Hawthorn Berry

There is an emerging paradigm that certain foods promote nitric oxide (NO) production from the stepwise reduction of nitrate to nitrite to NO, providing an endothelium independent source of bioactive NO. We hypothesize that a unique formulation containing nitrate-rich beetroot along with Hawthorn berry shown to have a robust nitrite reductase activity would improve NO status in humans and modify cardiovascular risk factors. The trial was conducted at the Houston Institute for Clinical Research in Houston, Texas. Inclusion criteria for this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study were patients older than 40 years with 3 or more of the following cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, smoking, sedentary, family history of cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Subjects were instructed to take either the NO dietary supplement called Neo40 Daily® or placebo twice daily on an empty stomach for 30 days. Patients taking the NO dietary supplement twice a day for 30 days led to a significant increase in both plasma nitrite (P < .01) and nitrate (P < .0001), indicating an increase in systemic NO availability. There was a statistically significant reduction in 72% of patients with elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) after 30 days compared with their starting levels before taking the NO dietary supplement (168 ± 17 mg/dL vs 232 ± 19 mg/dL, P = .02). The strategy of formulating a combination of natural products and botanicals chosen specifically for their NO activity shows promise in restoring NO homeostasis in human subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease for use as a dietary supplement.

The behavior of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) throughout the shelf life of ready-to-eat foodstuffs represents a major concern in relation to human diet and human health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of L. monocytogenes in Wiener sausage, as an RTE meat product, throughout 15 days of storage (0-7 °C) under the action of fermented juice from parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum) roots and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) berry phenolics, compared with the effect of the food additives sodium nitrite and sodium ascorbate used in the standard formulation. For this purpose, one experimental formulation (F1) and one standard formulation (F2) of Wiener sausages were designed using the following preservatives and antioxidants: 50 ppm fermented parsley root juice (as a nitrite source) and 50 ppm hawthorn berry phenolics were used in F1, and 50 ppm sodium nitrite (as food additive E 250) and 50 ppm sodium ascorbate (as food additive E 301) were used in F2. The ability to support L. monocytogenes growth was assessed by a challenge test throughout the 15 days of storage. Based on the results of the assessment, the natural ingredients fermented parsley root juice and hawthorn berry phenolics could act as preservatives that ensure microbiological safety during the shelf life of the product. The nitrite and phenolic compounds of these natural ingredients showed antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, including L. monocytogenes.

Obesity is a major worldwide health problem affecting one billion people. The purported cardioprotective benefits of hawthorn against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are controversial and may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study explored the underlying protective mechanisms of hawthorn berry extract (HBE) against obesity-induced cardiac injury in rats. The control group (G1) was fed a regular rat diet ad libitum. An obesity-induced cardiac injury model was established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) to rats of group 2 (G2) and group 3 (G3), while rats of G3 and group 4 (G4) received oral doses of HBE (100 mg/kg) for ten weeks. A light microscope was used to estimate the morphological changes in cardiac tissues. The apoptosis and ROS values of cardiomyocytes were estimated using flow cytometry. Also, the antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile, proinflammatory cytokines, and cardiac enzymes were assessed. Feeding of G2 with HFD significantly increased rats' body weight, cardiac inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis compared to G1. As well, significant oxidative stress was observed by reducing GPx1, SOD3, CAT, and HDL-C with a substantial increase of TG, TC, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, cTnI, cTnT, and CK-MB serum levels. On the contrary, supplementation of G3 with HBE significantly protected rats against all mentioned changes compared to G2. The current study confirmed several mechanisms of obesity-induced cardiac injury and the tremendous cardioprotective antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic impact of HBE against obesity-induced cardiac injury. Therefore, hawthorn could provide a novel dietary supplement against obesity-induced cardiac injury.

The effect of hawthorn berries ripeness on the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of hawthorn pectin (HP) and its potential in sweet cherry preservation were investigated. With the advanced ripeness of hawthorn berries, the galacturonic acid (GalA) content decreased from 59.70 mol% to 52.16 mol%, the molecular weight (Mw) reduced from 368.6 kDa to 284.3 kDa, the microstructure exhibited variable appearance from thick lamella towards porous cross-linked fragment, emulsifying activity and emulsions stability, antioxidant activities, α-amylase and pancreatic lipid inhibitory capacities significantly increased. The heated emulsion stored for 30 d presented higher creaming index and more ordered oil droplets compared to the unheated emulsion. With the extended berries ripeness, the firmness of HP gels remarkably decreased from 225.69 g to 73.39 g, while the springiness increased from 0.78 to 1.16, HP exhibited a superior inhibitory effect in water loss, browning, softening, and bacterial infection in sweet cherries preservation.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-pressure (HPP, 300/600 MPa for 2 and 6 min) and thermal processing (TP, 65 °C/30 min) on microbial shelf-life, enzyme-activity and quality-attributes of cloudy hawthorn berry juice (CHBJ) after processing and during storage (4 °C). The CHBJ shelf-life was at least 150 days when processed by HPP. No significant difference was observed in pH and titratable acidity (p > 0.05), while HPP significantly increased soluble sugar (p < 0.05) and simulated some fruity aroma compounds which improved the taste and flavor of CHBJ. However, HPP inhabited ineffectively enzyme-activity in comparison to TP, causing significant color changes (ΔE = 4.98 ± 0.03-5.10 ± 0.07) during 30-day storage (p < 0.05). Although particle size increased after HPP treatment, significant increases (68.76%-926.95%) were observed in viscosity (p < 0.05), due to enhanced extractability or modification of pectin induced by HPP, resulting in higher consistency of CHBJ. HPP is promising to extend shelf-life and improve quality-attributes of CHBJ.

