Evaluation of colouring ability of main European elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) varieties as potential resources of natural food colourants

Profiling and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins in five elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) varieties, namely ‘Haschberg’, ‘Samocco’, ‘Samyl’, ‘Samident’ and ‘Sampo’, were performed in six different maturity stages from two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) and from two growing areas in Hungary. Cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside‐5‐O‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside and cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside were found and identified by HPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS as major anthocyanins and were quantified by HPLC‐UV/Vis. In optimum maturity stage, ‘Samocco’ showed the highest anthocyanin content with an average of 1237 mg per 100 g dry weight in both growing areas and vintages. The dominant anthocyanin component of Samocco variety was cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside, which is according to literature more stable against technology processing than cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside found in the other four investigated elderberry varieties in the highest concentration. ‘Samocco’, if grown under the climatic conditions of the Carpathian basin, might be a promising alternative variety for growing as raw material for natural food colourant processing industry.     

Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Fruits from Nine Sorbus Genotypes

In this study, biochemical profile of fruits of 9 Sorbus genotypes was analyzed. The content of total sugars ranged from 69.7 g/kg (‘Titan’) to 217.5 g/kg (Sorbus torminalis) and total organic acids from 17.7 g/kg (‘Businka’) to 40.2 g/kg (S. torminalis). The highest content of total anthocyanins had ‘Burka’ (871 mg/kg FW) and ‘Businka’ (856 mg/kg FW). Quercetin derivatives represented more than 95% of total flavonols. ‘Alaja krupnaja’ had 3.5‐ to 29‐fold higher rutin content than other analyzed genotypes. S. torminalis fruits had the greatest diversity of isorhamnetin and kaempferol derivatives. Chlorogenic acid was the major hydroxycinnamic acid and its share was 33% to 73% of total analyzed hydoxycinnamic acid derivatives. The richest in chlorogenic acid were ‘Krasavica’ and ‘Alaja krupnaja’ fruits. Cultivar ‘Businka’ had the highest content of epicatechin (40.7 mg/kg) and neochlorogenic acid (1061 mg/kg). Different procyanidin oligomers were detected among flavanols in Sorbus fruits. The highest content of total flavanols was measured in ‘Alaja Krupnaja’ fruits. Cultivars ‘Krasavica’ (84.5 mg/kg) and ‘Burka’ (85.1 mg/kg) had 1.2‐ to 6.9‐fold higher amount of total carotenoids. ‘Businka’ was highlighted as the richest in total tannin and phenolic contents (3768 mg GAE/kg) and consequently, it had the highest antioxidant activity (57.6 mM TE/kg FW). Being abundant in polyphenolics, some extracts of Sorbus genotypes, for example, ‘Businka,’ ‘Burka,’ and ‘Alaja krupnaja’ could serve as valuable resource of bioactive compounds to food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Investigating the in vitro bioaccessibility of polyphenols in fresh and sun‐dried figs (Ficus carica L.)

In this study, in order to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility of fresh and sun‐dried figs, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPA) and the major phenolic compounds were determined at different phases of simulated gastrointestinal (GI) tract digestion for Sarilop and Bursa siyahi fig varieties. Four major phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside (C3R)) were investigated for GI tract digestion. The results of in vitro GI tract digestion revealed that the dialysed fraction (IN) represented 9–26% and 1–22% of the initial TAC of the whole‐fresh yellow and purple figs, respectively. Moreover, in case of 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS), TPA and chlorogenic acid contents, drying caused an increase in the IN fraction of yellow figs (38, 140, 50%, respectively). The bioaccessibility of C3G and C3R were quite low for fresh figs (0–5% of the initial values), whereas for dried figs, anthocyanins were not detected at all in the IN fraction.     

Olfactory and quantitative analysis of volatiles in elderberry (Sambucus nigra L) juice processed from seven cultivars

Aroma compounds emitted from elderberry juices processed from seven cultivars were collected by the dynamic headspace technique and analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS. Forty aroma compounds were identified and quantified, including nine compounds which had not previously been detected in elderberry juice. Significant differences were found among cultivars in the concentration levels of 30 compounds. The sensory characteristics of the individual aroma compounds in elderberry juice were determined by a GC‐sniffing technique, and the compounds were grouped according to their odour. The characteristic elderberry odour is due to dihydroedulan and β‐damascenone, of which the former occurs in relatively high concentrations in the headspace of elderberry juice. The fruity group consisted of aliphatic alcohols and aldehydes and aromatic esters, of which 1‐pentanal, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, 2‐ and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 1‐octanal, 1‐octanol and methyl and ethyl benzoate contributed with fruity notes. In the flowery group, 1‐nonanal, nerol oxide and (Z)‐ and (E)‐rose oxide contributed with characteristic elder flower odour, whereas other flowery notes were associated with hotrienol, linalool and α‐terpineol. Fresh and grassy odours were correlated with 1‐hexanal, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐al, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol and (E)‐2‐octen‐1‐al of the grassy group, whereas 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 1‐octen‐3‐one of the agrestic group contributed significantly with the characteristic aroma of mushrooms. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

