The influence of Effective Microorganisms and number of buds per cane in viticulture on chemical composition in fruits

As a result of climate warming, wine-growing zones have moved to the north, where conditions exist may result in poor fruit quality. Fruits may develop significant amounts of tannin compounds, which are not acceptable to all consumers. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of selected factors on the quality and content of polyphenols in grapevine fruits. The differentiating factors were as follows: two grapevine cultivars, varied number of buds per cane, and treatment with Effective Microorganisms (EM). To determine the total content of polyphenols and individual polyphenolic compounds in the tested fruits, the UPLC-PDA-MS method was used. The results indicated that the studied factors had no effect on total soluble solids and titratable acidity in grapes. The experiment revealed that polyphenol content was most dependent on the cultivar, followed by the number of buds per cane; EM treatment had the least effect. The fruit of the ‘Regent’ cultivar was characterised by higher polyphenol content. ‘Cabernet Cortis’ berries had higher levels of phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols, while ‘Regent’ berries were higher in anthocyanins and flavonols. EM treatment had a large impact on the reduction of tannic acid compounds. Fruits from untreated plants with four buds per cane had a significantly increased content of polyphenols, including flavan-3-ols

In Vitro Studies of Anti-Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Activity of Procyanidin-Rich Extract from the Leaves of Actinidia arguta

The leaves of mini kiwi (Actinidia arguta) are a rich source of phenolic compounds, in particular the B-type procyanidins that exhibit e.g. antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to determine the biological activity of the extract from leaves of kiwi in relation to cells of erythrocytes and lymphoma. This activity was determined by studying kiwi leaves extract anti-hemolytic, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity, and its ability to change the physical properties of the cell membrane and inhibit multidrug resistance of mouse lymphoma cells. It was shown that the extract ingredients bound to the cells, caused changes in erythrocyte shape and slightly affected the granularity and size of lymphoma cells. They effectively protected the red blood cells from oxidative damage, but were not toxic to lymphoma cells and did not affect their multidrug resistance. The extract of kiwi leaves is an effective antioxidant but it does not exhibit cytotoxic activity. Therefore, it can be used in the prevention of diseases, especially those related to oxidative stress