Hawthorn berry has been proved hypoglycemic effect due to the presence of some α-glucosidase inhibitors. Herein, screening and identifying of α-glucosidase inhibitors from hawthorn berry were conducted, and the results showed polyphenols mainly containing quercetin (74.58%) and hyperioside (9.58%) were responsible for its bioactivity. In order to enhance the hypoglycemic effect, the combined glucose-lowering complex (DEH) consisting of hawthorn polyphenols, D-chiro-inositol (DCI), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was prepared, where three ingredients exerted the synergistic hypoglycemic effect to enhance glucose consumption and glycogen levels and inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis in IR-HepG2 cells. In STZ/HFD-induced mice, DEH effectively improved insulin resistance, reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hepatic gluconeogenesis, and increased hepatic glycogen synthesis and storage via down-regulation of PI3K/Akt/FOXO1-mediated PEPCK and G6Pase and up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3-mediated GS activation in the liver. In summary, these findings indicate that DEH is a potential novel strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Glucose-lowering complex (DEH) with superior hypoglycemic effect, can effectively improve the insulin resistance, reduce the fasting blood glucose, hepatic gluconeogenesis and increase the hepatic glycogen synthesis and storage in mice, which represents a potential novel strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

SCOPE: Oxidative stress has been implicated in mental disorders, including depression. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the abundant phenolic compounds in herbs and fruits, has the properties of a natural antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. Therfore, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects and active mechanisms of CGA from the extract of Crataegus pinnatifida (CP) fruit. METHODS AND RESULTS: Depression-like phenotypes were induced in mice by daily injection of stress hormone for 1-2 weeks. The brains of these animals exhibited reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and increased astrocytic hypertrophy, which are typical markers of depression in animal models. Stress hormone injection 1) upregulated monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) expression and 2) reduced spine numbers along neuronal dendrites, which indicates synaptic depression. The oral administration of CGA (30 mg kg-1 ) or CP (300 mg kg-1 ) prevented MAOB activation following reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and had an ameliorative effect on depressive behavioral tests (e.g., tail suspension and forced swim tests). In vitro assays performed on cultured C8-D1A cells revealed that CGA and CP inhibited MAOB activity and ROS production. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that CGA and CP extracts prevented depressive behavior and thereby have potential as natural antidepressants. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

BACKGROUND: Following public concern on the use of synthetic food antioxidants, there is an increasing demand for the application of mixed or purified natural antioxidants to maintain quality of meat products quality during storage. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of hawthorn berry, compared to butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA), on lipid peroxidation, myoglobin oxidation, protein electrophoresis pattern, consistency and firmness of minced pork during refrigeration at 4 °C, and to identify the relationship between chemical modifications and consistency variation. RESULTS: After 6 days of refrigeration it was found that the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value of minced pork containing 200 mg GAE kg-1 total phenolics in minced meat (200 HP) was significantly lower (0.1543 ± 0.006 mg) compared to BHA-treated meat. The ratio of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin in treated minced pork was respectively 0.845 for 200 HP and 0.473 for BHA-treated minced meat. Concentrations of 100 HP or 300 HP will generate statistically higher firmness than BHA in minced pork. CONCLUSION: Hawthorn berry ethanolic extract was more effective than BHA in reducing lipid oxidation and protein degradation, for maintaining firmness and consistency of minced pork during 6 days of refrigeration at 4 °C. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