The excretion and biological antioxidant activity of elderberry antioxidants in healthy humans

The aims of the present study were to asses the renal excretion characteristics of elderberry anthocyanins, and to determine whether the consumption of elderberry juice would enhance postprandial plasma antioxidant status in healthy humans. In eight healthy subjects receiving a single oral dose of elderberry juice, the pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from 7 h urine excretion. The mean fraction of orally ingested total anthocyanins (sum of cyanidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-glucoside) excreted unchanged with values of 0.033%, 0.038% and 0.040% after ingestion of 361, 541 and 722 mg, respectively, did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). This is suggestive of a dose-independent urinary excretion of elderberry anthocyanins. Furthermore, plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolics were significantly increased 1 h after ingestion of 400 ml of elderberry juice. Anthocyanins as the characteristic phenolic compounds in elderberries and elderberry juice were detected as unchanged glycosides in the volunteers’ plasma post-intake.     

Anthocyanins in fruits of Prunus padus (bird cherry)

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) anthocyanins were extracted with acidified methanol, fractionated by column chromatography on Toyopearl HW40(S) and purified in a C‐18 Sep‐Pak cartridge. The pigment composition was very simple, as there were only two compounds. The anthocyanins cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside (60%) and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (40%) were determined using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fruit Phenolic Composition of Different Elderberry Species and Hybrids

The aim of this study was to investigate a detailed composition and content of phenolic compounds in fruits of 4 elderberry species (Sambucus nigra, S. cerulea, S. ebulus, and S racemosa) and 8 interspecific hybrids. Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) represented the major share of phenolics in analyzed elderberries; caffeoylquinic and p‐coumaroylquinic acids were most abundant. Flavanols (catechin, epicatechin, and different procyanidins) were the second major phenolic group detected in range from 2% to 30% of total analyzed phenolics. From the group of flavonols, 13 different quercetin glycosides, 7 kaempferol glycosides, and 8 isorhamnetin glycosides have been quantified. Rutin was the major flavonol in all studied genotypes. S. ebulus was characterized by the highest level of total HCAs, catechin, epicatechin, and most flavonols. Some elderberry hybrids, for example JA × RAC, CER × NI, and JA × (JA × NI), are perspective for further studies because they have high content of phenolic compounds. The results of research could contribute to breed cultivars, which may prove interesting for food‐processing industries.     

Quality attributes and their relations in fresh black ripe ‘Kalamon’ olives (Olea europaea L.) for table use – phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity

Quality attributes were investigated in fresh Greek black table ‘Kalamon’ olives prior to processing. Fruit weight, dimensions, respiration and ethylene production rates, firmness, peel colour, moisture, oil content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the concentration of total phenolics (TP) and phenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, tyrosol, verbascoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, luteolin, rutin) were determined in olives from different orchards. There was a significant effect of orchard on most attributes, but not on fruit firmness. Verbascoside, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol were the major phenolics, and the presence of verbascoside in ‘Kalamon’ olives is revealed for the first time. Positive correlations were found among fruit weight, dimensions, respiration and ethylene. TAC was positively related mainly to TP, hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside and rutin, but inversely to oleuropein. Luteolin was inversely related to luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside. Colour darkening was directly related to TAC, while colour parameters were positively and moderately affected by oil and moisture.     

Comparison of Polyphenol Profile and Inhibitory Activities Against Oxidation and α‐Glucosidase in Mulberry (Genus Morus) Cultivars from China

Mulberry (genus Morus) is a significant source of polyphenols, which can promote positive effects on human health. China has various mulberry cultivars, however, many Chinese mulberry cultivars have been only minimally studied. To solve this lack of research, 8 mulberry cultivars (Da10, Tang10, Yueshen74, Yuefenshen, Longsang, Ningxia1hao, Taiwanguosang, and Baiyuwang) from 4 regions of China were assessed to determine their polyphenol profiles using HPLC‐MS/MS and then tested for their antioxidant and anti‐α‐glucosidase activities in vitro. A total of 18 nonanthocyanins and 4 anthocyanins were quantified in mulberry cultivars; among these polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, quercetin 3‐O‐rutinoside, and cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside were confirmed as the major phenolic acid, flavonol derivative, and anthocyanin, respectively. Two types of stilbene compounds, piceid, and piceatannol, were detected for the 1st time in all mulberry cultivars. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of different mulberry cultivars showed disparate antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities, and this discrepancy was mainly attributed to varying the anthocyanin content. Based on our results, Taiwanguosang is proposed to be a good candidate suitable for further process due to its high level of anthocyanins.     

