Publications

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color evaluation of seventeen european unifloral honey types by means of spectrophotometrically determined cie l*cab*h(ab)° chromaticity coordinates.cie (commission internationale de l'eclairage) l(*)cab(*)h(ab)° color coordinates for 305 samples of 17 unifloral honeys types (asphodel, buckwheat, black locust, sweet chestnut, citrus, eucalyptus, garland thorn, honeydew, heather, lime, mint, rapeseed, sage, strawberry tree, sulla flower, savory and thistle) from different geographic locations in europe were spectrophotometrically assessed and statistically evaluated. preliminary separation of unifloral honeys was obtained by means of l(*)-c(a ...201424128479
bioactivity of different enriched phenolic extracts of wild fruits from northeastern portugal: a comparative study.arbutus unedo, prunus spinosa, rosa micrantha and rosa canina are good sources of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins. these compounds have potent antioxidant properties, which have been related to anticancer activity. herein, the in vitro antioxidant and antitumor properties of enriched phenolic extracts (non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds enriched extract- pe and anthocyanins enriched extract- ae) of the mentioned wild fruits were evaluated and compared. pe gave higher bioactive propert ...201424243401
melissopalynological and volatile analysis of honeys from corsican arbutus unedo habitat.thirty corsican "autumn maquis" honeys were characterized by the typical combination of autumnal taxa: arbutus unedo, hedera helix, smilax aspera, rosmarinus officinalis, and two asteraceae pollen forms. corsican origin was characterized by the diversity of the taxa's biogeographical origins and significant presence of castanea sativa and quercus sp. volatile fractions of "autumn maquis" honeys were dominated by isophorone and 3,4,5-trimethylphenol. the latter is reported in a. unedo honey for t ...201425522552
arbutus unedo l.: chemical and biological properties.arbutus unedo l. (strawberry tree) has a circum-mediterranean distribution, being found in western, central and southern europe, north-eastern africa (excluding egypt and libya) and the canary islands and western asia. fruits of the strawberry tree are generally used for preparing alcoholic drinks (wines, liqueurs and brandies), jams, jellies and marmalades, and less frequently eaten as fresh fruit, despite their pleasing appearance. an overview of the chemical composition of different parts of ...201425271425
characterization of tuber borchii and arbutus unedo mycorrhizas.for the first time, arbutoid mycorrhizas established between tuber borchii and arbutus unedo were described. analyzed mycorrhizas were from one t. borchii natural truffle ground, dominated by pinus pinea, as well as synthesized in greenhouse conditions. a. unedo mycorrhizas presented some typical characteristics of ectomycorrhizas of t. borchii. however, as in arbutoid mycorrhizas, ramification was cruciform and intracellular colonization in epidermal cells was present. the ability of t. borchii ...201424535602
the combined effects of a long-term experimental drought and an extreme drought on the use of plant-water sources in a mediterranean forest.vegetation in water-limited ecosystems relies strongly on access to deep water reserves to withstand dry periods. most of these ecosystems have shallow soils over deep groundwater reserves. understanding the functioning and functional plasticity of species-specific root systems and the patterns of or differences in the use of water sources under more frequent or intense droughts is therefore necessary to properly predict the responses of seasonally dry ecosystems to future climate. we used stabl ...201525359123
whose truffle is this? distribution patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity in tuber melanosporum brûlés developed in multi-host mediterranean plant communities.in the mediterranean region, patches of vegetation recovering from disturbance and transiently dominated by shrubs produce one of the world's most prized fungi, the black truffle (tuber melanosporum). in these successional plant communities, we have fragmentary knowledge of the distribution of t. melanosporum in space among ectomycorrhizal (ecm) host species and in time. molecular identification of hosts (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and fungi (internal transcribed spacer sequencing ...201525522815
seasonal variability of foliar photosynthetic and morphological traits and drought impacts in a mediterranean mixed forest.the mediterranean region is a hot spot of climate change vulnerable to increased droughts and heat waves. scaling carbon fluxes from leaf to landscape levels is particularly challenging under drought conditions. we aimed to improve the mechanistic understanding of the seasonal acclimation of photosynthesis and morphology in sunlit and shaded leaves of four mediterranean trees (quercus ilex l., pinus halepensis mill., arbutus unedo l. and quercus pubescens willd.) under natural conditions. vc,max ...201525836361
plant performance on mediterranean green roofs: interaction of species-specific hydraulic strategies and substrate water relations.recent studies have highlighted the ecological, economic and social benefits assured by green roof technology to urban areas. however, green roofs are very hostile environments for plant growth because of shallow substrate depths, high temperatures and irradiance and wind exposure. this study provides experimental evidence for the importance of accurate selection of plant species and substrates for implementing green roofs in hot and arid regions, like the mediterranean area. experiments were pe ...201525603968
