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[Display omitted] • Almond kernel is high in protein with an average content of roughly 20% (w/w). • Four extraction methods have been reported to prepare the almond kernel protein isolate. • pH and ion strength have significant influences on the functional properties of almond kernel protein. • Almond kernel protein is easily digestible by humans and has a similar digestibility to casein. Almond (Amygdalus communis L.) kernel, a source of nutrients in many traditional diets, is being used more frequently as a nutritious snack and component. It is well known that almond kernels are a protein-rich food. Compared to the amino acid profile recommended by FAO, almond kernel protein is an ideal protein with perfect balance of amino acids. It also has a variety of better functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying ability, oil absorption capacity and foaming ability. pH and ion strength have significant influences on these functional properties. Furthermore, almond kernel protein is easily digested and absorbed by the human body. So almond kernel protein can be used as a high-quality protein resource. This review describes the techniques for extracting almond kernel protein, as well as its functional properties, nutritional worth, and applications. The purpose of this review is to provide ideas for the effective use of almond kernel protein and the creation of related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dihydro-β-ionone is a principal aroma compound and has received considerable attention by flavor and fragrance industry. The traditional method of preparing dihydro-β-ionone has many drawbacks, which has restricted its industrial application. Therefore, it is necessary to find a biotechnological method to produce dihydro-β-ionone. Results: In this study, the enoate reductase with high conversion efficiency of β-ionone to dihydro-β-ionone, DBR1, was obtained by screening four genetically engineered bacteria. The product, dihydro-β-ionone, was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The highest dihydro-β-ionone production with 308.3 mg/L was detected in the recombinant strain expressing DBR1 which was later on expressed and purified. Its optimal temperature and pH were 45 °C and 6.5, respectively. The greatest activity of the purified enzyme was 356.39 U/mg using β-ionone as substrate. In the enzymatic conversion system, 1 mM of β-ionone was transformed into 91.08 mg/L of dihydro-β-ionone with 93.80% of molar conversion. Conclusion: DBR1 had high selectivity to hydrogenated the 10,11-unsaturated double bond of β-ionone as well as high catalytic efficiency for the conversion of β-ionone to dihydro-β-ionone. It is the first report on the bioconversion of β-ionone to dihydro-β-ionone by using enoate reductase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel fluorescent sensor (quercetin-Pluronic-F127 nano-micelles) was prepared by the facile self-assembly method with natural quercetin (Qc) and Pluronic-F127 (F127). Qc-F127 nano-micelles were characterized by TEM which indicated that Qc have successfully entered into the amphiphilic micelle. The nano micelles with sizes of 25 to 40 nm showed a strong green fluorescence (FL). The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity towards Cu 2+ with a linear range of 5 × 10 −8 –4 × 10 −6  mol L −1 , the detection limit of 1 × 10 −8  mol L −1 . Moreover, the Qc-F127 nano-micelles can be used to detect Cu 2+ in vitro due to their good biocompatibility. Besides Cu 2+ sensing, when Cysteine (Cys) were added, the FL intensity of Qc-F127-Cu(II) system could be restored due to the chelation interactions between Cu 2+ ions and the sulfydryl and amino groups of Cys. So, Qc-F127-Cu(II) system can used to detect Cys, and the linear range and the limit of detection of the Qc-F127-Cu 2+ system were 3 × 10 −7 –3.5 × 10 −5  mol L −1 and 6 × 10 −8  mol L −1 . Moreover, Qc-F127-Cu(II) has been used for imaging of Cys in cells, which demonstrates its values for potential application in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferol (kae) and its glycosides are widely distributed in nature and show multiple bioactivities, yet few reports have compared them. In this paper, we report the antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity differences of kae, kae-7-O-glucoside (kae-7-O-glu), kae-3-O-rhamnoside (kae-3-O-rha) and kae-3-O-rutinoside (kae-3-O-rut). Kae showed the highest antiproliferation effect on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2, mouse colon cancer cell line CT26 and mouse melanoma cell line B16F1. Kae also significantly inhibited AKT phosphorylation and cleaved caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3 and PARP in HepG2 cells. A kae-induced increase in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, inhibition of concanavalin A (Con A)-induced activation of T cell proliferation and NO or ROS production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were also seen. Kae glycosides were used to produce kae via environment-friendly enzymatic hydrolysis. Kae-7-O-glu and kae-3-O-rut were hydrolyzed to kae by β-glucosidase and/or α-L-rhamnosidase. This paper demonstrates the application of enzymatic catalysis to obtain highly biologically active kae. This work provides a novel and efficient preparation of high-value flavone-related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-phase systems developed with hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and hydrophobic DESs were prepared in this study for the first time. Ginkgo biloba leaves containing several bioactive compounds were chosen as the model plant material to evaluate the possibility of the two-phase DES system as a designer solvent for the simultaneous extraction of the various bioactive compounds with different polarities. After tailoring, a two-phase DES system prepared with two hydrophilic DESs and one hydrophobic DES at a volume ratio of 35 : 5 : 40 could effectively extract flavonoids, terpene trilactones (TTLs), procyanidine (PAC) and polyprenyl acetates (PPAs) simultaneously from the Ginkgo biloba leaves. The extraction conditions were further optimized using the response surface methodology. When the two-phase DES system was employed in the extraction under the optimal conditions, the PPAs moved into the hydrophobic phase, and the flavonoids, TTLs, and PAC were enriched into the hydrophilic phase. The first extraction rates for PAC, flavonoids, TTLs and PPAs were 86.07%, 77.72%, 93.29% and 94.63%, respectively. After extraction, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases containing different bioactive compounds could be easily separated for different preparations. Extraction with the two-phase DES system is a new application trial of DESs, which has the potential to be widely used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials or removal of different polar impurities from specific extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five bioactive dehydroabietylamine Schiff-base derivatives ( L 1 -L 5 ) had been synthesized from Dehydroabietylamine ( L 0 ), and the complex Cu(L 1 ) 2 had been obtained from the compound L 1 and copper(II) acetate. Their activities against Hela (cervix), MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver) and HUVEC (umbilical vein, normal cell) in vitro were investigated. The toxicity of L 1 -L 5 and Cu(L 1 ) 2 was all lower than L 0 . For MCF-7 cell, L 1 , L 3 , L 4 , L 5 and Cu(L 1 ) 2 had higher antitumor activity than L 0 . The smallest IC 50 value was 2.58  μ M of L 5 . For A549 cell, the IC 50 value of the compound L 4 was smaller than L 0 , which indicated that the compound L 4 had higher anti-A549 activity than L 0 . For HepG2 cell, the IC 50 value of L 4 ( 0.24  μ M) and L 5 (0.14  μ M) were much smaller than L 0 , which suggested L 4 and L 5 had higher anti-HepG2 activity. L 5 was 180 times more effective at inhibiting cultured HepG2 cells survival than normal cells, with average IC 50 values of 0.14 and 25.56  μ M. Furthermore, L 0 , L 4 and L 5 contrasting with Doxorubicin had been measured with the ability to induce apoptosis. It turned out that L 4 and L 5 could induce more HepG2 cells apoptosis, which suggested they may be potential antitumor drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo as a promising edible material and herbal medicine has received much attention due to its abundant starch contents and functional ingredient ginkgo biloba extracts (GBEs). Many foreign scholars suggest that GBEs can effectively ameliorate the symptoms of mild memory impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia. However, an insurmountable problem with application of the GBEs is its low bioavailability, which restricts its application in vivo. Considering the biocompatibility between GBEs and starch, we have prepared ginkgo and corn starch-based nano-carriers, and thereby loaded GBEs onto starch nano-spheres (SNPs) by nanoprecipitation. Compared with unloaded SNPs (201–250 nm), the mean sizes of the monodispersed and spherical GBEs-loaded SNPs were 255–396 nm. Moreover, the loading amounts of GBEs onto ginkgo, and corn SNPs were 0.661–1.045, and 0.560 mg/mg, respectively. In addition, in artificial gastric and intestinal juices, the GBEs-loaded SNPs exhibited a better sustained release than free GBEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An HDES-based microextraction method was developed for the determination of GAs. • The developed method had better efficiency than traditional methods. • The method could be applied for the determination of GAs in different samples. For the quantification of ginkgolic acids (GAs) within ginkgo products, a very effective liquid–liquid microextraction pretreatment method based on hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES) was created. The HPLC detection conditions for GAs were optimized before establishing the pretreatment