Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, Antimicrobial and Prebiotic Properties of Prunus spinosa L. Fruits

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) fruit is bluish-black wild fruit traditionally used in nutrition and medicine. It is recently gaining attention as a functional food and an underutilized source of bioactive compounds for application in the food and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to assess the health-promoting potential of blackthorn fruits from Serbia by examining their chemical composition and in vitro biological activities. Phytochemical analysis of the blackthorn fruit extracts was performed using LC-DAD-ESI-MS. The total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total anthocyanin (TAC) content, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory activities were determined spectrophotometrically. The antimicrobial and prebiotic properties were tested using the broth microdilution method. Twenty-seven phenolics belonging to the classes of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were identified, with caffeoylquinic acid as the most abundant compound. Blackthorn extracts were characterized by notable TPCs, TFCs, and TACs, and free radical scavenging and reducing ability. The enzyme inhibitory effects (IC50 = 0.43–2.16 mg/mL) were observed towards α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase. Blackthorn fruit extracts in a concentration-dependent manner (0.3–5 mg/mL) stimulated the growth of several probiotic microorganisms and their mixtures, especially the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Obtained results support further evaluation of the functional food potential of blackthorn fruit

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of goji berries cultivated in serbia

Since the fruits of Lycium L. species (Fructus lycii, goji berries) are promoted as a “superfood” with plenty of health benefits, there is extensive research interest in their nutritional and phytochemical composition. In the present study, the nutritional value, minerals, fatty acid composition, and bioactive compounds of L. barbarum L., red, yellow, and black goji berry (L. ruthenicum Murray.) cultivated in Serbia were investigated. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their methanol extracts were assessed. Red goji berry had the highest content of fats, dietary fiber, iron, total carotenoids, and 2-O- -d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2 G). The yellow goji berry extract showed the highest level of flavonoids and the most prominent antimicrobial (especially against Gram-negative bacteria) properties. The highest total phenolic content and the most potent antioxidant activity were observed for the extract of black goji berry. Therefore, all goji berries could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industry

The alpine scrubs and dwarf heaths of the Balkan Peninsula - an exceptional center of floristic richness and endemism

Alpine scrubs (Roso pendulinae-Pinetea mugo) and dwarf heaths (Loiseleurio procumbentis-Vaccinietea) are an exceptional assemblage of rich floristic units which contribute significantly to the overall diversity on the Balkan Peninsula. The main edificators of these types of habitats are mostly glacial relicts. Additionally, they are of the arctic, alpine, and boreal distribution types, which further emphasises their importance from the conservation point of view. We investigated their taxonomic richness, endemism, patterns of spatial distribution and diversification in the central Balkans as well as their coenotic composition using a comprehensive dataset (15,609 species occurrence data). The analyses were conducted at three hierarchical levels taking into account the ecological and geographic diversity of the alpine scrubs and dwarf heaths in the study area. The results obtained showed that in the alpine scrubs and dwarf heaths of the central Balkans 902 taxa (829 species and 73 subspecies) had been recorded, and that the proportion of endemics in these habitats is extremely high (ca. 22%). Our results further showed that in 180 randomly selected plots of medium size (≥ 10 and < 100 m2 ), the registered regional floristic richness for the unique sample size was 527 species, placing the alpine region of the Balkan Peninsula in second place among the richest alpine regions in the world. Moreover, significant regional differences in species composition were observed within the research area, with floristic richness and diversity increasing from north to south

Phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of goji berry cultivated in Serbia

Due to the presence of many nutrients and bioactive compounds, fruits of Lycium species (Fructus Lycii, goji berries) are recognized as a “superfood,” which regular consumption might exert many beneficial health effects. Therefore, in addition to China and other Asian countries, the cultivation of Lycium species has become widespread throughout Europe. This study investigated the total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and polysaccharides content, as well as biological properties of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) cultivated in the Belgrade region, Serbia. The HPLC method was used for the identification of individual phenolic compounds (rutin, quercetin-diglucuronide, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid). Antioxidant properties of goji berry extracts with different solvent were evaluated for radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS), reducing power (CUPRAC, FRAP), and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching inhibition capacity. Additionally, goji berry extracts were screened for their anti-diabetic (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), anti-tyrosinase, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. Methanol was identified as the most effective solvent for the extraction, resulting in the highest contents of TPC (3.76 mg GAE/g dry weight), TFC (0.65 mg CE/g dry weight), as well as superior antioxidant activity evaluated by all assays. Also, the methanol extract of goji berry inhibited all tested enzymes in concentration-dependent manners. The highest enzyme inhibitory activity was shown for tyrosinase (IC50 of 1.4 mg ± 0.01 mg/mL). The IC50 values were 4.66 ± 0.25 mg/mL, 10.68 ± 0.07 mg/mL, 7.07 ± 0.1 mg/mL for α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity, respectively. Overall, obtained results suggest that goji berry cultivated in Serbia is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be use in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.UNIFood2021 Conference, 24th-25th September 2021 University of Belgrade, 2nd International UNIfood Conferenc

Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review

Goji berries have long been used for their nutritional value and medicinal purposes in Asian countries. In the last two decades, goji berries have become popular around the world and are consumed as a functional food due to wide-range bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. In addition, they are gaining increased research attention as a source of functional ingredients with potential industrial applications. This review focuses on the antioxidant properties of goji berries, scientific evidence on their health effects based on human interventional studies, safety concerns, goji berry processing technologies, and applications of goji berry-based ingredients in developing functional food products

Association of redox status and lifestyle factors with telomere length in healthy subjects

Telomeres are DNA-protein structures located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Since their shortening is a natural process, which repeats with each cell division, telomere lengths have been proposed as a biomarker of aging. Also, there is evidence that telomere shortening and dysfunction can be accelerated by oxidative-stress and unhealthy lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity and inadequate nutrition, Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association of redox status and selected lifestyle factors with telomere length. The study included 94 apparently healthy adults, both genders with average age 46±12 years. Before anthropometric measurements and venous blood sampling, participants were asked to complete a lifestyle questionnaire. Serum antioxidant defense markers (total sulfhydryl groups, paraoxonase activity and total antioxidant status) and prooxidants and products of its activity (malondialdehyde, superoxide anion and total oxidant status) were determined. The Prooxidative score, Antioxidative score and Oxy score were calculated from measured redox status markers by using z-score statistics. Telomere length was determined by qPCR method using genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes. A positive relation was found among telomere length and a moderate level of physical activity, intake of fruits and vegetables, especially for females. Increasing abdominal fat, alcohol and fried food intake, as well the Oxy score (difference between Proxidative and Antioxidative scores) were inversely associated with telomere length. Overall, these results support the impact of healthy lifestyle on healthy aging and redox control in the term of prevention of major age-related diseases.Nutraceuticals in balancing redox status in ageing and age-related diseases WGs Meeting of the NutRedOx COST Action CA16112 Belgrade, March 2-3, 202

Chemical composition and prebiotic effect of the fruit of Prunus spinosa L., Rosaceae

The blackthorn is widespread across temperate Europe and also occurs in the Near East and Africa. The fruit is traditionally used in the treatment of digestive, respiratory and kidney disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate composition and the antibacterial activity of methanol extract of blackthorn fruit, and potential prebiotic effect on selected probiotic microorganisms. The blackthorn fruit is a rich source of vitamin C (5.3 mg/100 g, determinated by titration) as well as Ca, Mg and P (106.7; 42.0 and 43.2 mg/100 g, respectively, determinated by ICP-OES). The total phenolic content was 1,235 mg gallic acid/100 g (FC method). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (caffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids), flavonoids (glycosides of quercetin, methylquercetin and kaempferol) and anthocyanins (glycosides of cyanidin and peonidin) were tentatively identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity on eight laboratory control strains of bacteria was not pronounced (MIC 1.25->5 mg/ml). On the other hand the extract (0.3-5.0 mg/ml) exhibited significant prebiotic effect on investigated probiotic strains of Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces boulardii and their mixtures. The stimulation of growth was in the range 4.0-52.8% in concentration dependent manner. In conclusion, significant prebiotic activity of blackthorn fruit confers new insight in blackthorn health benefits.14th Symposium on the Flora of Southeastern Serbia and Neighboring Regions, Kladovo, 26th to 29th June 202

Analiza sadržaja mineralnih materija u plodovima Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) gajenim u Srbiji

Fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae), known as wolfberries or goji berries, have been long used in traditional medicine and nutrition in Asian countries. However, in recent years, they have become popular in Europe, including Serbia. However, there are limited data on the chemical composition of goji berries cultivated in our country. This study aimed to estimate and perform a comparative analysis of the mineral content of goji berries from six locations in Serbia. After microwave digestion, macro- (K, Na, P, S, Mg, Ca) and microelement (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Mo) contents in analyzed samples were determined by the optical emission spectrometry with induced coupled plasma (ICP-OES). As expected, mineral concentrations varied significantly among goji berry samples from different locations (p < 0.05). In general, the decreasing orders of minerals in goji berries were: K > P > S > Na > Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Mo. According to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) values, dried goji berries (30 g) provide a rich source of Cr and Cu, while their contribution to the daily intake of other minerals was below 15% RDA.Plodovi Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae), poznatiji kao vučje bobice ili godži, imaju dugu istoriju upotrebe u tradicionalnoj medicini i ishrani stanovnika azijskih zemalja, a poslednjih godina su sve popularniji u Evropi, uključujući i Srbiju. Međutim, nema mnogo podataka o hemijskom sastavu plodova godži gajenih u našoj zemlji. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se izvrši komparativna analiza mineralnog sastava plodova godži prikupljenih sa šest različitih lokacija u Srbiji. Nakon prethodne mikrotalasne digestije, sadržaj makro- (K, Na, P, S, Mg, Ca) i mikroelemenata (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Mo) u ispitivanim uzorcima suvih plodova godži, određen je primenom optičke emisione spektrometrije sa indukovano spregnutom plazmom (ICP-OES). Kao što je i očekivano, dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na statistički značajne razlike u sadržaju mineralnih materija u plodovima godži prikupljenih sa različitih lokacija (p < 0,05). Generalno, mineralne materije su zastupljene po sledećem opadajućem redosledu koncentracija: K > P > S > Na > Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Mo. Utvrđeni sadržaj makro- i mikroelemenata u jednoj porciji (30 g suvih plodova godži), u odnosu na nutritivne referentne vrednosti (NRV), ukazuje da su plodovi godži bogat izvor Cr i Cu, dok je doprinos jedne porcije plodova godži dnevnom unosu ostalih mineralnih materija ispod 15% NRV.VIII Kongres farmaceuta Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, 12-15.10.2022. Beogra