interactive effects of uv radiation and reduced precipitation on the seasonal leaf phenolic content/composition and the antioxidant activity of naturally growing arbutus unedo plants.the effects of uv radiation and rainfall reduction on the seasonal leaf phenolic content/composition and antioxidant activity of the mediterranean shrub arbutus unedo were studied. naturally growing plants of a. unedo were submitted to 97% uv-b reduction (uva), 95% uv-a+uv-b reduction (uv0) or near-ambient uv levels (uvba) under two precipitation regimes (natural rainfall or 10-30% rainfall reduction). total phenol, flavonol and flavanol contents, levels of eight phenols and antioxidant activity ...201526562808
quantitative analysis of arbutin and hydroquinone in strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l., ericaceae) leaves by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.the phenolic glycoside arbutin and its metabolite with uroantiseptic activity hydroquinone occur naturally in the leaves of various medicinal plants and spices. in this study, an extraction procedure coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (gc-ms) was developed to determine arbutin and hydroquinone content in strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l., ericaceae) leaves. the method showed good linearity (r2>0.9987) in the tested concentration range (0.5-200 μg ml(-1)), as well as good precision ...201526444340
low among-provenance differences in structural and functional plasticity in response to nutrients in saplings of the circum-mediterranean tree arbutus unedo l.the mediterranean region is an area of special interest for conservation where the incidence of multiple drivers of global change is expected to increase. one of the factors predicted to change is soil-nutrient availability, an essential factor for plant growth. thus, study of the effects of variation in this parameter is especially relevant in species with a circum-mediterranean distribution, such as arbutus unedo l., in which the different provenances grow in different habitats, which must dif ...201526377872
population structure of a widespread species under balancing selection: the case of arbutus unedo l.arbutus unedo l. is an evergreen shrub with a circum-mediterranean distribution that also reaches the eurosiberian region in northern iberia, atlantic france, and a disjunct population in southern ireland. due to the variety of climatic conditions across its distribution range, the populations of a. unedo were expected to display local adaptation. conversely, common garden experiments revealed that diverse genotypes from a range of provenances produce similar phenotypes through adaptive plastici ...201526793231
contrasting impacts of continuous moderate drought and episodic severe droughts on the aboveground-biomass increment and litterfall of three coexisting mediterranean woody species.climate change is predicted to increase the aridity in the mediterranean basin and severely affect forest productivity and composition. the responses of forests to different timescales of drought, however, are still poorly understood because extreme and persistent moderate droughts can produce nonlinear responses in plants. we conducted a rainfall-manipulation experiment in a mediterranean forest dominated by quercus ilex, phillyrea latifolia, and arbutus unedo in the prades mountains in souther ...201526149833
bioactive phytochemicals from wild arbutus unedo l. berries from different locations in portugal: quantification of lipophilic components.the lipophilic composition of wild arbutus unedo l. berries, collected from six locations in penacova (center of portugal), as well as some general chemical parameters, namely total soluble solids, ph, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was studied in detail to better understand its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. the chemical composition of the lipophilic extracts, focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids, sterols, long chain aliphatic alcohols an ...201526110390
phenolic sulfates as new and highly abundant metabolites in human plasma after ingestion of a mixed berry fruit purée.bioavailability studies are vital to assess the potential impact of bioactive compounds on human health. although conjugated phenolic metabolites derived from colonic metabolism have been identified in the urine, the quantification and appearance of these compounds in plasma is less well studied. in this regard, it is important to further assess their potential biological activity in vivo. to address this gap, a cross-over intervention study with a mixed fruit purée (blueberry, blackberry, raspb ...201525571923
carotenoid composition of strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l.) fruits.the carotenoid composition of strawberry tree (arbutus unedo) fruits has been characterised in detail and quantified for the first time. according to the total carotenoid content (over 340 μg/g dw), mature strawberry tree berries can be classified as fruits with very high carotenoid content (>20 μg/g dw). (all-e)-violaxanthin and 9z-violaxanthin were found to be the major carotenoid pigments, accounting for more than 60%, responsible for the bright colour of the flesh of ripe fruits. in addition ...201626775958
phylogeography of a widespread species: pre-glacial vicariance, refugia, occasional blocking straits and long-distance migrations.phylogeographic studies give us the opportunity to reconstruct the historical migrations of species and link them with climatic and geographic variation. they are, therefore, a key tool to understanding the relationships among biology, geology and history. one of the most interesting biogeographical areas of the world is the mediterranean region. however, in this area, the description of concordant phylogeographic patterns is quite scarce, which limits the understanding of evolutionary patterns ...201626768603