OBJECTIVE: The study objectives were to characterize botanical dietary supplement (BDS) use and to compare the motivations for botanical supplement (BS) use to the efficacy of the botanical in a socioeconomically and racially diverse urban adult population. METHODS: Subjects were from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, a 20-year prospective health disparities study with African American and white adults from Baltimore, Maryland. All study participants completed two dietary recalls and a dietary supplement (DS) questionnaire in Wave 3 (n = 2140). Diet quality was evaluated by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 and the Mean Adequacy Ratio for 17 micronutrients. A comparison of reported motivations to efficacy reported in the literature of single BS was conducted. RESULTS: Approximately 50% (1062/2140) of participants took DS. Of these, 8% (n = 178) reported taking either BS or BDS. It was found that BDS users had better diet quality than DS users as well as nonusers of DS. The top three motivations for BDS users were to improve overall health, to maintain health, and to supplement the diet. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of most BS. Review of the efficacy of the 15 BS reported by ≥5% of the study population revealed beneficial health roles for only fiber, gingko biloba extract EGb 761, and hawthorn berry. CONCLUSION: To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to report a better quality diet with BDS use for a racially diverse urban population. Yet, improvement in diet is needed because overall quality did not achieve current recommendations. To improve overall health, it may be beneficial for this population to focus on dietary modifications to reduce the risks associated with chronic diseases. In general, the reported motivations for BS use were not supported by clinical evidence.

Hawthorn is a widely used herbal alternative medicine for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the attributed health benefits, purported to be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, may depend on both the specific species and plant part. Studies to date investigating effects of hawthorn on heart disease(s) have used well-described European and/or Asian species, while little is known regarding the bioactivity of species native to North America. Six weeks of supplementation of both fireberry hawthorn berry (native Crataegus chrysocarpa) and English hawthorn leaf (C. monogyna, naturalized in North America) in the JCR:LA-cp rat, resulted in a significant reduction in heart weight, fasting LDL-C and improved heart function (p < 0.05). Fasting triglyceride and myocardial fibrosis were also reduced, but only by the berry extract. We demonstrate that both of the Canadian-sourced hawthorn extracts (introduced leaf and native berry) have cardioprotective benefits, likely via increased availability of nitric oxide.

This study is aimed at assessing the inhibitory effect of teas on key enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) linked with type-2 diabetes and their antioxidant properties. Four samples of three brands were used; infusions of green tea (GT), 2 brands of black tea (BT), and a formulated herbal preparation for diabetes (ADT) (white tea, Radix Puerariae, Radix ophiopogonis, hawthorn berry, Chinese yam, and fragrant Solomon seal rhizome) were prepared and subsequently analyzed for their total phenol, ascorbic acid contents, antioxidant properties (2,2-Azizobis (3-Ethylbenzo-Thiazoline~6-sulfonate) "ABTS" scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant property), and inhibition of pancreatic-α-amylase and intestinal-α-glucosidase in vitro. The study revealed that GT had the highest total phenol content, ascorbic acid content, ABTS∗ scavenging ability, and ferric reducing ability. Furthermore, all the teas inhibited Fe(2+) and sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas, with GT having the highest inhibitory effect. Conversely, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the inhibitory effects of the teas on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The antidiabetic property of the teas could be attributed to their inhibitory effect on carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes implicated in diabetes and their antioxidant activities.

Crataegus L. (Rosaceae) comprises several species rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds with nutraceutical relevance. The present study aimed to investigate the polyphenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antihyperglycemic-related activity of fruits from 11 Crataegus taxa collected in Western Sicily, a region characterized by a high diversity of this genus. Total polyphenol quantification indicated that, among the tested extracts, Crataegus laciniata exhibited the highest content (25.54 mg GAE/g). Using high-resolution Orbitrap Q-Exactive PLUS ESI-MS instrument (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA), a comprehensive phytochemical characterization was performed. Hyperoside quantification revealed that Crataegus aff. insengae, Crataegus zichichii, and Crataegus drepanensis are rich in this bioactive compound (1.47, 1.22, 1.22 mg/g DW). Multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), highlighted hyperoside and vitexin as the main contributors to sample differentiation. Additionally, Crataegus laciniata, Crataegus drepanensis, and Crataegus aff. insengae showed the highest antioxidant activity in chemical assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and in Caco-2 and H9c2 cell models through the modulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Regarding antihyperglycemic-related activity, Crataegus lacin