method. Then, the DES composition, DES volume, sample amount, extraction temperature and time were investigated to obtain the optimal pretreatment conditions. This developed method had satisfactory analytical performance, the linearity was r2 = 0.9997, and its low limit of detection (LOD) was 0.81 mg/kg. The recovery value ranged from 95.10 % to 98.75 %. When compared with the Ch.P.2010 and EP10.0 recommended methods, this developed method gave a higher efficiency and showed obvious advantages. Furthermore, the developed method was effectively used to identify GAs in a variety of Ginkgo biloba medications, Ginkgo biloba leaves from various cultivars and collection times. These results highlighted the superiorities of the HDES-based liquid–liquid microextraction pretreatment technique for the measurement of GAs, providing insights for future development of efficient methods in active ingredients analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nervonic acid (NA) is one of the long-chain fatty acids with significant biological activity that has been widely studied in recent years. It is believed that NA may play a crucial role in the recovery of human cognitive disorders. Although many literatures have shown that NA has some neuroprotective effect in experimental animal models, the detailed neuroprotective mechanism of NA is still poorly understood. In this study, we applied behavioral, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to analyze the neuroprotective effect of NA and its molecular mechanism in AD (Alzheimer's disease) model mice. We demonstrated that NA improved motor skills and learning and memory abilities of mice at the behavioral level. To further understand the specific pathways involved in this protective effect, we applied the metabolomics and transcriptomics profilings and focused on the expression patterns of genes that NA might alter, particularly those related to the accumulation of metabolites in the brain. According to the results, pathways related to neuroinflammation were significantly increased in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced AD mice compared with the normal control, and pathways related to neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity were significantly downregulated. When NA was used for protection, these signaling pathways induced by LPS were partially reversed. At the same time, compared with the AD model group, upregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis and downregulation of amino acid metabolic pathways were particularly pronounced in the NA treatment group. We also verified the enzymes of some metabolic pathways were consistent with transcriptome result. In summary, our results show that NA can significantly ameliorate LPS-induced neuroinflammation and deterioration of learning and memory, and exerts a neuroprotective function through regulation of multiple gene transcription and metabolism pathways. In particular, the arachidonic acid metabolism which related to inflammation and the amino acids metabolism which related to the synthesis of neurotransmitters were most significant response to NA treatment. Our results provided the first preliminary evidences for molecular mechanism investigation of NA from a combined transcriptome and metabolome perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Non-thermal plasma induced the structural unfolding of WPI (whey protein isolate). • Non-thermal plasma enhanced the binding affinity of WPI to GR 1 (Ginsenoside Rg 1). • Non-thermal plasma improved the antioxidant activity of WPI-GR 1 complexes. • The complexes were used to stabilize soybean oil-in-water emulsions. • Non-thermal plasma treated WPI-GR 1 complexes formed emulsions with smaller droplets. Molecular interaction forces regulate the interfacial properties of oil-in-water emulsion and play a key role in the rheology and stability of the emulsion in the food industry. In this study, the effects of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the structural and functional properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) and its binding interaction with ginsenoside Rg 1 (GR 1) were investigated. The results based on surface hydrophobicity, infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy test showed that the NTP treatment induced the unfolding of the structure of WPI and promoted the binding affinity between WPI and GR 1. By comparing with untreated WPI (an α-helix content of 19.63 % and a β-sheet content of 31.66 %), there was a greater decrease in α-helix content and an increase in β-sheet content of WPI in N 20 -WPI (α-helix = 9.63 %, β-sheet = 39.63 %) and N 20 -WPI-GR 1 (α-helix = 4.98 %, β-sheet = 48.66 %) groups. Importantly, the NTP treatment increased the interfacial adsorption and antioxidant capacity of the WPI-GR1 complexes, which contributed to the improvement of the rheological properties and oxidation stability of the emulsion. As a result, the NTP treatment could markedly improve the rheological and antioxidative properties of the WPI-GR 1 complexes and the NTP-treated WPI-GR 1 emulsions was more stable than that untreated. The present research indicated that NTP-treated formation of protein-saponin complexes could enhance the functional properties of the proteins, thus expanding their application as functional ingradients in nutritionally fortified food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of total, organic and inorganic selenium (Se) in edible plants and surrounding soils of a moderately Se-enriched area of Mingyueshan (Yichun, China). The absorption and transport capacity of Se in plants as well as the total daily intake Se by local residents consuming the studied plants were investigated. A total of 167 samples were collected from 31 plants and their surrounding soils and measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. Selenium, mainly in organic form, was detected in most samples. Most plants were found to easily absorb inorganic Se from the soil, and based on the absorption and transport capacity, the Se distribution was as follows: root > leaf > stem or rhizome > fruit. The total daily intake of Se by local residents consuming the studied plans was 50 µg, mainly owing to Oryza sativa and leafy vegetables. • Most edible plants were found to easily absorb inorganic selenium from soil. •. Selenium was mainly stored in plants in the form of organic selenium. • Absorption and transport capacity of selenium in plants was as follows: root > leaf > stem or rhizome > fruit. • The total daily intake of selenium by local residents consuming the studied plants was 50 μg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs)-based ultrasonic extraction of terpene trilactones (TTLs) fromGinkgo bilobaleaves was efficiently developed. Sixteen DESs were prepared, and DESs composed of choline chloride-urea (ChCl-U) and betaine-ethylene glycol (BE-EG) gave higher TTL extraction yields than the present, most efficient solvent 70% ethanol. The extraction conditions were further optimized, and the optimum conditions were as follows: taking BE-EG containing 40% (w/w) water as the extraction solvent, 1:10 ofG. bilobaleaves powder-to-solvent ratio, and ultrasonic treatment at 45°C and 100 W for 20 min. A total extraction yield of 1.94 ± 0.03 mg/g was obtained under the optimum conditions, which indicated that 99.37% of TTLs could be extracted from theG. bilobaleaves powder by a single extraction. Moreover, the polyamide resin was used to recover the TTLs in DES extracting solution, and recovery yield of 95.1% was attained. Therefore, BE-EG containing 40% (w/w) water was a potential alternative solvent for TTLs extraction fromG. bilobaleaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malus hupehensis is an excellent Malus rootstock species, known for its strong adverse-resistance and apomixes. In the present study, stem cuttings of M. hupehensis were treated with three types of exogenous hormones, including indole acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), or green growth regulator (GGR). The effects and mechanisms of exogenous hormone treatment and antioxidant enzyme activity on adventitious root formation were investigated. The results showed that the apparent morphology of the adventitious root had four stages, including root pre-emergence stage (S0), early stage of root formation (S1), massive root formation stage (S2), and later stage of root formation (S3). The suitable concentrations of the three exogenous hormones, IAA, NAA and GGR, were 100 mg·L-1, 300 mg·L-1, and 300 mg·L-1, respectively. They shortened the rooting time by 25–47.4% and increased the rooting percentages of cuttings by 0.9–1.3 times, compared with that in the control. The dispersion in S0 stage was 3.6 times of that in the S1 stage after exogenous hormone application. The earlier the third critical point (P3) appeared, the shorter the rooting time and the greater the rooting percentage of the cuttings. During rhizogenesis, the activities of three antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, and PPO) showed an A-shaped trend. However, peak values of enzyme activity appeared at different points, which were 9 d before the P3, P3, and the fourth critical point (P4), respectively. Exogenous hormone treatment reduced the time to reach the peak value by 18 days, although the peak values of the enzymatic activities did not significantly changed. Our results suggested that exogenous hormone treatment mainly acted during the root pre-emergence stage, accelerated the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, reduced the rooting time, and consequently promoted root formation. The three kinds of antioxidant enzymes acted on different stages of rooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A natural isorhamnetin-based fluorescent sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of copper ions had been studied. The fluorescent sensor isorhamnetin (Iso) after binding to Cu 2+ ions in pH 