somatic embryogenesis induction and plant regeneration in strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l.).somatic embryogenesis is a powerful tool both for cloning and studies of genetic transformation and embryo development. most protocols for somatic embryogenesis induction start from zygotic embryos or embryonic-derived tissues which do not allow the propagation of elite trees. in the present study, a reliable protocol for somatic embryogenesis induction from adult trees of strawberry tree is described. leaves from in vitro proliferating shoots were used to induce somatic embryo formation on a me ...201626619869
understanding of human metabolic pathways of different sub-classes of phenols from arbutus unedo fruit after an acute intake.arbutus unedo is a small mediterranean fruit, commonly named strawberry tree, which is a rich source of different sub-classes of phenolic compounds, the more representative being the gallic acid derivatives, including its mono and oligomeric forms esterified with quinic and shikimic acids. in addition, galloyl derivatives, particularly gallotannins, described in a. unedo, are part of a very selective phenolic group, present in a reduced number of plant-products. the aim of the present study is t ...201626960019
stability and metabolism of arbutus unedo bioactive compounds (phenolics and antioxidants) under in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation.the natural antioxidants of arbutus unedo highlight the importance of this fruit as natural source of bioactive compounds. in the present study, to evaluate the stability of phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and fat-soluble antioxidants (α-tocopherol, β-carotene and lutein), in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was applied to a. unedo fruit. after that, the non-absorbable fraction was anaerobically incubated with human faeces and the metabolic pathway for gallotannins, ellagitannins, flavan-3-ols ...201626868556
pectic polysaccharides are attacked by hydroxyl radicals in ripening fruit: evidence from a fluorescent fingerprinting method.many fruits soften during ripening, which is important commercially and in rendering the fruit attractive to seed-dispersing animals. cell-wall polysaccharide hydrolases may contribute to softening, but sometimes appear to be absent. an alternative hypothesis is that hydroxyl radicals ((•)oh) non-enzymically cleave wall polysaccharides. we evaluated this hypothesis by using a new fluorescent labelling procedure to 'fingerprint' (•)oh-attacked polysaccharides.201626865506
effects of methanol extracts from roots, leaves, and fruits of the lebanese strawberry tree (arbutus andrachne) on cardiac function together with their antioxidant activity.several plant-derived natural products have been used in clinical phase for applications in neurological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases. arbutus andrachne l. (ericacea) is an evergreen shrub native to the mediterranean region. traditionally, the fruits and leaves of arbutus tree are well known and used as antiseptics, diuretics, blood tonic, and laxatives.201626511200
mycorrhizal synthesis between lactarius deliciosus and arbutus unedo l.arbutoid mycorrhizae were synthesized in vitro between arbutus unedo l. and two isolates of lactarius deliciosus. the fungal isolates were obtained from sporocarps collected under pinus sylvestris and in a mixed forest stand of quercus suber and pinus pinea. synthesis tubes filled with a mixture of sterilized peat, vermiculite, and perlite imbibed with nutrient solution were used. two inoculation methods using solid and liquid media were tested. shoots from an adult selected clone of a. unedo we ...201626215114
timing of false ring formation in pinus halepensis and arbutus unedo in southern italy: outlook from an analysis of xylogenesis and tree-ring chronologies.mediterranean tree rings are characterized by intra-annual density fluctuations (iadfs) due to partly climate-driven cambial activity. iadfs are used as structural signals to gain information on relations between environmental conditions and eco-physiological processes during xylogenesis, with intra-annual resolution. to reach an unbiased synchronization of the iadf position within tree rings and seasonal fluctuations in environmental conditions, it is necessary to know the timing of cambial act ...201627252721
secondary metabolites from the endophytic fungus talaromyces pinophilus.endophytic fungi have a great influence on plant health and growth, and are an important source of bioactive natural compounds. organic extracts obtained from the culture filtrate of an endophytic strain of talaromyces pinophilus isolated from strawberry tree (arbutus unedo) were studied. metabolomic analysis revealed the presence of three bioactive metabolites, the siderophore ferrirubin, the platelet-aggregation inhibitor herquline b and the antibiotic 3-o-methylfunicone. the latter was the ma ...201728278635
genetic diversity and divergence at the arbutus unedo l. (ericaceae) westernmost distribution limit.mediterranean forests are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to recent global warming and reduction of precipitation, and a long-term negative effect is expected on vegetation with increasing drought and in areas burnt by fires. we investigated the spatial distribution of genetic variation of arbutus unedo in the western iberia peninsula, using plastid markers with conservation and provenance regions design purposes. this species is currently undergoing an intense domestication process in the region, ...201728384294