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the causes of many colonic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to maximize the biological activity of hawthorn seed preparations aimed at modulating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in the colon through selective fractionation and enrichment in compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential. Fractionation of hawthorn seed extract (CE) was performed using C18 resin, and detailed phytochemical analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS). This work resulted in four fractions (F1-F4), with differential distribution of 28 identified polyphenolic compounds. Phenolic acids dominated in F1, flavan-3-ols in F2, and flavonols in F3 and F4. In terms of quantitative composition, the obtained fractions can be ranked in the order F1 > F2 > F3 > F4. In biological activity studies, the highest antioxidant activity in a chemical model was demonstrated for F2, which was also confirmed in a cellular model-colonocyte cells (CCD841CoN line) stimulated with H2O2. F2 also demonstrated the highest inhibition of ROS production by colonocytes and NO production by macrophages. High F2 activity was also demonstrated in studies of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. These findings underscore the validity of fractionation of hawthorn seed extract and its potential use in the prevention and treatment of colon diseases. Future studies should include in vivo models and estimation of the activity of the fraction truly bioavailable after digestion.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruits are recognized as rich sources of phenolic compounds with well-documented antioxidant and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitory properties. However, the potential biological relevance of these phytochemicals depends largely on their stability and in vitro bioaccessibility during gastrointestinal digestion rather than on their native composition alone. This study comprehensively evaluated the impact of the standardized International Network of Food digestion (INFOGEST) model on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and the associated changes in antioxidant capacity, free amino acid composition, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, while also characterizing the mineral composition of three Crataegus species. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion significantly decreased the bioaccessible fractions of total phenolics and flavonoids, accompanied by pronounced reductions in 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacities (CUPRAC). Catechin was the predominant phenolic compound in all Crataegus species before dig

BACKGROUND: Lactic acid bacteria fermentation is a promising strategy for developing functional foods. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Levilactobacillus brevis HS01 and its application in hawthorn juice fermentation. RESULTS: Whole-genome sequencing mapped the genetic basis of the probiotic characteristics of L. brevis, identifying genes involved in acid tolerance, antioxidant defense, and adaptation to plant-based environments. Metabolomic data were integrated with genomic information to elucidate the underlying metabolic mechanisms. Fermentation with L. brevis HS01 significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of hawthorn juice. Non-targeted metabolomics demonstrated that activation of the phenylalanine-vitamin B6 metabolic axis during fermentation promoted the accumulation of ferulic acid. Genome-metabolome correlation analysis confirmed the key genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism and vitamin B6 biosynthesis. Volatile compound profiling showed that fermented hawthorn juice possessed enhanced fruity notes and reduced off-flavors. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that L. brevis HS01 achieved efficient environmental adaptation and flavor transformation through coordinated reprogramming of three key pathways: the arginine deiminase, aromatic amino acid metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathways. CONCLUSION: These results establish L. brevis HS01 as a promising dual-functional strain for the development of fermented beverages, with its probiotic potential supported by genomic evidence of acid tolerance and antioxidant defense, and its fermentation capability enhancing both antioxidant capacity and flavor via the phenylalanine-vitamin B6 metabolic axis. © 2026

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) pulp is characterized by high levels of organic acids and polyphenols, yet its strong acidity limits sensory acceptance. In this study, Streptococcus thermophilus 540, Lactobacillus brevis 647, and their mixed culture (1:1) were applied to ferment hawthorn pulp. Changes in organic acids, individual phenolics, free amino acids, volatile compounds, antioxidant capacity, and global metabolic profiles were systematically investigated using targeted analysis combined with untargeted metabolomics. Fermentation markedly reshaped the metabolic composition of hawthorn pulp, with mixed fermentation exhibiting the most pronounced metabolic reprogramming. Co-fermentation significantly enhanced phenolic derivatives and aromatic amino acid-related metabolites, while promoting a more balanced distribution of organic acids and esters, contributing to improved antioxidant potential and flavor coordination. Multivariate analyses confirmed that mixed fermentation formed a distinct metabolic pattern rather than a simple additive effect of single strains, characterized by expanded metabolic diversity and pathway complementarity. These findings provide mechanistic insight into strain-dependent and synergistic metabolic modulation during fruit fermentation and support mixed lactic acid bacteria fermentation as a promising strategy for improving the functional and sensory quality of hawthorn-based products.

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Natural products may offer protective effects, though their mechanisms remain unclear. Hawthorn fruit (Crataegus monogyna) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing a rationale to explore its potential against UC ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of Crataegus monogyna fruit extract (CMFE) in acetic acid-induced UC in rats. MethodsSix groups of Wistar rats were used: control, acetic acid (AA), AA + CMFE (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, p.o.), and AA + sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.). Treatments lasted 10 days, followed by AA rectal infusion (300 mg/kg). Colonic damage was assessed macroscopically and histologically. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, thiols, SOD, CAT, GPx) were measured in colon homogenates, while CRP, ALP, iron, and calcium levels were determined in plasma. ResultsCMFE pretreatment significantly reduced macroscopic and microscopic damage, protecting the colonic mucosa from AA-induced lesions. AA increased MDA and decreased SH-group as well as antioxidant enzyme activities, whereas CMFE restored these parameters. CMFE also normalized CRP, ALP, iron, and calcium levels, counteracting AA-induced inflammatory and metabolic disturbances. ConclusionCMFE shows strong protective effects against AA-induced colitis by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings support its potential use in green medicine as a natural therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel diseases. © 2026 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The genus Crataegus comprises a diverse group of species with significant medicinal and nutritional value. This study aimed to characterize the biochemical composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq., C. pontica K.Koch, C. microphylla K.Koch, and C. pentagyna Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd fruits and leaves by evaluating their phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities, and metabolic interactions. The study also assessed biochemical variations among the analyzed samples and the impact of different ecological conditions on biochemical traits. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed substantial variability in phenolic contents among species. The highest coefficients of variation were observed in ferulic acid (200.00%), flavonol (141.40%), and epicatechin (122.75%). Correlation matrix analysis (CMA) demonstrated strong positive relationships between fruit total phenol and fruit total flavonoid (r = 0.97*) and between fruit hydroxycinnamic acid and fruit ortho-diphenol (r = 1.00**), suggesting possible co-accumulation patterns among these metabolites within the analyzed dataset. Exploratory multiple regression analysis (MRA) indicated statistical associations between antioxidant capacity and several phenolic-related variables, including hydroxycinnamic acid, ortho-diphenol, and cinnamic acid within the analyzed dataset. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first