7.40 buffer solution generated quenching in fluorescent emission intensity. The binding constant value was obtained 1.79 × 10 6 . The sensor Iso can be applied to the quantification of Cu 2+ ion with a linear range of 1.0 × 10 −8 –1.9 × 10 −6 mol L −1 , the detection limit of 4.0 × 10 −9 mol L −1 , and the reproducibility of the sensor is good. The sensor showed high selectivity toward Cu 2+ . As a result, the isorhamnetin fluorescent sensor was successfully applied for determination of Cu 2+ in rivers, lakes, vegetables and fruits with good recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba L. is an economically important tree species in China rich in resources. Flavonoids in their leaves have a high medicinal value. Research on improving the flavonoid yield of G. biloba leaves by regulating environmental factors has been widely conducted. However, the effect of light quality on G. biloba growth and flavonoid accumulation is not clear, and its molecular mechanism has not been reported. In this study, one-year-old ginkgo seedlings were used as experimental material. Three treatments of red, mixed (red:blue = 1:1), and blue light were set up using LED lamps. Using white light as the control, differences of G. biloba growth and flavonol accumulation under different light qualities were explored. The results showed that under red, mixed, and blue light, the petiole of G. biloba elongated, the leaf area decreased, and the leaves tended to be slender, which was not conducive to the accumulation of leaves. The blue light significantly increased the height of G. biloba seedlings. The net photosynthetic rate under blue light was relatively lower, the transpiration rate was lower in the treatment groups, the stomatal conductance decreased significantly under mixed light, and the change in intercellular CO 2 concentration was not significant. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that the transcription factors (TFs) HY5 (Gb_12012) and MYB (Gb_39081) and structural genes CHS (Gb_20355), F3H (Gb_29563), and FLS (Gb_14028, Gb_14029 , and Gb_14030) positively regulated the biosynthesis of flavonols, whereas MYB-related TFs (Gb_27262 and Gb_34639) played a negative regulatory role. Combined with the existing research and the results of this experiment, we preliminarily speculated the mechanism of G. biloba response to red and blue light quality. After G. biloba leaves were stimulated by red and blue light, the expression of Gb_12012 changed the abundance of HY5 and affected the expression levels of downstream MYB TFs. MYB directly binds to the promoters of the structural genes CHS, F3H, and FLS to regulate its expression to promote (or inhibit) the biosynthesis of flavonols. Finally, Mixed and blue light significantly increased the flavonol content in G. biloba leaves, while red light was the opposite. Blue light significantly increased the flavone yield of G. biloba leaves per plant (increased by 0.76 times) and its antioxidant capacity. This lays a foundation for applying light quality in the cultivation of G. biloba for leaf use. [Display omitted] • Under red and blue light, the morphology of Ginkgo biloba changed significantly. • The photosynthetic growth and material accumulation of Ginkgo biloba were better under white light. • Blue light increased the flavonoid yield and antioxidant capacity of Ginkgo biloba leaves. • Ginkgo flavonol synthesis mainly affected by transcription factors such as HY5, MYB, and enzyme genes such as CHS, F3H, FLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge (X sorbifolia) leaves (XSL) or solid-state fermented X sorbifolia leaves (FXSL) on the growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, serum metabolites, intestinal mucosa morphology, cecal fermentation and microflora enumeration of rabbits. A total of 192 healthy New Zealand White male rabbits weighing (940 ± 11 g) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments, with 8 replicates of 8 rabbits each and designated as control, XSL, and FXSL groups. The rabbits in the XSL and FXSL groups were fed diets containing 150 g/kg XSL and FXSL in the basal diets to replace the same level of alfalfa hay, respectively for 42 days. Compared with the control or XSL group, the FXSL rabbits showed increased average daily weight gain (P < 0.05) and final body weight, as well as a decreased feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05). They had increased small intestine weight, small intestine relative weight (P < 0.05), cecum weight, cecum relative weight, and decreased urea nitrogen (UN) content (P < 0.05). Rabbits in the XSL and FXSL groups had lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, as well as higher serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity (P < 0.05). Compared to the other two groups, the total volatile fatty acids, the ratio of acetic acid, as well as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium populations in the cecal content was increased (P < 0.05) in the FXSL group, while the cecal pH, NH 3 -N, the ratio of butyric acid, Escherichia coli as well as Clostridium perfringens populations were decreased (P < 0.05). Further, the rabbits from the FXSL group showed higher (P < 0.05) villus height (VH) and VH/crypt depth (CD) both in the jejunum and duodenum. In conclusion, adding 150 g/kg XSL to the diet can replace the same amount of alfalfa powder, simultaneously, adding 150 g/kg FXSL can improve the growth and gastrointestinal tract development, as well as the cecal environment and microbiota balance. • The effect of Xanthoceras sorbifolia leaves (XSL) on growth and gastrointestinal physiology were investigated in rabbits. • Adding 150 g/kg XSL to the diet can replace the same amount of alfalfa powder. • Fermented Xanthoceras sorbifolia leaves (FXSL)administration boost the growth and development of rabbits. • FXSL administration resulted in improved gastrointestinal tract development, cecal environment and microbiota balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to study the combined effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and enzymatic hydrolysis treatment on the hydrolysis and allergenicity of ginkgo seed proteins (GSPs). Four food-grade proteases (papain, alcalase, pepsin, and neutrase) were used, and HHP (200, 300, and 400 MPa separately) was applied prior to hydrolysis. The extent of hydrolysis was measured with the o-phthaldialdehyde method, SDS-PAGE, and MALDI-TOF-MS, and the allergenicity was assessed with a Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that HHP could significantly improve the extent of proteolysis by papain, alcalase, or pepsin and reduce the antigenicity of GSP, whereas neutrase showed poor effects at any pressure. Papain and alcalase showed the highest proteolysis at 300 MPa, followed by pepsin at 400 MPa, and all of the obtained hydrolysates showed molecular weights lower than 10 kDa; furthermore, papain or alcalase at 300 MPa as well as pepsin at 400 MPa reduced antigenicity by more than 95 %, and all of the immunoreactive bands disappeared in the obtained hydrolysates. These results suggest that HHP can enhance the hydrolysis of GSP by certain enzymes and reduce the residual antigenicity of the hydrolysates. The obtained hypoallergenic hydrolysates could be used as a source of peptides for food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on the structural, allergenicity and functional properties of ginkgo seed protein (GSP) were investigated. GSP was treated under pressures of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 MPa. Western blotting and ELISA assay revealed that HHP treatment at pressure ranges from 300 up to 700 MPa can significantly reduce the allergenicity of GSP. Meanwhile, SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF-MS, CD spectra, fluorescence spectra and UV absorption spectra analysis revealed that, after HHP treatment, the GSP disintegrated into proteins with small molecular weights ranging from 4 to 30 kDa; the secondary structures of α-helices and β-sheet were largely destroyed and turned into random coil; and the UV absorption intensity, surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl group (SH) content of GSP were significantly increased. Moreover, the HHP-treated GSP showed markedly improved heat stability and emulsifying properties compared to the untreated GSP. Industrial relevance As a traditional food and medicine source, the seeds of Ginkgo biloba were used in china for several thousand years. Ginkgo seeds could be added to desserts, glazed fruit, beverages and tipple, also ginkgo seeds, as a traditional Chinese medicinal material, have been recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medical. Research shows that ginkgo seeds have a relatively high content (10%–15%) of proteins, which possess rich and reasonable composition of amino acids, and much higher content of essential amino acids than the recommended FAO/WHO standard, belonging to the high-quality protein. Ginkgo seeds proteins (GSP) have many biological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial, so it has high value of nutrition and medicine. However, eating GSP could result in allergic reaction to humans, infant, or children are more sensitive to GSP, the clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bellyache, diarrhea, dysphoria, exanimation, convulsions, dyspnea, and mydriasis, and sometimes even death can occur. In the study, we used the method of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments, which can significantly improve the functional properties and reduce the antigenicity of GSP. After the HHP treatment, GSP can be transformed into proteins with small molecular weights ranging from 4 to 30 kDa, the antigenicity of GSP can be reduced by more than 95%, and the heat stability and emulsifying properties of GSP can be markedly improved. Thus, this study is very helpful for designing the hypoallergenic and improved functional GSP, which could have a relevant practical application for their use as base ingredients of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major processes in the extraction of C. oleifera oil. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of C. oleifera oil for human consumption has been increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of C. oleifera oil, bioactive substances, extraction technologies, and evidences supporting the health benefits of C. oleifera oil. Emerging technologies such as aqueous extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction are highly efficient processes, and can achieve higher recovery while reducing solvent and energy consumption. This review provides an in-depth discussion on the various extraction technologies and factors affecting the extraction efficiency of C. oleifera oil using traditional and emerging methods. The In this review, chemical composition of C. oleifera oil and evidences supporting the health benefits of C. oleifera oil are briefly introduced. Conventional and innovative extraction technologies for C. oleifera oil production are systematically reviewed. Furthermore, the influences of different extraction methods on the C. oleifera oil characteristics are also introduced. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects of extraction of C. oleifera oil have been identified and discussed. [Display omitted] • The chemical composition of C. oleifera oils was reviewed. • The traditional and emerging extraction technologies of C. oleifera oils were reviewed. • The influences of extraction methods on the quality of C. oleifera oil were first systematically reviewed. • The prospects of C. oleifera oil extraction has been identified and discussed. C. oleifera oil is one of the high-quality edible oils recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Pharmacological studies have shown that C. oleifera oil is the homology of medicine and food, and it possesses extensive beneficial health properties both in vivo and in vitro. C. oleifera oil found its application in the functional food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of C. oleifera oil for human consumption has increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of C. oleifera oil, bioactive substances, extraction technologies, and evidence supporting the health benefits of C. oleifera oil. From the reviewed studies, it appears that C. oleifera oil contains a significant proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (>85%) with oleic acid (>75%) as the major compound, and high contents of squalene, tea polyphenols, tocopherol and phytosterol. Some variations in C. oleifera oil composition can be found depending on the kernel's origin and the extraction method used. Emerging technologies such as aqueous extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction are highly efficient processes, and can achieve higher recovery while reducing solvent and energy consumption. This review provides an in-depth discussion on the various extraction technologies and factors affecting the extraction efficiency of C. oleifera oil using traditional and emerging methods. The influences of different extraction methods on the C. oleifera oil characteristics are also introduced. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects of the extraction of C. oleifera oil have been identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical natural bioactive ingredients are difficult to purify due to their complicated composition and structure, and are usually utilized in the form of phytocomplex, which refers to a mixture of multiple bioactive ingredients. Using biocompatible solvents as delivery solvents is a simple, versatile, and scalable method to improve the solubility of phytocomplex. In this work, the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb) was chosen as the model of the phytocomplex to systematically investigate the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) as solubilizers. After initial screening, the solubilities of EGb in different NADESs were 29–1500 folds higher than those in water. Several solvatochromic parameters of NADESs were employed to tentatively study the solvation between bioactive compounds and NADESs. The high solubility of EGb in NADESs could be interpreted by the hydrogen bond interactions. Additionally, further investigation on the stability and bioactivity of EGb dissolved in NADESs helped to validate the feasibility of using NADESs as solubilizers. The results suggested that not only the stability but also the bioactivity of EGb kept at high levels after dissolving in NADESs. The findings of this study showed the bright application prospect of NADESs as solubilizers, which offers a new avenue for improving the solubility of insoluble phytocomplex. [Display omitted] • Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb) is a typical model of phytocomplex. • Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were firstly used to improve the solubility of phytocomplex. • The structure of EGb did not change after being dissolved in NADESs. • The stability and biological activity of EGb maintained after being dissolved in NADESs. • NADESs can be used as solubilizers to prepare liquid formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A glucosidase gene (Tt-bgl) from T. thermarum DSM 5069T was over-expressed in E. coli. [•] Tt-BGL exhibited thermostability, high glucose-tolerance (K i =1.5M). [•] Tt-BGL biotransformed ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd with 95% yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Plant Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (X. sorbifolia) has a long history of medicinal use as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to deal with sterilizing, killing sperm, stabilizing capillary, hemostasis, lowering cholesterol, rheumatism, and pediatric enuresis. Additionally, X. sorbifolia is an oil crop for the production of edible oil due to the health-promotion effect. In recent years, X. sorbifolia has attracted worldwide attention as an important economic crop with low investment and high-income potential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive appraisal of X. sorbifolia , including the traditional uses, nutrients, phytochemical data, biological activities, and current applications. The natural compounds of X. sorbifolia and potential utilization in pharmacology are highlighted. The aim of this review is to inspire the research enthusiasm to X. sorbifolia and promote the comprehensive utilization of X. sorbifolia. The research information of X. sorbifolia was collected via Elsevier, American Chemical Society (ACS), PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu scholar, and Google scholar. Additionally, some information was collected from Ph.D. and Master's dissertations, as well as local books. The identification of approximately 195 major phytochemical compounds from different parts of X. sorbifolia is presented in this review, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, lignans, meroterpenoids, monoterpene, alkaloids, and sterol. Among them, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids are the major compounds. Extracts from X. sorbifolia exhibited a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-adipogenesis, anti-obesity, anti-HIV, gastroprotective, immunoregulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Modern pharmacological studies have been well supported and clarified the traditional medicinal uses of X. sorbifolia , which brought a promising prospect for the pharmaceutical value of this plant. However, the related mechanisms between the structure and pharmacological effects were seldom reported. Also, at present, effective and in-depth research on X. sorbifolia is still relatively lacking. Moreover, there is little research on toxicological experiments. Further clinical trials should also be performed to accelerate the drug research and development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predicted anti-oxidation is related to apoptosis, proliferation, lipid metabolism, cell differentiation, and immune response. There are some differences in the antioxidant capacity of the four typical components of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) including ginkgo flavone (GF), ginkgolide (G), procyanidins (OPC), and organic acids (OA), and any two members of them can exhibit apparent synergistic effects. The order of DPPH scavenging ability was: OPC > GF > OA > G. The scavenging ability of procyanidins was close to that of VC; the scavenging capacity of ABTS was GF > OPC > OA > G. The GF:OPC (1:9) showed the best synergism in scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. The 193 kinds of small molecules reported in EGb were obtained by analyzing the properties of EGb. In order to construct a corresponding biological activity target set, molecular docking and the network pharmacology method were employed to build the molecular action mechanism network of a compound target, and the main biological functions and signaling pathways involved with their antioxidant activities were predicted. The results displayed that the top ten compounds which belonged to the two broad categories, ginkgo flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, could interact closely with several important target proteins (CASP3, SOD2, MAPK1, HSPA4, and NQO1). This would be expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the deep development of Ginkgo biloba extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An l -menthol based hydrophobic ternary deep eutectic solvent was tailor-made. • The hydrophobic ternary deep eutectic solvent was employed for removing ginkgolic acids. • Ginkgolic acids can be removed by simple oscillation and centrifugation. • The residual ginkgolic acids can be lower than 5.00 mg/kg after only one-time removal. • Scale up to 100 times can still hold satisfactory removal efficiency. Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb) is a widely used phytotherapy drug, while ginkgolic acids (GAs) are considered as potentially hazardous constituents in EGb. In this work, a liquid-liquid microextraction method for removing ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba leaves crude extract using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) was reported. After screening and designing, a ternary hydrophobic DES composed of l -menthol, 1-hexanol and lauric acid at a molar ratio of 1:0.8:0.2, named as MHL, gave the highest removal rate of GAs. The removal conditions were optimized based on the removal rate of GAs, and the optimal conditions were 27.5 % (v/v) of ethanol solution used as the aqueous phase for dissolving the Ginkgo biloba leaves crude extract, 180 μL of the hydrophobic DES, removal temperature of 40 °C, and removal time of 24 min, respectively. Under these conditions, the removal rate of GAs in the model EGb solution reached 74.35 ± 1.56 %. Only one step removal could reduce the GAs content in the real Ginkgo biloba leaves crude extract to 4.02 μg/g (below 5.00 mg/kg). Scaling up the removal operation volume by 100 times, the removal rate of GAs did not decrease, but even improved. The retention rates of total flavonoids and ginkgolides always kept at high levels. This work provides the basic for further considering hydrophobic DESs as green media for efficiently removing the GAs in the standardized EGb production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different levels (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% w/v) of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) were investigated on the gel properties of heat-induced whey protein gels forming at varying pHs (3.0, 5.2 and 7.0). The textural, rheological, hydration properties and microstructure of gels were evaluated. Results exhibited that the composite gel containing 0.1% (w/v) LBP showed the greatest functional valorization, whereas higher concentrations of LBP (1% w/v) yielded hydrogels with higher porosity, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, whey protein formed white particulate gels and transparent fibrillar gels at pH values near to and far from the isoelectric point, respectively. As for hydration properties, no difference in water holding capacity and swelling property was observed at all pHs. This study simulated the conditions used in practical production, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the application of LBP on composite gels and develop tunable gel-type food to satisfy different consumer preferences. Image 1 • Whey protein isolate- Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (WPI-LBP) gel was fabricated by heat-induced gelation. • LBP exhibited pH-dependent effects on gelling properties of WPI-LBP gels. • pH dominated WPI-LBP gel microstructure and gelling properties thereof. • WPI-LBP gel exhibited the variation in the functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation technology was tried to remove the ginkgotoxin (4′-O-methylpyridoxine and 4′-O-methylpyridoxine-5′-glucoside) from Ginkgo seeds powder for the first time in this work. 99.88 ± 0.99% of the ginkgotoxin could transfer to the extraction solvent from the Ginkgo seeds powder when the water was used as the extraction solvent for extracting twice at 25 °C and solid to solvent ratio of 1:40 (g/mL) for 20 min. The conditions of ginkgotoxin removal by membrane separation were next studied as: ultrafiltration membrane with cut-off molecular weight of 10000 Da was operated at 0.2–0.3 MPa with a permeate volume of 4.7 L, and nanofiltration membrane with cut-off molecular weight of 600 Da was operated at 0.4–0.5 MPa with a permeate volume of 3.0 L. All the ginkgotoxin could be removed under the selected membrane operation conditions. The main nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seeds powder were well preserved after detoxification. The main characteristics or structure of the detoxified Ginkgo seeds powder were not obviously changed. The membrane separation technology could be used as an effective method for removing ginkgotoxin from Ginkgo seeds powder. Image 1 • Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning. • MPN and MPNG collectively called as ginkgotoxin are responsible for poisoning. • 99.88 ± 0.99% of the ginkgotoxin could be extracted out with water. • All the ginkgotoxin could be removed under the optimal membrane separation conditions. • Main components and characteristics were well preserved after detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is an excellent landscape species. Its yellow-green leaf mutants are ideal materials for research on pigment synthesis, but the regulatory mechanism of leaf coloration in these ginkgo mutants remains unclear. Results: We compared the metabolomes and transcriptomes of green and mutant yellow leaves of ginkgo over the same period in this study. The results showed that the chlorophyll content of normal green leaves was significantly higher than that of mutant yellow leaves of ginkgo. We obtained 931.52M clean reads from different color leaves of ginkgo. A total of 283 substances in the metabolic profiles were finally detected, including 50 significantly differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). We identified these DEMs and 1361 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 37, 4, 3 and 13 DEGs involved in the photosynthesis, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. Moreover, integrative analysis of the metabolomes and transcriptomes revealed that the flavonoid pathway contained the upregulated DEM (−)-epicatechin. Fourteen DEGs from the photosynthesis pathway were positively or negatively correlated with the DEMs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a complex metabolic network in mutant yellow leaves. This study will provide a basis for studies of leaf color variation and regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemical traits in forest vegetation are key indicators of leaf physiological processes, specifically photosynthetic and other photochemical light pathways, and are critical to the quantification of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Advances in remote sensing sensors and platforms are allowing multi-dimensional and continuous-spatial information to be acquired in a fast and non-destructive way to quantify forest biochemical traits at multiple spatial scales. Here we demonstrate the use of high spectral resolution, hyperspectral data combined with high density three-dimensional information from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) both acquired from an unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform, to quantify and assess the three-dimensional distribution of biochemical pigments on individual tree canopy surfaces. To do so, a DSM based fusion method was developed to integrate the 3D LiDAR point cloud with hyperspectral reflectance data. Regression-based models were then developed to predict a number of biochemical traits (i.e., chlorophyll (Chl) a , b , total Chl and total carotenoids (Cars) content) from a suite of common spectral indices at three vertical canopy levels, and were evaluated using a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. One-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparison post hoc tests were used to investigate the vertical distribution of biochemical pigments on individual tree canopy surfaces, and in response to age and species. Our results demonstrated that a number of vegetation indices, derived from the hyperspectral data, were strongly correlated with a number of biochemical traits (Adj-R2 = 0.85–0.91; rRMSE = 5.19–6.38%). In general, models fitted using leaf samples from the upper, middle and lower canopies separately (Adj-R2 = 0.85–0.91; rRMSE = 5.19–6.38%) had similar accuracy to the models developed with pooled data (Adj-R2 = 0.87–0.90; rRMSE = 5.21–6.11%). The differences between separate models and global models were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the distribution of biochemical pigments across vertical layers varied significantly. For dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) and poplar (Populus deltoides), the results were consistent in that the lower component of the canopy (least light impacted) had the highest chlorophyll and carotenoids biochemical traits. Moreover, the vertical distribution of biochemical traits on individual tree canopy surfaces changed with age likely due to the growth variation from the photosynthetic activity of the canopy. This study indicates the potential of using fused 3D point cloud information with spectral data to monitor physiological activities of forest canopy for carbon accumulation estimation as well as precision forestry applications such as nutrition diagnosis, water regulation and subsequent productivity enhancement of these planted forest systems. • Quantifying 3D distribution of biochemical traits using UAS LiDAR and HS data. • A DSM based fusion approach was developed to link structure and spectrum. • Vegetation indices are strongly correlated with a number of biochemical traits. • Biochemical pigments distribution has significant vertical effects. • Vertical profiles of biochemical traits change by tree species and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants serve as major sources of bioactive phytochemicals and provide an enormous space for drug discovery. Most of phytochemicals' utilizations are limited by the low water-solubility and thereby low bioavailability. The development of biocompatible solvents with high solvation is a simple and efficient method to improve the solubilities of phytochemicals. In this work, four water-insoluble phytochemicals were chosen as the models to systematically investigate the potential of (natural) deep eutectic solvents ((NA)DESs) as delivery vehicles. After preliminary screening, ten (NA)DESs from sixty prepared (NA)DESs were found to be low viscous and applied to safety evaluation. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that the ten (NA)DESs were safe enough to be used in pharmaceutical and food industry. The solubilities of four model phytochemicals in (NA)DESs were 252–4453 folds higher than those in water. Several solvatochromic parameters were correlated with the solubilities of phytochemicals to tentatively study the solvation between phytochemicals and (NA)DESs. The high solubility could be interpreted by the solute-solvent interactions between phytochemicals and (NA)DESs, such as dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bond interactions. The stabilities and bioactivities of phytochemicals dissolved in (NA)DESs were also investigated. It was indicated that not only the stabilities but also the bioactivities were improved by (NA)DESs. The findings of this study show bright application prospect of (NA)DESs as delivery vehicles, which will be of significance for improving the utilization of plant resources. Unlabelled Image • (NA)DESs were safe enough to be used as delivery vehicles in pharmaceutical and food industry. • The solubilities of four model phytochemicals in (NA)DESs were much higher than those in water. • The stabilities and bioactivities of phytochemicals were improved after dissolved in (NA)DESs. • Solvatochromic parameters were correlated with the solubilities of phytochemicals to study the solvation effect. • The application of (NA)DESs as delivery vehicles has bright prospect in improving the utilization of plant resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) has many pharmacological activities. In the quality standard of EGB, the main quality control indexes are total flavone (content ≥ 24%) and total lactone (content ≥ 6%). There are no specific limits for nearly 70% of "other components". In recent years, in order to pursue the production of a high-ketone ester, some enterprises removed the unwanted components, including some organic acids. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), as an important organic acid, has been reported to have a variety of biological activities. It is necessary to explore whether it can promote the biological activities of the main functional components of EGB. In this study, PCA was selected to be combined with Ginkgolide B (GB) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In vitro, rotenone (rot) was used to induce PC12 cells. The survival rate was tested by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-dimethyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidase were detected to analyze the effects of drugs on oxidative stress. The apoptosis was tested via Western blot. The results show that the cell viability was increased, morphology was improved, the oxidative stress level decreased, and the apoptosis was inhibited after the combination treatment of GB and PCA, and the effect was better than GB or PCA alone. In vivo, MPTP (30 mg/kg) was used to induce Parkinson's disease (PD) in male C57BL/6 mice. The motor ability of the mice was measured by pole-climbing and the suspension. The injury of nerve cells was indicated by HE staining. Oxidative stress levels were tested via antioxidant enzyme activity. The number of dopaminergic neurons was reflected by TH staining. Results show that the combination treatment of GB and PCA could significantly restore the motor ability of PD mice, reduce the injury of nerve cells, improve the activity of the antioxidant enzyme in the brain tissue, and increase the expression of TH in the substantia nigra of midbrain. Our study shows that PCA increases the efficacy of GB (the main functional ingredient of EGB) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which provides a new idea for the treatment of nervous system diseases and a new concept for the efficient utilization of active components in Ginkgo biloba leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The lytic S. Enteritidis phage PA13076 has a DNA genome (lin., ds) with no bacterial virulence or drug-resistance genes. • The plasmid pUC19 did not affect the lytic activity of phage PA13076. • The lytic phage PA13076 significantly increased the survival of mice that received a lethal dose of S. Enteritidis 13076Amp. • Phage PA13076 rapidly entered the blood and four organs of infected mice, remaining at titers >104 PFU/g for at least 72 h. • The phage rapidly appeared in the circulation and effectively eradicated S. Enteritidis enabling survival of infected mice. S. Enteritidis continues to be the most common pathogen of farm animals and a major public health burden worldwide. Using bacteriophages is a potential alternative to antibiotics against S. Enteritidis infection. In this study, the genome analysis of the lytic phage vB_SenM-PA13076 (PA13076) infecting S. Enteritidis revealed a linear, double-stranded DNA genome, which comprised of 52,474 bp and contained 69 ORFs. It belongs to the order Caudovirales ; family Myoviridae , genus unclassified. The genes coded for DNA packaging, phage structural proteins, lysis components, DNA recombination, regulation, modification, and replication. No bacterial virulence or drug-resistance genes were detected. The phage PA13076 protected mice from a lethal dose of S. Enteritidis 13076Amp (5 × 108 CFU) by reducing the concentration of bacterial cells in blood, intestine, liver, spleen, and kidney. The phage PA13076 achieved at least 2.5 log reductions of S. Enteritidis cells in infected mice within 24 h (P < 0.05) when compared to the organs of control mice. The data also indicated that phage PA13076 could rapidly enter the blood and four organs of infected mice, remaining therein at concentrations of>104 PFU/g for at least 72 h. These results show that phage PA13076 has definite potential as an antibacterial therapeutic agent for attenuating S. Enteritidis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bud growth fertilization increased ginkgo leaf number in spring. • Bud growth fertilization with high N but low P and K had more notable effect on leaf number. • Topdressing leaf growth fertilization in summer promoted flavonoid accumulation. • Combined application of bud and leaf growth fertilization improved ginkgo leaf flavonoid yield. Higher flavonoids yield can increase economic and industrial efficiency of Ginkgo biloba Linn. leaf-harvesting plantation. However, high-temperature limits ginkgo leaf flavonoids production in warm climates regions. Few studies have reported on methods that may improve ginkgo leaf flavonoids yield by increasing leaf productivity and flavonoids content simultaneously. This study investigated the effects of combined application of fertilizer for bud growth (FBG) and fertilizer for leaf growth (FLG) on the growth, productivity and flavonoids accumulation of ginkgo leaves, aiming to optimize fertilization schemes for improving leaf flavonoids yield of ginkgo in high-temperature regions. Results revealed that FBG significantly improved twig bud break, twig number, and twig elongation, and increased leaf number (up to 446±27.38 per four-year-old seedling) in spring. Topdressing FLG in summer moderated the decline of leaf SPAD (soil and plant analyzer development) values, modulated leaf nutrient content, and significantly increased single leaf dry weight, antioxidative enzyme activities, and leaf flavonoids content. Dry leaf productivity, flavonoids content, and flavonoids yield of four-year-old ginkgo with combined application of FBG and FLG was 103±16.05 g/plant, 6.54±0.13 mg/g, and 615.71±58.22 mg/plant, respectively, which were comparably high in reference to those in the central production region. These results suggest that the integrated application of FBG and FLG is an effective approach for improving ginkgo leaf flavonoids yield in high-temperature regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We identified 426 known and 265 novel miRNAs of Ginkgo biloba. • Nineteen differentially expressed miRNAs were detected. • The novel 158_mature and target genes were involved in pigment biosynthesis. • Three miRNAs appeared to be the potential key regulators of leaf color mutation. Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is a well-known ornamental tree. The yellow-leaf ginkgo mutant is an ideal material for studying leaf pigment synthesis and mutation. In this study, we used the Illumina sequencing of ginkgo small RNAs to gain insight into the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in leaf color mutation. We constructed six small RNA libraries, and identified a total of 426 known and 265 novel miRNAs. Nineteen differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were detected between the yellow-leaf and the green-leaf groups, including 8 upregulated miRNAs. The target genes of DEMs were predicted, resulting in the identification of 205 target mRNAs and 230 target gene binding sites. We found that the novel 158_mature and gma-miR2118a-3p target genes were involved in pigment biosynthesis. Three miRNAs, the novel 151_mature, ptc-miR396e-3p and aly-miR156a-5p appeared to be the potential key regulators of leaf color mutation. These DEMs and their corresponding target genes likely play key roles in the regulation of the yellow-leaf mutant. This study constructed miRNA profiles and provides new insight and a reference for related studies on miRNA regulation of leaf color pigment synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 0.50–0.75% FMOLs had a positive effect on the growth and carcass characteristics of ducks. • FMOL administration resulted in decreased lipid deposition in the liver and adipose tissues. • FMOL exert anti-lipogenic effects by down-regulating the expression of hepatic FAS, ACC, and SREBP-1, along with the upregulation of lep-R. • FMOL supplemental diets have the potential to produce high quality low-fat ducks. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Aspergillus niger -fermented- Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (FMOL) and non-fermented leaf (NMOL) supplementation on growth performance, carcass quality, fat deposition, and lipometabolism for ducks. A total of 450 d-old Pekin ducks were randomly allocated into 5 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as the control group (CON, basal diet), and the NMOL group (containing 0.50% MOL in the diets), FMOL1, FMOL2 and FMOL3 groups (containing 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% FMOL in the diets, respectively). The results showed that, as compared with the CON, body weight gain was higher in the FMOL1 and FMOL2 groups in the period of wk 1–3, wk 4–6 and the overall period of wk 1–6, whereas feed to gain was lower in the period of wk 4–6. The dressing percentage was lower in the group FMOL3 than that of in the CON. Birds in NMOL and FMOLs had lower levels of abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat than that of the CON. The contents of hepatic lipid and triglyceride (TG) in the FMOLs groups, as well as the total cholesterol (TC) in FMOL2 and FMOL3 groups were decreased as compared with the CON or NMOL. Decreased serum TG, TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and leptin was observed in the FMOL2 and FMOL3 groups as compared with the other groups. Birds fed with FMOL2 and FMOL3 had higher serum insulin, as well as leptin-receptor transcriptional expression in comparison with the CON. Furthermore, the expression levels of lipogenesis related genes (fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1 in liver and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) in abdominal fat were down-regulated as compared with the CON. Our results revealed that dietary 0.50% to 0.75% FMOLs alleviate body fat deposition and decease serum and hepatic lipid levels in meat ducks by suppressing lipogenesis related genes expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ginkgo is rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., flavonoids and terpenoids). • 1256 differentially expressed genes were identified between young and mature leaves. • A gene in phenylpropanoid pathway was significantly upregulated. • 38 significantly different metabolites were detected between young and mature leaves. • Ginkgo metabolites promote the ginkgo-related pharmaceutical industry development. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is a unique medicinal tree species that mainly depends on the flavonoids and terpenoids found in its leaves. However, the biosynthesis of these metabolites is controlled and regulated by gene actions which remain poorly understood. To improve our understanding of this process, we produced a transcriptome library from young and mature leaves of ginkgo trees using the Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing platformin this study. We obtained a total of 57.5 million clean reads, compared with seven databases and revealed 39,404 annotated unigenes. The key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in young and mature leaves of ginkgo were explored through GO and KEGG metabolic pathway analysis. A total of 1,256 DEGs, including 561 upregulated and 695 downregulated genes were obtained in the ginkgo transcriptome in the mature leaves compared with that of the young leaves. These genes included 23 bHLH, 9 MYB, 5 WRKY, and 4 bZIP genes that act as regulators in flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis. One key gene involved in the diterpenoid pathway was downregulated. A gene in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was significantly upregulated and significantly negatively correlated with serine in metabolites. Additionally, a metabolomics analysis detected 283 metabolites, and 38 significantly different metabolites were identified. The combined metabolome and transcriptome approach employed in this study constitutes an effective method for assessing the relationships between the expression of critical genes and metabolites related to biosynthetic pathways. Our study provides new ideas for analyzing biosynthesis at the molecular level and will encourage further development of the ginkgo-related pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in diverse biological processes and have been widely studied in recent years. However, the roles of lncRNAs in leaf pigment formation in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) remain poorly understood. Results: In this study, lncRNA libraries for mutant yellow-leaf and normal green-leaf ginkgo trees were constructed via high-throughput sequencing. A total of 2044 lncRNAs were obtained with an average length of 702 nt and typically harbored 2 exons. We identified 238 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), 32 DELs and 49 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) that constituted coexpression networks. We also found that 48 cis-acting DELs regulated 72 target genes, and 31 trans-acting DELs regulated 31 different target genes, which provides a new perspective for the regulation of the leaf-color mutation. Due to the crucial regulatory roles of lncRNAs in a wide range of biological processes, we conducted in-depth studies on the DELs and their targets and found that the chloroplast thylakoid membrane subcategory and the photosynthesis pathways (ko00195) were most enriched, suggesting their potential roles in leaf coloration mechanisms. In addition, our correlation analysis indicates that eight DELs and 68 transcription factors (TFs) might be involved in interaction networks. Conclusions: This study has enriched the knowledge concerning lncRNAs and provides new insights into the function of lncRNAs in leaf-color mutations, which will benefit future selective breeding of ginkgo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning. • 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) and MPN-5'-glucoside (MPNG) are responsible for poisoning. • Heat treatment could increase the MPNG content but decrease the MPN content. • Non-enzymatic and enzymatic glycosylation could not explain the transformation. • Enzymatic hydrolysis could explain the dynamic relationship between the MPN and MPNG. Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning. 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) and 4'-O-methylpyridoxine-5'-glucoside (MPNG) are responsible for poisoning by intaking ginkgo seeds. It had been reported that heat treatment could increase the MPNG content but decrease the MPN content in ginkgo seeds. However, the definite mechanism for the transformation of MPN and MPNG in ginkgo seeds undergoing heat treatment has not been elucidated to this day. In this work, a Chinese ginkgo cultivar was firstly employed to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the levels of MPN and MPNG. Similar syngenetic succession between the MPN and MPNG contents was also found. Several groups of experiments were further designed to explore the interconversion mechanism between MPN and MPNG under heat treatment. The results showed that non-enzymatic and enzymatic glycosylation mechanisms could not explain the transformation between MPN and MPNG. Enzymatic hydrolysis mechanism could better explain the dynamic relationship between the MPN and MPNG. Therefore, inactivating the endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis before HPLC analysis is needed to accurately determine the contents of MPN and MPNG in the ginkgo seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilobalide, the only sesquiterpene compound from Ginkgo biloba leaf, exhibits various beneficial pharmaceutical activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and protective effects for the central nervous system. Several bioactive components extracted from Ginkgo biloba extract reportedly have the potential to attenuate lipid metabolism. However, the effect of bilobalide on lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we used 3T3-L1 cells as the cell model to investigate the effect of bilobalide on adipogenesis. The results showed that bilobalide inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and intracellular lipid accumulation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting results indicated that several specific adipogenic transcription factors and a few important adipogenesis-related genes were significantly down regulated on both mRNA and protein levels in bilobalide treatment groups. By contrast, the expression of some lipolytic genes, such as adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α, were all up-regulated by bilobalide treatment, and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and HSL were stimulated. Furthermore, bilobalide treatment partially restored AMPK activity following its blockade by compound C (dorsomorphin). These results suggested that bilobalide inhibited adipogenesis and promoted lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside was synthesized by a highly efficient three-enzyme (rhamnosyltransferase, glycine max sucrose synthase and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-rhamnose synthase) cascade using a UDP-rhamnose regeneration system. The rhamnosyltransferase gene (78D1) from Arabidopsis thaliana was cloned, expressed, and characterized in Escherichia coli. The optimal activity was at pH 7.0 and 45 °C. The enzyme was stable over the pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 and had a 1.5-h half-life at 45 °C. The Vmax and Km for isorhamnetin were 0.646 U/mg and 181 μM, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature for synergistic catalysis were 7.5 and 25 °C, and the optimal concentration of substrates were assayed, respectively. The highest titer of isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside production reached 231 mg/L with a corresponding molar conversion of 100%. Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside was purified and the cytotoxicity against HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cells were evaluated. Therefore, an efficient method for isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside production described herein could be widely used for the rhamnosylation of flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering crabapple is an important ornamental flower. It is vital to understand the floral scent properties and the associated release dynamics for carrying out fragrant flower breeding or floral regulation of crabapple. Static headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the volatile compounds in Malusioensis "Prairie Rose" flowers at different flowering stages and at different day-night time. The results showed that methylheptenone, phenylethanol, geranylacetone, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol, α-cedrene were the major compounds in M. ioensis "Prairie Rose", but the compounds released during different stages and different day-night time were significantly different (P < 0.0001). A total of 25 volatile compounds were identified from the four flowering stages. The floral scents in the initial and flowering stages were the most similar (dissimilarity 0.21). The main compounds in these two stages were geranylacetone and methylheptenone, and the contents of geranylacetone and phenylethanol were positively correlated with the flowering stages. From the bud stage to the end of flowering, the total amount of volatile compounds released showed an initial increase followed by a decrease and the amounts of compounds released during the initial flowering stage were the highest. The aliphatic and benzenoids content was significant higher in the daytime than at night. A total of 15 compounds were detected in the five time periods. Methylheptenone and phenylethanol were particularly released in the 10:00–12:00 and 15:00–17:00 time periods. There were only three common compounds among the five time periods and the types of flower volatiles released during the daytime were obviously higher than those released at night. From the nocturnal to diurnal, the amount of flower volatiles released first increased, then decreased, and the release reached a peak between 10 am and 12 noon, which was consistent with the pollination biological characteristics of Malus flowers. Our findings are important for understanding the mechanism of insect visits to crabapple and the regulation of crabapple flower scent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo tea is a kind of health food produced from Ginkgo biloba leaves. The market of Ginkgo tea encountered many difficulties because of its bad palatability and vague function statement. In this study, two kinds of glycosidase were used to improve the flavor of Ginkgo tea, and three kinds of bioactivities were selected to investigate the health care function of the tea infusion. The aroma components extracted by headspace absorb (HSA) method during the making of Ginkgo tea were analyzed by GC-MS. The flavonoids and ginkgolides released into the tea infusion were studied by HPLC. A combination of β-glucosidase (β-G) and α-rhamnosidase (α-R) was applied during the making of the tea. The contents of characteristic aroma components and the release of total flavonoids and ginkgolides were increased significantly by adding β-G and α-R. The composition of flavone glycosides was changed greatly. The free radical scavenging, inhibition of inflammatory cell activation, and tumor cytotoxicity activities of the tea were demonstrably improved. According to the release of active components, Ginkgo tea can be brewed repeatedly for at least three times. The enzymes used here show potential application prospects in the making of Ginkgo tea or tea drink to get higher contents of flavonoids, ginkgolides, and aroma components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy cover is a key forest structural parameter that is commonly used in forest inventory, sustainable forest management and maintaining ecosystem services. Recently, much attention has been paid to the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) due to the flexibility, convenience, and high point density advantages of this method. In this study, we used UAV-based LiDAR data with individual tree segmentation-based method (ITSM), canopy height model-based method (CHMM), and a statistical model method (SMM) with LiDAR metrics to estimate the canopy cover of a pure ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) planted forest in China. First, each individual tree within the plot was segmented using watershed, polynomial fitting, individual tree crown segmentation (ITCS) and point cloud segmentation (PCS) algorithms, and the canopy cover was calculated using the segmented individual tree crown (ITSM). Second, the CHM-based method, which was based on the CHM height threshold, was used to estimate the canopy cover in each plot. Third, the canopy cover was estimated using the multiple linear regression (MLR) model and assessed by leave-one-out cross validation. Finally, the performance of three canopy cover estimation methods was evaluated and compared by the canopy cover from the field data. The results demonstrated that, the PCS algorithm had the highest accuracy (F = 0.83), followed by the ITCS (F = 0.82) and watershed (F = 0.79) algorithms; the polynomial fitting algorithm had the lowest accuracy (F = 0.77). In the sensitivity analysis, the three CHM-based algorithms (i.e., watershed, polynomial fitting and ITCS) had the highest accuracy when the CHM resolution was 0.5 m, and the PCS algorithm had the highest accuracy when the distance threshold was 2 m. In addition, the ITSM had the highest accuracy in estimation of canopy cover (R2 = 0.92, rRMSE = 3.5%), followed by the CHMM (R2 = 0.94, rRMSE = 5.4%), and the SMM had a relative low accuracy (R2 = 0.80, rRMSE = 5.9%).The UAV-based LiDAR data can be effectively used in individual tree crown segmentation and canopy cover estimation at plot-level, and CC estimation methods can provide references for forest inventory, sustainable management and ecosystem assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba leaves have various health benefits due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyprenyl acetates, flavonoids, and terpene trilactones. However, there is little literature reported on the aromatic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaves. In this work, five aromatic acids including shikimic acid (SA), 6-hydroxykynurenic acid (6-HKA), protocatechuic acid (PA), gallic acid (GAA), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) were simultaneously extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves by employing the green deep eutectic solvents (DESs). A DES tailor-made from xylitol, glycolic acid and 1,5-pentanedioic acid at a molar ratio of 1:3:1 with 50% (w/w) water addition, named as NGG50, gave higher extraction yields for the five aromatic acids. Main factors affecting the extraction process were further optimized. The highest extraction yields of SA, GAA, 6-HKA, PA, and PHBA were 94.15 ± 0.96 mg/g, 332.69 ± 5.19 μg/g, 25.90 ± 0.61 μg/g, 429.89 ± 11.47 μg/g and 67.94 ± 0.37 μg/g, respectively. The NGG50-based extraction process developed here was a successful attempt of simultaneously extracting five aromatic acids from Ginkgo biloba leaves for the first time, which could provide a new exploitation direction of Ginkgo biloba leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral scent is important in plant reproduction and also has aesthetic implications. However, the accurate determination of aroma is presently limited by the available collection and analysis tools. In this study, the floral scents of four crabapple taxa exhibiting faint, weak, clear, and strong scent intensities were comparatively analyzed by electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The E-nose was able to effectively group the different taxa in the principal component analysis in correspondence with scent intensity. GC–MS analysis identified a total of 60 volatile compounds. The content of nitrogen-containing compounds and aliphatics and the number of unique components of the more aromatic taxa was significantly higher than the less aromatic taxa. α-Cedrene, β-cedrene, 5-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one, benzyl alcohol, linalool, and 4-pyrrolidinopyridine contributed significantly to taxon separation. The pattern recognition results confirmed that the E-nose results corroborated the GC–MS results. Furthermore, partial least squares regression analysis between the aromatic constituents and sensors indicated that particular sensors were highly sensitive to N-containing compounds, aliphatics, and terpenes. In conclusion, the E-nose is capable of discriminating crabapple taxa of different scent intensities in both a qualitative and quantitative respect, presenting a rapid and accurate reference approach for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most ancient tree species, the codon usage pattern analysis of Ginkgo biloba is a useful way to understand its evolutionary and genetic mechanisms. Several studies have been conducted on angiosperms, but seldom on gymnosperms. Based on RNA-Seq data of the G. biloba transcriptome, amount to 17,579 unigenes longer than 300 bp were selected and analyzed from 68,547 candidates. The codon usage pattern tended towards more frequently use of A/U-ending codons, which showed an obvious gradient progressing from gymnosperms to dicots to monocots. Meanwhile, analysis of high/low-expression unigenes revealed that high-expression unigenes tended to use G/C-ending codons together with more codon usage bias. Variation of unigenes with different functions suggested that unigenes involving in environment adaptation use G/C-ending codons more frequently with more usage bias, and these results were consistent with the conclusion that the formation of G. biloba codon usage bias was dominated by natural selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]