Fm ), performance indexes (PIABS and PItotal ), and photosynthetic driving force (DFABS ) were greatly affected by salt stress in the leaves of Boysen cultivar. Lower photosynthetic efficiency was confirmed by the increased values of absorption flux per RC (ABS/RC), trapping flux per PSII RC (TR0 /RC), dissipation flux per RC (DI0 /RC), decreased values of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, disruption in the interaction between the light-harvesting complex and the core proteins of PSII, as well as disruption of the oxygen-evolving complex. CONCLUSIONS: The provided informations suggest that the photosynthetic apparatus of Thornfree cultivar was found to be more tolerant to salt stress compared to Boysen. Show more

Keywords: Blackberry, in vitro, JIP-test, photosystem II, salt stress

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230026

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2024

Authors: Ilić, Tijana | Krgović, Nemanja | Božić, Dragana D. | Samardžić, Stevan | Marčetić, Mirjana | Zdunić, Gordana | Vidović, Bojana B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the presence of wide-range phytochemicals, particularly anthocyanins, and their health-promoting activities, black goji fruits (Lycium ruthenicum Murr., LRf) gained attention as functional foods or nutraceuticals. However, data on the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of LRf from outside Asian countries are very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study reports the polyphenols profile and in vitro biological activities of LRf cultivated in the southern part of Serbia. METHODS: The total content of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins of LRf was determined spectrophotometrically, while the polyphenol profile was evaluated by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory …potentials against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and 15-lipoxygenase properties were determined spectrophotometrically. The prebiotic potential was assessed by the broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Chromatographic analysis confirmed that hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and acylated anthocyanins were the predominant polyphenols of LRf. In addition to antioxidative activities, Lycium ruthenicum methanol extract (LRe) showed inhibitory effects against all tested enzymes (IC50  = 5.28–7.28 mg/mL). Prebiotic potential on the growth of various microorganisms’ species was observed, with a marked effect on the growth of yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenol pattern of LRf cultivated in Serbia corresponds with the literature data. Observed bioactivities support further phytochemical characterizations of LRf and investigations of their health-promoting effects, especially prebiotic properties. Show more

Keywords: Black goji, polyphenols, antioxidants, anti-enzyme activity, prebiotic potential

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230029

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 15-28, 2024

Authors: Wang, Feng | Miao, Chengdu | Ye, Peiming | Ma, Lukai | Wang, Qin | Liu, Dongjie | Xiao, Gengsheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of 60 Co-γ irradiation on the diversity of fungal microflora in blueberries during cold storage have been explored in detail. The effects of irradiation on the fungal microflora in blueberries could be observed at the lowest effective dose of 1.0 kGy. The genome library of fungal microflora in blueberries was evaluated by tusing Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and ACE indices, presenting good coverage of blueberry samples. Principal coordinate analysis clarified the differences in the evolution and clustering of fungi in blueberries under different irradiation levels. The composition and diversity of fungal microflora in blueberries treated with …different doses of radiation exhibited significant differences under cold storage of 4°C. However, most of the fungi belonged to the Ascomycota at the phylum. The fungal microflora was relatively stable at the initial stage of cold storage, however, the diversity of fungal species in irradiated blueberries varied greatly in the middle stage around the 15th day. This comprehensive study provides deeper insight about the effects of irradiation on the evolution of fungal microflora in blueberries during cold storage. The findings of this study lay a good foundation for post-harvest storage and preservation of blueberries. Show more

Keywords: Irradiation treatment, microflora composition, fungal diversity, blueberry, cold storage

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230038

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 29-40, 2024

Authors: Castejón-Vega, Beatriz | Kyriakidis, Nikolaos C. | Alcócer-Gómez, Elizabet | Giampieri, Francesca | González-Paramás, Ana M. | Cordero, Mario D. | Alvarez-Suarez, José M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) is one of Ecuador’s most iconic Andean berries for which a high anthocyanin content has been described. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory potential of the Andean blackberry from Ecuador, with an emphasis on its effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and autophagy processes. RESULTS: Andean blackberry extracts were rich in hydroxycinnamates (coumaric acid and derivates), in addition to quercetin and kaempferol as principal flavonols. Cyanidin and its glycosides were identified as the main anthocyanins present. Andean …blackberry extracts efficiently reduced oxidative stress markers in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The extracts also caused a moderate decrease in the expression of the pro-inflammatory and antioxidant genes NFκB1, TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, and NOS2 expression, while they significantly increased the mRNA levels of both SOD1 and NFE2L2 genes. Andean blackberry extracts significantly decreased the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, as well as p62 levels, and the LC3I/LC3II ratio increased, suggesting a direct action of Andean blackberry compounds on the inflammatory response and restoration of the autophagy process. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Andean blackberries potentially have an anti-inflammatory effect through their ability to regulate genes related to the inflammatory and antioxidant response, as well as modulate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and autophagy processes. Show more

Keywords: Anthocyanins, autophagy, blackberries, inflammation, NRLP3 inflammasome

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230058

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 41-59, 2024

Authors: Qi, Zexiu | Yang, Bei | Giampieri, Francesca | Cianciosi, Danila | Alvarez-Suarez, José Miguel | Elexpuru-Zabaleta, Maria | Quiles, Josè L. | Forbes-Hernandez, Tamara Y. | Zhang, Di | Bai, Weibin | Tian, Lingmin | Mezzetti, Bruno | Battino, Maurizio | Armas Diaz, Yasmany

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract:  Red raspberries are gaining attention more and more for their nutritional and bioactive components, with potential health effects such as antitumor properties. This review aims to describe the antioxidant activities of red raspberries, emphasizing the role of anthocyanins and ellagitannins as primary contributors among red raspberry polyphenols; it also outlined the connection between red raspberries and their role in inhibiting cancer cell growth by regulating oxidative stress. Numerous studies suggest that red raspberries are able to block cancer cell progression by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and autophagy, as well as regulating the cell cycle, angiogenesis, and DNA damage repair. This review …sheds light to the growing evidence supporting antioxidants as a crucial link between fruit consumption and cancer prevention. Show more

Keywords: Red raspberry, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, oxidative stress, cancer

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-240004

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 61-71, 2024