Large-fruited hawthorn (Malus doumeri (Bois) Chev.) is valued for its health-promoting properties, largely attributed to its rich flavonoid content. However, little is known about the specific composition of flavonoids and the molecular mechanisms regulating their biosynthesis. The present study employed non-targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to investigate two M. doumeri germplasms (G8 and G9) that exhibited significantly different total flavonoid contents. The results indicated that the major and differential metabolites primarily include flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in phenylpropanoid and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis identified several structural genes and transcription factors, including HCT (LOC114821133, LOC103403337, LOC103454980), WRKY (LOC103427630), and bHLH (LOC103422512), that were significantly upregulated in the high-flavonoid genotype (G9). qRT-PCR validation confirmed the RNA-Seq expression patterns, suggesting the potential involvement of these genes in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-related metabolites, such as [6]-gingerol. Applied experiments further demonstrated that freeze-drying preserved high metabolite c

This study investigated the effects of fruits storage time and an enzymatic treatment with amylase and amyloglucosidase post pectin extraction on the structural, physicochemical, emulsifying, gelling, antioxidant, α-amylase/pancreatic lipase inhibitory, and prebiotic properties of hawthorn pectin (HP). Increasing fruit storage duration decreased molecular weight (Mw), degree of methylesterification (DM), antioxidant, α-amylase inhibitory or pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of HP, but increased its prebiotic potential on two Lactobacillus casei strains. Enzymatic treatment post extraction decreased Mw, DM (from 68 to 74% to 39-48%) and average size of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) side chains, increased galacturonic acid (GalA), homogalacturonan and RG-I contents, antioxidant, α-amylase/pancreatic lipase inhibitory and prebiotic potential. Strong correlations exist among HP's Mw, DM, GalA content, and key functional properties. These results show the multifunctional potential of HP, importance of postharvest storage according to fruit's biochemical and physiological changes, and feasibility of modifying HP via an enzymatic approach. © 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Stirred-type yoghurts produced from lactose-hydrolyzed milk represent a promising base for developing functional dairy products enriched with fruits and spices, as such formulations can enhance nutritional, sensory, and antioxidant properties while offering naturally sweetened alternatives without added sugars. Despite this potential, the incorporation of wild fruits with high bioactive potential into lactose-free yoghurt systems presents both technological and sensory challenges, particularly regarding texture stability, color development, and consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the effects of enriching stirred-type yoghurts produced from lactose-hydrolyzed milk with varying levels of hawthorn fruit puree (5%, 10%, and 15%) and turmeric powder (0.1%) on their physicochemical, rheological, sensory properties, and antioxidant activities. Yoghurt samples were stored for 21 days under refrigerated conditions, and analyses were conducted at 7-day intervals throughout storage. Yoghurts were formulated with increasing concentrations of hawthorn fruit puree and turmeric powder, and physicochemical parameters, water-holding capacity, rheological and textural properties, antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS), color (hue angle), and sensory acceptance were assessed across treatments (YH5, YH10, YH15). Increasing amounts of hawthorn fruit puree significantly improved water-holding capacity, while textural and rheological analyses indicated that the 10% level exhibited improved rheological behavior, particularly in viscosity, and maintained comparable gel structure during storage. Antioxidant capacities ranged from 58.9%-83.9% for DPPH and 3.12-5.89 mg TE/g for ABTS. YH