Impact of maceration time on colour‐related phenolics,sensory characteristics and volatile composition of mulberry wine

This study investigated the effect of maceration treatment on colour‐related phenolics, sensory characteristics and volatile composition in mulberry wine. Pre‐fermentation maceration was performed for 2 days (‘short’), 6 days (‘medium’) and 8 days (‘long’), respectively, followed by the same fermentation process. Results showed that the long maceration (LM) caused higher level of anthocyanins in wine, especially cyaniding‐3‐O‐rutinoside, cyaniding‐3‐O‐glucoside and dephinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, whereas the short maceration caused lower level of phenolic acids in wine. The medium maceration (MM) wine showed the highest level of flavonols but the lowest concentration of flavan‐3‐ol. The LM wine exhibited greater red tone and colour intensity accompanied by higher amounts of free and copigmented anthocyanins. The LM wine showed lower levels of alcohols, acids, terpenoids, benzenes and sulphur compounds, whereas the lowest level of esters was found in the MM wine. The LM wine had reduced fruity and floral aroma and overall flavour complexity compared with the other wines. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Sugar and Soluble Solids Changes in Refrigerated Sweet Corn (Zea mays L)

Three sweet corn (Zea mays L) genotypes, one cultivar each, were tested for sugar and soluble solids changes at 6°C for 5 days. Genotypes and cultivars were sugary (su), ‘Silver Queen’; sugary enhanced (se), ‘Incredible’ and super sweet (sh 2), ‘How Sweet It Is.’ Fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, total sugars and °Brix were measured. Sucrose predominated. Generally, °Brix, fructose, glucose and sucrose decreased and maltose increased, sh 2 had lowest °Brix and highest sucrose and total sugars, and su had highest °Brix and lowest sucrose and total sugars, su consisted of 3.8% total sugars (DWB); se, 7.2% and sh 2, 10.9%. Overall correlation coefficient between °Brix and total sugars was ?0.99.     

Colour stability of canned strawberries using black carrot and elderberry juice concentrates as natural colourants

Besides texture degradation and aroma loss colour fading and browning of processed fruits, in particular strawberries, displaying comparatively low amounts of non-acylated anthocyanins, still pose a serious problem. Therefore, in the present study the colour of texture-improved canned strawberries was stabilised using commercial concentrates from black carrots and elderberries as natural colourants. CIE L ^* a ^* b ^* values of the fruit surface and of the brine solutions were monitored over a period of 24 weeks under light exposure. Furthermore, the contents of individual anthocyanins were analysed by HPLC-DAD. The colour of the processed control fruits (without added colourant) was unacceptable even at the beginning of the storage. Their anthocyanin contents were reduced by more than 85% at the end of the storage period. In contrast, the colour of canned strawberries containing black carrot and elderberry anthocyanins was significantly improved. Colour difference values ΔE ^* of black carrot-coloured strawberries were found to be smaller than those of the samples containing elderberry concentrate as a colourant. This could be ascribed to the presence of acylated anthocyanins in the first exhibiting exceptional storage stability, while all non-acylated pigments were degraded. The chill brining process for fruit firming markedly affected pigment stability, which can be attributed to enzymes that are still active at cold storage conditions.     

Selection of elderberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sambucus nigra</Emphasis> L.) genotypes best suited for the preparation of juice

Experiments with elderberry genotypes, ripening stage and pectinolysis were carried out in order to investigate the possibility to improve different quality characteristics of elderberry juice. Raw juice was processed using either an optimised method with respect to enzyme concentration and treatment time or produced directly without any enzymatic treatment. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin) and quercetin-3-glucoside (isoquercitrin) were identified in the raw juice by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in elderberries were shown to be affected by berry development stage at harvest (ripening stage). Furthermore, a considerable variation in juice yield and physicochemical properties such as turbidity, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and content of phenolic acids and flavonoids was found between juices processed from elderberries by pectinolysis of different elderberry genotypes. Pectinolysis appeared not to have any major effect on juice yield and the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the juice compared to non-enzymatic processed juice. Factor analysis revealed correlations among quality characteristics such as soluble solids, titratable acidity, turbidity, and content of phenolic acids and flavonoids and it is shown that these correlations may be useful for the selection of elderberry genotypes best suited for the preparation of juice.     