diversity of fungal assemblages in roots of ericaceae in two mediterranean contrasting ecosystems.the plants belonging to the ericaceae family are morphologically diverse and widely distributed groups of plants. they are typically found in soil with naturally poor nutrient status. the objective of the current study was to identify cultivable mycobionts from roots of nine species of ericaceae (calluna vulgaris, erica arborea, erica australis, erica umbellate, erica scoparia, erica multiflora, arbutus unedo, vaccinium myrtillus, and vaccinium corymbosum). the sequencing approach was used to am ...201728302364
strawberry-tree honey induces growth inhibition of human colon cancer cells and increases ros generation: a comparison with manuka honey.honey is a natural product known to modulate several biological activities including cancer. the aim of the present study was to examine the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of strawberry tree (arbutus unedo) honey (sth) and its cytotoxic properties against human colon adenocarcinoma (hct-116) and metastatic (lovo) cell lines in comparison with manuka (leptospermum scoparium) honey (mh). several unifloral sth and mh were analyzed for their phenolic, flavonoid, amino acid and pr ...201728287469
functional teas from the leaves of arbutus unedo: phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and detection of efficient radical scavengers.the phenolic content/composition and antioxidant activity of hot/cold infusion and decoction from the leaves of arbutus unedo were studied for the first time. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (dpph(●)), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (abts(●+)), crocin-bleaching, copper-reducing, and liposome accelerated oxidation assays were used for the evaluation of the activity in vitro. in vivo, the extracts were examined for their ability to protect s. cerevisiae cells ...201728421300
the effect of silver nanoparticles size, produced using plant extract from arbutus unedo, on their antibacterial efficacy.silver nanoparticles (agnps) have been demonstrated to restrain bacterial growth, while maintaining minimal risk in development of bacterial resistance and human cell toxicity that conventional silver compounds exhibit. several physical and chemical methods have been reported to synthesize agnps. however, these methods are expensive and involve heavy chemical reduction agents. an alternative approach to produce agnps in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way employs a biological pathw ...201728698511
the effects of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone on haematological parameters and levels of primary dna damage in white blood cells of rats.strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l., ericaceae) leaves represent a potent source of biologically active compounds and have been used for a long to relieve symptoms of various health impairments and diseases. two major compounds related to their beneficial activities in animals and humans are arbutin and hydroquinone.201729288828
inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase by various food plant-derived phytotherapeutic agents.background: phosphodiesterases (pdes) play a major role in the regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (camp)- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cgmp)-mediated pathways. their inhibitors exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects. therefore, consumption of foods with pde-inhibiting potential may possess beneficial influence on the risk of cardiovascular diseases. methods: four plant extracts (arbutus unedo, camellia sinensis, cynara scolymus, zingiber officinale) w ...201729113064
phyto-toponyms of arbutus unedo l. and their distribution in sardinia (italy).the study shows the results of an inventory of place names connected to arbutus unedo l., a mediterranean species, widespread throughout sardinia. the main aim was to compare the past distribution of place names, referring to the strawberry tree, to the current distribution of the species on the island. in addition, we investigated the meaning and the diversity of these local place names in the various communities. the result was a collection of 432 phyto-toponyms. 248 of them were used for an a ...201728704491
development and validation of a gc-ms method for the analysis of homogentisic acid in strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l.) honey.to confirm the botanical origin of strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l.) honey, a liquid-liquid extraction followed by gc-ms method was developed for the quantitative determination of homogentisic acid (hga), the main phenolic compound in this honey. different parameters affecting extraction, such as the type and volume of extraction solvents, ph of the solution, and amount of salt, were optimized. the method showed good linearity (r2 = 0.9990) over the tested concentration range (50-500 mg/kg) and ...201728560954
multi-elemental composition and antioxidant properties of strawberry tree (arbutus unedo l.) honey from the coastal region of croatia: risk-benefit analysis.the concentration of 23 major and trace elements, total phenolic content (tpc) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (dpph) radical scavenging activity were determined in nine samples of strawberry tree honey and compared to other types of unifloral honeys. the most abundant elements in strawberry tree honey were potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, ranging between 1276 and 2367, 95.2-154, 14.4-74.4 and 13.4-64.3mg/kg, respectively. strawberry tree honey had generally higher tpc (range: 0.314-0 ...201829173488
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