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the bromatological profile of fruits from rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), as well as the polyphenol bioaccessibility under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antioxidant activity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a biological model (egg yolk). The fruits were demonstrated to be rich in bioactive compounds, containing comparable total vitamin E levels (~65 mg/kg), with α-tocopherol as the predominant isomer, and measurable amounts of xanthophylls, mainly lutein (20.19-21.69 μg/g), astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin. HPLC-DAD analysis identified 19 polyphenolic compounds, with catechin being the dominant compound in rowanberry fruits (4.36 mg/g), while epigallocatechin and catechin were the most abundant in hawthorn fruits. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed elevated intestinal bioaccessibility of hydroxybenzoic acids, with ellagic acid reaching ~96% in the intestinal phase of rowanberry fruits and ~109% in hawthorn fruits, indicating increased availability. In hawthorn fruits, flavanols exhibited greater stability and higher bioaccessibility, with catechin reaching 101% in the gastric phase, epicatechin remaining highly bioaccessible (98-97%), and epigallocatechin showing moderate bioaccessibility (24-50%). Both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with hawthorn fruits showing significantly higher ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacities. Rowanberry and hawthorn fruits exhibited an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation in yolk homogenates, reducing malondialdehyde formation to 37.19 mg/kg and 20.58 mg/kg from 50.79 mg/kg, respectivel

12. Food Res Int. 2026 May 31;232:118919. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.118919. Epub 2026 Mar 10. Analysis of different fermentation processes of jujube-hawthorn fermented beverage based on untargeted metabolomics and GC-MS. Xing Z(1), Li Y(2), Huang H(3), Yuan H(1), Zhang X(1), Liu X(1), Shan C(4), Fu X(5), Du Y(6). Author information: (1)Key Laboratory of Characteristics Agricultural Product Processing and Quality Control (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Food Nutrition and Safety Control of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps，School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China; Engineering Research Center of Storage and Processing of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China. (2)Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China. (3)College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China. (4)Key Laboratory of Characteristics Agricultural Product Processing and Quality Control (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Food Nutrition and Safety Control of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps，School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China; Engineering Research Center of Storage and Processing of Xinjiang Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, China. Electronic address: [email protected]. (5)Key Laboratory of Characteristics Agricultural Product Processing and Quality Control (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xin

BACKGROUND: Crataegus azarolus (hawthorn) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various health benefits and culinary reasons, although its psychiatric effects remain poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the volatile chemical composition and ionic profile of C. azarolus, and to integrate these findings with a targeted review of the literature to propose potential psychiatric implications. METHODS: Methanolic extracts of dried flowers, leaves, and berries were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with compounds identified using reference libraries. Ion chromatography (IC) with anion and cation columns was used to quantify inorganic ions, expressed as mg per 100 g dried material. RESULTS: GC-MS tentatively identified 13 major compounds, including flavonoids, fatty acids, sterols, vitamin D derivatives, and digitoxin. Many of these constituents have been suggested having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant-like activities in preclinical studies. Among the compounds, the flavonoids quercetin and lucenin-2 were particularly notable due to their proposed roles in central nervous system function, neuroprotection and possible psychiatric effects. IC analysis additionally revealed the presence of various inorganic ions, although their overall concentrations were low. CONCLUSIONS: The biochemical complexity of C. azarolus highlights its potential relevance for mental health, yet direct preclinical and clinical evidence remains lacking. Future investigations are needed to clarify its psychiatric applications. © 2026 the author(s), published by De Gruy

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a medicinal and nutritional plant widely recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and diverse health-promoting properties. The fruit, leaves, and flowers contain significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and dye compounds with antioxidant properties that contribute to its strong antioxidant capacity. Numerous studies have demonstrated hawthorn's beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including regulation of blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and cardiac function. Additionally, hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, supporting its role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Its potential as a functional food ingredient and natural health supplement is increasingly recognized. However, further clinical trials and standardization of bioactive components are needed to confirm its efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage. Overall, hawthorn represents a valuable natural resource for promoting human health and well-being through diet and phytotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present-based on the scientific literature-the antioxidant properties of hawthorn and to assess the possibility of using this plant as a functional ingredient.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), a member of the Rosaceae family, is a common plant in the northern temperate areas used as an ornamental tree since the Middle Ages. The pharmacological studies reveal that hawthorn is not only rich in diverse range of macronutrients and micronutrients but also contains abundant bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, organic acids, and polysaccharides. These components collectively confer hawthorn with multifaceted pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, antiaging, and digestive-promoting effects. In light of the potential health benefits of hawthorn, this review aims to provide an up-to-date introduction on the main bioactive components, pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetic characteristics, adverse reactions, and clinical applications of hawthorn, thereby providing a theoretical basis for its further development and utilization.

Freeze-thaw treatment (FTT) of Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) fruit was examined to address problems including low juice yield, nutrient loss, and flavor deterioration. Hawthorn fruit was subjected to 0, 4, 8, and 12 FTTs. FTTs improved the color, flavor, nutritional quality, and in vitro antioxidant activity of hawthorn fruit juice. The optimal number of FTTs was 4, which increased juice yield and the DPPH scavenging rate by 9.34 % and 20.21 %, respectively, compared with no FTTs. FTTs significantly reduced the hardness, thermal stability, and bound water in hawthorn fruit. Still, there were no significant changes in the characteristic infrared or X-ray diffraction spectra. FTTs may have improved juice quality by synergistically disrupting the fruit microstructure and increasing free water, thereby dissolving the soluble substances released. Furthermore, the low-temperature may have enabled greater nutrient retention in the juice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal and edible herbs (MEHs), including ginger (Zingiber officinale), goji berries (Lycium barbarum), and hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), serve dual roles as both dietary components and therapeutic agents. Their pharmacological activities are primarily attributed to natural bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins. These constituents exhibit multifunctional properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. AIMS OF THE REVIEW: This study identifies 61 herbs that exhibit protective effects against Alcoholic liver disease (ALD). These herbs are classified according to their medicinal parts and reviewed with regard to their source, function, active ingredients, signaling pathways, and mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study screened 106 MEHs officially recognized in China as of 2025 through a comprehensive search of both domestic and international databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, ACS database, Springer database, Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed). RESULTS: In this review, we summarize the mechanis

18. Plant Sci. 2026 Jan;362:112812. doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112812. Epub 2025 Oct 10. Genome-wide identification of the MYB family in Crataegus pinnatifida and functional analysis of CpMYB5 involved in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Gao S(1), Wang Y(2), Du B(3), Jing K(4), Liu J(5), Zuo J(6), Shi Q(7), Lu C(8), Meng J(9), Dong N(10). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Deciduous Fruit Trees, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100093, China. Electronic address: [email protected]. (2)Beijing Engineering Research Center for Deciduous Fruit Trees, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100093, China. Electronic address: [email protected]. (3)Beijing Engineering Research Center for Deciduous Fruit Trees, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100093, China. Electronic address: [email protected]. (4)Beijing Engineering Research Center for Deciduous Fruit Trees, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100093, China. Electronic address: [email protected]. (5)Beijing Engineering Research Center for Deciduous Fruit Trees, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Forestry and Pomology,

Metabolic disorder, and obesity in particular, is a global epidemic among the world's population and is a complex multifactorial health problem. Obesity is associated with serious health risks like diabetes, coronary heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia disorders and has shown a steady increase in morbimortality indicators. Many drugs have been approved for effective treatment of metabolic disorders and their symptoms, but the cost on the health system and on the individual patient is extremely high. Therefore, an adjunctive treatment for managing obesity and metabolic disorder could be in the use of medicinal plants and functional foods, which could reduce the cost as well as reduce the side effects of these medications. Traditional herbal medicines and functional foods have become the subject of global importance, with both medical and economic implications. The apple subfamily Maloideae includes commercially and medicinally valuable fruits like apples, pears, loquat, quince, and hawthorn, and many other plants. This subfamily has a distinctive fruit, the pome, with characteristic antioxidant content. This review summarizes the recently published research, preclinical data, brief phytochemistry, and pharmacology on 5 Maloideae genera to underscore their potential as adjunctive therapy against obesity and metabolic disorder and future research opportunities. © 2025 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

BACKGROUND: Physicochemical stability is a key factor that determines the shelf life of colloidal systems and it is influenced by process conditions and formulation. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of homogenization process conditions and formulation on physicochemical attributes of suspensions of pumpkin pulp (Cucurbita moschata) and hawthorn yam (Dioscorea rotundata) starch (OSAYS) modified with 2-octenylsuccinic anhydride (E/Z) (OSA). A response surface methodology with a central composite experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of the independent variables: total solids contributed by the pumpkin pulp (TSPP) (3.5-3.8% w/w), OSAYS content (1-2% w/w) and homogenization time (thom) (6-10 min), on the dependent variables: viscosity (μ), moisture (Xw), pH, color coordinates (L*, a*, b*), volume arithmetic mean diameter (D[3,4]), surface arithmetic mean diameter

Fruit wines have become a popular alternative to grape wines for their variability of sensory properties and unique chemical profiles, offering interesting biological activities. Winemaking also utilizes fruits, which are usually sensitive to biological deterioration, thus reducing post-harvest losses. The quality of wines depends on the fermentation conditions, including the wine yeast selection. In this study, we observed the effect of three common Saccharomyces wine yeast strains on the physicochemical characteristics (color, pH, ethanol content), antioxidant potential (total polyphenol content-TPC, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant assays), and sensory properties and their relations within plum, apple, and hawthorn wines. Generally, we observed quite-wide ranges in physicochemical properties (pH: 2.8-3.8, ethanol content: 9.0-16.2%) and antioxidant potential parameters (TPC: 0.5-2.4 mg/GAE, DPPH: 0.3-1.4 mg/AAE, 0.5-3.0 mg/AAE), which were affected by the fruit, yeast, and sampling term. The yeast strain significantly affected physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential on a minor scale. The highest impact of yeast was observed within sensory analyses, where the hawthorn and apple wines fermented by yeast strain Fruit Red exhibited a different sensory profile than those fermented by the Buket and Special strains. A positive correlation between antioxidant potential parameters and their relationship with wine color was confir

Crataegus songarica fruits polysaccharides (CSP) possess significant antioxidant activity, but the relationship between their chemical modifications and activity is unclear. In this study, five polysaccharide derivatives were prepared by selenide, acetylation, phosphorylation, sulfation, and carboxymethylation modifications. The structural characterization of CSP and its derivatives by multidimensional techniques (HPGPC, GC, UV, FT-IR, Congo red, SEM, XRD, TG, DTG, and DSC). The results showed that the total sugar content, uronic acid content, and molecular weight (Mw) of CSP and its derivatives were reduced, and all of them were heteropolysaccharides composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in different molar ratios. The structural modifications significantly altered the microscopic morphology, crystalline properties, and thermodynamic properties of CSP and its derivatives. Antioxidant activity studies showed that different modifications had differential effects on polysaccharide activity. Among them, the phosphorylated modified derivatives showed optimal scavenging of DPPH radicals (72.52 ± 0.19%), while the carboxymethylated modified derivatives showed optimal scavenging of ABTS radicals (77.57 ± 0.29%). In the H2O2-induced oxidative stress model of HepG2 cells, sulfated modified derivatives decreased the percentage of malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 64.79 ± 0.24%, while carboxymethylated polysaccharides increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) by 61.97 ± 0.31% and 52.96 ± 0.33%, respectively, as compared to the model group. The present study confirms that chemical modification can

Erratum in Molecules. 2025 Sep 08;30(17):3647. doi: 10.3390/molecules30173647. This study evaluated the phenolic, carotenoid, and elemental compositions of three hawthorn species-Crataegus: C. tanacetifolia (yellow), C. orientalis (orange), and C. microphylla (red)-collected from Şebinkarahisar, Türkiye. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis revealed that C. microphylla had the highest phenolic content, notably epicatechin, gallic acid, and quercetin. It also showed the highest levels of β-carotene and lutein, highlighting its nutraceutical potential. C. orientalis was rich in rutin and taxifolin. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results showed significant mineral content, including Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se. About 60 g of dried hawthorn could meet 7-8% of daily selenium needs. In C. tanacetifolia, toxicological tests showed no substantial health hazards, with target hazard quotient (THQ) values below 1 and carcinogenic risk (CR) values within tolerable levels (e.g., Ni-CR: 4.68 × 10-5). Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) levels were below detection thresholds in all samples, indicating that hawthorn fruits from this location are safe. The study also shows how species-specific and geographical factors affect hawthorn fruit nutrition and safety.

Crataegus songarica is a native species of Pakistan. Its fruits are locally consumed for the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, heart failure, and vascular insufficiency. Despite its traditional use, data regarding its effectiveness remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of C. songarica fruit extract on glucose-induced hypertensive rats. First, the aqueous-methanol extract (AMECS) was obtained and subjected to phytochemical characterization. The antioxidant and cytotoxic properties were investigated in vitro. Acute toxicity as well as screening for hypotensive effects was also evaluated. The cardioprotective effects were assessed in glucose-induced hypertensive rats after 21 days of treatment with AMECS (500 mg/kg single-daily oral dose). At the conclusion of the treatments, we investigated hemodynamic and biochemical para

The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of total monomeric anthocyanins (TMACs) from hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) fruits and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The extraction was optimized on the basis of two approaches using sequential procedure and central composite design (CCD). The effects of various parameters were examined, including type and concentration of solvent, extraction method, sonication amplitude, extraction time, particle size, solid/solvent ratio, and number of extractions. The antioxidant activity of the optimal extract was evaluated using ferric reducing power (FRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The results indicated that 80% methanol was the most effective solvent with the highest extraction yield (205.69 ± 4.52 µg cyanidin-3-rutinoside equivalent [CRE]/g). Ultrasound-assisted extraction (100% amplitude for 5 min), combined with a particle size (< 63 µm) using a solid/solvent ratio of 800 mg/10 mL, yielded the highest anthocyanin content (225.76 ± 4.10 µg CRE). Optimization using CCD revealed that the optimal conditions for anthocyanin extraction were 74.45% methanol, 78.46% sonication amplitude, and 4.5 min of extraction time, with a yield of 320.01 ± 4.18 µg CRE/g. The optimal extract showed strong antioxidant activity inhibitory concentration (IC50 DPPH = 193.53 ± 3.71 µg/mL; FRP A0.5 = 136.12 ± 5.