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) rich in sugars,organic acids,anthocyanins and selected polyphenols

Sugars and organic acids in the fruit of two cultivars and three selections of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): ‘Haschberg’, ‘Rubini’, ‘Selection 13’, ‘Selection 14’ and ‘Selection 25’ were quantified. The anthocyanin as well as quercetin profiles of this plant material were also established by the use of HPLC/MS. Significant differences in the concentration of sugars and organic acids were detected between the widely spread cultivar ‘Haschberg’ and all other cultivars/selections; ‘Haschberg’ was the richest in organic acids (6.38 g kg⁻¹ FW), and it contained the least sugar (68.5 g kg⁻¹ FW). The following major cyanidin based anthocyanins were identified in the fruit of black elderberry: cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside. The most abundant anthocyanin in elderberry fruit was cyanidin 3-sambubioside, which accounted for more than half of all anthocyanins identified in the berries. The ‘Rubini’ cultivar had the highest amount of the anthocyanins identified (1265 mg/100 g FW) and the lowest amount was measured in berries of the ‘Selection 14’ (603 mg/100 g FW). The ‘Haschberg’ cultivar contained a relatively low amount of anthocyanins in ripe berries (737 mg/100 g FW). From the quercetin group, quercetin, quercetin 3-rutinoside and quercetin 3-glucoside were identified; the latter prevailing in black elderberry fruit. The cultivar with the highest amount of total quercetins was ‘Selection 25’ (73.4 mg/100 g FW), while the ‘Haschberg’ cultivar contained average amounts of quercetins (61.3 mg/100 g FW). The chemical composition of the ‘Haschberg’ cultivar, the most commonly planted, conforms to the standards for sugars, anthocyanins and quercetins and exceeds them in the content levels of organic acids, the most important parameter in fruit processing.     

Monomeric phenolics in different parts of high‐acid apple (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf): a promising source of antioxidants for application in nutraceuticals

The high‐acid apple (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf) possessing deep red peel and light red flesh is widely distributed in China. To determine if a useful apple variety is being ignored, the monomeric phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of peel, flesh, pomace, whole fruit and juice were evaluated. The results were compared to those of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples. The high‐acid apple possessing the highest total phenolic and anthocyanin contents among three apple varieties contained the most chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, p‐coumaric acid and caffeic acid. The extraction yields of phenolics (64%) and anthocyanins (89%) from the high‐acid apple to juice were the highest. The high‐acid apple possessing the greatest antioxidant activity had the strongest antihaemolysis activity, indicating that it could be used to produce juice and value‐added ingredient to assist in the prevention of chronic disease.     

Polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanin content of Prosopis nigra and Prosopis alba pods flour and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities

The aim of this study was to determine the content of total free and bound phenolics, free and bound flavonoids, anthocyanins, and alkaloids and the profile of polyphenols of edible ripe pods of Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra.P. alba flour showed significantly higher total (sum of Free- and Bound) phenolic content and total flavonoid compounds than P. nigra (p < 0.05) while P. nigra had higher concentrations of anthocyanins than P. alba (p < 0.05). The P. nigra flour shows a pattern characterized by the occurrence of anthocyanins as well as 14 flavonoid glycosides, with higher chemical diversity than P. alba, which shows 8 flavonoid glycosides as relevant constituents. The main compounds were quercetin O-glycosides and apigenin-based C-glycosides. The phenolic composition of two South American algarrobo pod flour is presented for the first time. P. nigra pods having higher content of anthocyanins are darker (purple) than those of P. alba (light brown). Furthermore, the sugar-free polyphenolic extracts of P. nigra and P. alba as well as anthocyanins enriched extracts from P. nigra showed antioxidant activity. P. nigra and P. alba polyphenolic extracts showed activity against a pro-inflammatory enzyme. In conclusion, algarrobo pods meal contained biologically active polyphenols, with a positive impact on human health.     