Biokompatibilne nanoemulzije fluocinolonacetonida za poboljšan tretman psorijaze vlasišta: fizičko‐hemijske i in vitro performanse

Despite the wide range of therapies available, an efficient treatment of scalp psoriasis is still challenging task (1). In order to improve the penetration of topical corticosteroids into psoriatic skin and simultaneously, to reduce the likelihood of a patient experiencing adverse effects, an increasing attention has been recently focused on nanocarriers. This study aimed to develop biocompatible nanoemulsions for improved skin delivery of fluocinolone acetonide (FA), using high pressure homogenization, by varying different formulation and process parameters. After physicochemical characterization (droplet size and size distribution, zeta potential (ZP), pH value and electrical conductivity) and stability testing, in vitro release/permeation tests were utilized to estimate whether and to which extent developed nanoemulsions affect FA delivery into/trough the skin, compared to the conventional, commercially available topical product (Sinoderm® cream, Galenika, Serbia). The characterization of developed nanoemulsions revealed the small droplet size in nanometer range -30 mV without significant changes during one year of storage at room temperature, irrespective of formulation composition (10 and 20% w/w of oil phase) under optimized process conditions (10 cycles, 800bar, 50ºC). In vitro release/permeation tests with synthetic polycarbonate membranes/porcine ear epidermis demonstrated the superiority of nanoemulsions regarding the FA delivery through the skin compared to Sinoderm® cream as reference. Particularly, lecithin-based nanoemulsion prepared with 10% of oil phase (medium chain triglycerides and oleic acid) represents the promising strategy for improved FA delivery into the psoriatic skin, simultaneously offering easy application on the scalp area and improved patient adherence.Uprkos relativno velikom broju različitih farmakoterapijskih pristupa, lečenje psorijaze vlasišta još uvek predstavlja veliki izazov (1). Kako bi se poboljšala penetracija topikalno primenjenih kortikosteroida u psorijatične lezije kože, i istovremeno, smanjila verovatnoća pojave neželjenih efekata, tokom poslednjih godina sve veća pažnja je usmerena ka razvoju nanonosača. Stoga, cilj ove studije je bio razvoj biokompatibilnih nanoemulzija za poboljšanu isporuku fluocinolonacetonida (FA) u kožu, primenom homogenizacije pod visokim pritiskom uz variranje različitih formulacionih i procesnih parametara. Nakon fizičko-hemijske karakterizacije (veličina kapi i distribucija kapi po veličini, zeta potencijal (ZP), pH i električna provodljivost) i ispitivanja stabilnosti, in vitro ispitivanje oslobađanja i permeacije sprovedeno je kako bi se procenilo da li i u kojoj meri razvijene nanoemulzije utiču na isporuku FA u/kroz kožu u poređenju sa konvencionalnim, komercijalno dostupnim preparatom (Sinoderm® krem, Galenika, Srbija). Karakterizacija razvijenih nanoemulzija potvrdila je prisustvo kapi u nanometarskom opsegu <200 nm, sa indeksom polidisperznosti ispod 0,2 i ZP >-30 mV, bez značajnih promena tokom godinu dana čuvanja na sobnoj temperaturi, nezavisno od sastava formulacije (10 i 20% m/m uljane faze) pri odabranim procesnim parametrima (10 ciklusa, 800bar, 50ºC). In vitro ispitivanje oslobađanje/peremacije kroz sintetsku polikarbonatnu membranu/epidermis kože uha svinje ukazalo je na superiornost razvijenih nanoemulzija u pogledu isporuke FA kroz kožu u poređenju sa Sinoderm® kremom kao referentnim uzorkom. Posebno, formulacija nanoemulzija na bazi lecitina izrađena sa 10% uljane faze (trigliceridi srednje dužine lanca i oleinska kiselina) predstavlja obećavajuću strategiju za isporuku FA u psorijatičnu kožu, istovremeno obezbeđujući relativno jednostavnu primenu u predelu vlasišta, i posledično, poboljšanu adherencu pacijenata.VIII Kongres farmaceuta Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, 12-15.10.2022. Beogra