Chemical analysis and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of anthocyanin-rich red leaf tea (cv. Sunrouge)

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaf order or crop season on anthocyanins and other chemicals in the anthocyanin‐rich tea cultivar ‘Sunrouge’ (Camellia sinensis x C. taliensis) by using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and to study the effect of ‘Sunrouge’ extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells. RESULTS: The total anthocyanin content was higher in the third (3.09 mg g^?1) than in the second (2.24 mg g^?1) or first crop season (1.79 mg g^?1). The amount of anthocyanins contained in the stem was high (1.61 mg g^?1). In the third crop season, the concentrations of delphinidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐(6‐(E)‐p‐coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (DCGa), cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐(6‐(E)‐p‐coumaroyl)galactopyranoside, delphinidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside, delphinidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐(6‐O‐(Z)‐p‐coumaroyl)galactopyranoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐galactoside, and delphinidin‐3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucoside were 1.57 mg g^?1, 0.52 mg g^?1, 0.40 mg g^?1, 0.22 mg g^?1, 0.14 mg g^?1, and 0.11 mg g^?1, respectively. DCGa accounted for about 50% of the anthocyanins present. The suppressive effect of ‘Sunrouge’ water extract on AChE activity in human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells was the strongest among the three tea cultivars (‘Sunrouge’, ‘Yabukita’ and ‘Benifuuki’). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that ‘Sunrouge’ might protect humans from humans from AChE‐related diseases by suppressing AChE activity. To obtain sufficient amounts of anthocyanins, catechins and/or caffeine for a functional food material, ‘Sunrouge’ from the third crop season should be used. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

The relationship between sensory quality and volatile compounds in raw juice processed from elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.)

Elderberry juice was processed by pressing of 101 samples of elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) picked in Austria, England and Denmark at optimum maturity. Taste panels trained in determination of elderberry flavour evaluated the juices and the results from the sensory evaluation were correlated to the content of volatile compounds. The volatile compounds were isolated from elderberry juices by dynamic headspace technique and analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified, 9 of which have not previously been detected in elderberry products. A total of 53 compounds occurred in quantifiable amounts and significant differences among the investigated elderberry samples were observed for 50 compounds. The importance of the isolated volatile compounds to elderberry flavour was determined by classical factor analysis using the results from the sensory evaluation and information on the odour of the individual volatile compounds. Classical factor analysis were used including determination of eigenvalues, factor loadings and factor scores by varimax rotation of standardised variables for extraction of four non correlated factors (principal components) explaining approximately 73% of the variation in elderberry flavour. Twenty-eight volatile compounds and sensory quality were included in the four factors. Using the compounds with highest numerical values (loadings) the four factors were named: fresh-elderberry-elder flower (35.2%), fresh-fruity-sweet (17.3%), fresh-fruity (13.7%) and green-floral-fruity (6.7%). Three compounds with characteristic elderberry odour (-damascenone, nonanal, dihydroedulan) were closely correlated with the sensory quality of elderberry together with compounds with fruity, floral, green and/or miscellaneous odours.     

Chemical Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of Blueberry Extracts (cv. Misty) Cultivated in Brazil

Vaccinium corymbosum (L.) varieties cultivation is relatively recent in Brazil, but its production has been intensified given its good adaptability to the Southern Brazil climate. Blueberries are a rich source of phenolic compounds and contain significant levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acids, and procyanidins, which lead to different biological activities. Chemical identification of skin and whole hydroalcoholic blueberry extracts (ExtSB and ExtWB) revealed the presence of anthocyanins concentrated in the skin and others chemicals compounds as quercetin glycosides, proanthocyanins dimers, citric, and chlorogenic acid in the pulp. Selectivity for tumor cell lines (Hep‐2, HeLa, HT‐29) using ExtSB and ExtWB extracts was observed through MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after 24 h of treatment when compared to nontumor cells (MRC‐5). Morphological changes and late stages of apoptotic and necrosis process were seen in HT‐29 cell line after ExtWB treatment, compared to nontumor cell line MRC‐5. These results are in agreement with other studies that indicate the activity of compounds such as anthocyanins and other molecules found in Southern Highbush blueberry variety, attributed to promote beneficial effects on health that may respond as cytotoxic natural agent and contribute to cancer treatment.     

Combining ability and heritability for vitamin C and total soluble solids in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Twenty‐one F₁ hybrids and seven parental genotypes were used to assess combining ability and heritability for vitamin C and total soluble solids in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The mean squares for general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were highly significant for the two traits, suggesting the importance of both additive and non‐additive gene effects. However, additive gene action was more important, as GCA estimates were much higher than SCA effects. Among the parental genotypes, ‘Mareko Shote’ and ‘PBC 142A’, and ‘PBC 142A’ were good general combiners for vitamin C and total soluble solids, respectively, and could be used to improve these traits in pepper breeding programmes for the accumulation of favourable genes. They also showed the highest per se performance (315.3 mg 100 g^?1 and 18.5 Brix, respectively) for the two quality traits. The narrow sense heritability estimate for vitamin C was relatively high (54.8%) indicating that the environment had a less pronounced effect on this trait. The heritability for total soluble solids was low (15%). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry