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© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Ready-to-eat sprouts are becoming popular healthy fresh foods. Germination and elicitation may be used to improve phytochemical and functional quality of sprouts. The aim of this study was to unveil the efficacy of germination and the use of elicitors (500. μM ascorbic, 50. μM folic and 5. mM glutamic acid) to enhance the phenolic composition and antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of 8. day-old Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Pinto sprouts. Sprouting produced a general decrease in flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins of sprouts that was compensated with a higher content of flavanones and flavonols. Although elicitor treatments reduced total phenolic content of sprouts, they promoted the synthesis of specific flavanones and flavonol O-glycosides, effect that was dependent on the type of elicitor. Antioxidant activity was not affected by ascorbic and folic acid treatments whereas it was slightly reduced in glutamic acid-treated sprouts. Folic acid was the only treatment that caused an outstanding increase in the ACE inhibitory activity of sprouts. In conclusion, elicitation may produce positive changes in the phenolic profile and improve health-promoting potential of sprouts, although selection of elicitor is crucial to deliver marketplace ready to eat sprouts enriched in specific bioactive phytochemicals. ; This work was cofunded by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad through the project number AGL2010-16310 and the European Union through FEDER programme. R.I.L. thanks CSIC and European Societal Funds for providing a PhD fellowship. M.D. and E.P. thanks the Spanish "Ramón y Cajal" Program for financial support. ; Peer Reviewed

Germination has been proposed as an economic approach to improve the content of bioactive compounds in pseudocereals. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the impact of germination conditions on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of quinoa. The use of desirability methodology showed that the optimum conditions to maximise the content of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity in sprouted quinoa were 20 °C for 42 h. Sprouts produced under these conditions exhibited increases of 80% and 30% in TPC and antioxidant activity, respectively, compared to un-germinated seeds, and contained high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. The nonsignificant lack-of-fit and high determination coefficients obtained confirmed the suitability of the predictive models developed for TPC and antioxidant activity, whilst the one obtained for GABA was not significant (R2 < 0.75) within the conditions studied. Sprouting under optimum conditions enhanced the content of both flavonoid and nonflavonoid compounds, being the increase in flavonoids more pronounced. Kaempferol-O-dirhamnosyl-galactopyranose and quercetin-O-glucuronide were the compounds that experienced the most noticeable increase in quinoa after germination. In conclusion, this study provides useful information on the optimum germination conditions to improve the levels of health-promoting compounds in quinoa. ; This research was cofunded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Spain) and the European Union through the projects number AGL2013-43247-R, AGL2015-67598-R and FEDER programme, respectively. E. Penas is indebted to Ramon y Cajal Programme and Professor L. Paucar-Menacho to Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONCYTEC, Peru) for the financial support (Grant number 118-2013-CONCYTEC-FONDECYT). ; Peer Reviewed

Part of special issue: SLACA 2015: "Food Science for quality of life and health ageing". ; Controlled grain germination is a method of emerging interest to naturally improve nutritional and nutraceutical profile of grains. The aim of this study was to optimize germination temperature and time using response surface methodology to maximize the concentration of ɣ-amminobutyric acid (GABA), phenolic compounds (PC) and the antioxidant activity of kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus) grains. The optimal germination temperature and time were 26 °C and 63 h, respectively, in which GABA, PC and antioxidant activity increased 29.1, 4.0 and 6.4-fold, respectively. Individual phenolic composition of kiwicha sprouts obtained in the optimal conditions was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Sprouting in the optimal germination conditions enhances mainly the concentrations of 4-O-caffeoylquinic, 4-O-feruloylquinic acids and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Predicted models were significant (P < 0.05) for all the parameters studied with high regression coefficients ranging from 0.965 to 0.989. The predicted values from the developed quadratic polynomial equation were in close agreement with the experimental values. In conclusion, germination at 26 °C for 63 h offers a practical opportunity for enhancing the nutraceutical quality of kiwicha grains supporting their preferential use over non-germinated grains for improving health outcomes associated to lifestyle-associated diseases. ; This research was cofunded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Spain) and the European Union through the project number AGL2013-43247-R and FEDER programme, respectively. E. Peñas is indebted to Ramón y Cajal Programme and Professor L. Paucar-Menacho to Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONCYTEC, Peru) for the financial support (Grant number 118-2013-CONCYTEC-FONDECYT). ; Peer Reviewed

Part of special issue: SLACA 2015: "Food Science for quality of life and health ageing". ; The objective of this study was to optimize germination time and temperature for maximizing the content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant activity in purple corn sprouts by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The phenolic composition of purple corn sprouts obtained in the optimal conditions was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Temperature of 26 °C and time of 63 h were found to be the optimal germination conditions since they enhanced 3.5-fold GABA content compared with seeds. These conditions, however, reduced ∼30 and ∼15% TPC and antioxidant activity, respectively, in purple corn. The models developed showed high coefficients of determination, demonstrating their adequacy to explain the variations in experimental data. Sprouts obtained in the optimal conditions presented anthocyanins as the most abundant phenolic class, detected mainly as cyanidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin glycosides or their malonyl derivatives. Hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives and flavonols were detected as minor compounds. Thus, germination at 26 °C for 63 h can be considered as an innovative strategy for diversifying the utilization of purple corn, providing at the same time sprouts with high levels of phytochemicals. Purple corn sprouts may constitute promising health-promoting foods. ; This research was cofunded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Spain) and the European Union through the project number AGL2013-43247-R and FEDER programme, respectively. E. Peñas is indebted to Ramón y Cajal Programme and Professor L. Paucar-Menacho to Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONCYTEC, Peru) for the financial support (Grant number 118-2013-CONCYTEC-FONDECYT). ; Peer Reviewed

Natural matrices represent a rich source of biologically active compounds and are an example of molecular diversity, with recognized potential in drug discovery and development. Many plants frequently used in folk medicine have antioxidant and pharmacological properties connected with the presence of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids [1]. The biological, pharmacological and medicinal properties of this group of compounds have been extensively reviewed (2]. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in the Northeast of Portugal highlighted the decoction of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (shrubby everl asting; port. douradinha) for cold, bronchitis and fever [3]. In the present study, the phenolic composition of H. stoechas (inflorescences and leafy flowering stems) was analyzed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry with electron spray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), after extraction with methanol:water (80:20 v/v). Seventeen different phenolic compounds were identified, in which eight were characterized as phenolic acids, being 5-0-caffeoylquinic and 3,5-0-dicaffeoylquinic acids the most abundant compounds. Furthermore, nine flavonols were also identified, mostly derivatives of quercetin and myricetin, being myricetin 0 -acylhexoside the most abundant flavonoid. Overall, the analytical screening by HPLC-MS represents a valid and rapid approach in the search of new bioactive phenolic compounds. ; FCT for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEstOE/ AGR/UI0690/2011 ). L. Barros also thanks to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for her grant (SFRH/BPD/4609/2008). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Conso/ider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Duenas thanks to the Programa Ram6n y Cajal for a contract.

Rubus ulmifolius Schoot (Rosaceae), known as wild blackberry, is a perennial shrubfound in wild and cultivated habitats in Europe, Asia and North Africa[1]. Traditionally, R. ulmifoliusis considered to be anticatarrhal, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, and antispasmodic. Oral dosage forms are used for diarrhea, menstrual pain, menopause disorders, liver diseases, aphtha, gingivitis, hypertension and diabetes [2].Different classes of bioactive constituents are present in R. ulmifolius, including phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the phenolic composition of different preparations (decoction and hydromethanolic extract)of R. ulmifoliusflower buds. The analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry with electron spray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), in order to establish the specific phenolic profile of each preparation. The phenolic profile of both preparations was identical, varying only in the concentrations found. Twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified in both samples, in which seven were identified as phenolic acids (di- and caffeolyqui nic, p-coumaroylquinicand feruloylquinic acids),ten flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives and catechin), and five ellagitannin derivatives (lambertianin and di -HHDP-galloyl glucose). These compoundswere found in both preparations. The most abundant compounds foundwere ellagitannin derivatives, such as lambertianin and di-HHDP-galloyl glucose. Gasperotti et al. [3]have identified these compounds in R. fruticosus fruits. To our knowledge, this is the first time that these compounds were identified and quantified inR. ulmifolius flowers buds. ; FCT for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEstOE/ AGR/UI0690/20 11 ). L. Barros also thanks to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for her grant (SFRH/BPD/4609/2008). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Duefias thanks to the Programa Ram6n y Cajal for a contract.

Medicinal plants are recognized as important sources of novel biomolecules, which theoretically can be used in the treatment of diverse diseases. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae; syn: Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants) is an example of a plant formerly used in Portuguese traditional medicine, normally consumed as infusion of its dried leaves and flowering stems. lt has diverse pharmacological applications in the treatment of influenza, cold or gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments, healing of skin ulceration caused by Leishmania species, as well as vomitive, antihelmintic, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties [1-3]. In this study, the bioactive properties (antioxidant and antitumour activities, and hepatotoxicity) of the infusion and methanolic extract of wild C. ambrosioides were evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the chemical composition in hydrophilic (sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds) and lipophilic (fatty acids and tocopherols) compounds were determined. In general, the infusion revealed higher antioxidant activity, while the methanolic extract was the only one showing antitumour effects against colon, cervical and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. No toxicity in non-tumour cells was observed either for the infusion or the extract. Bioactive compounds such as some sugars and organic acids, phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols were identified and quantified in C. ambrosioides. As far as we know, this is the first detailed chemical characterization and bioactivity evaluation of C. ambrosioides methanolic extract and infusion. ; Fundação para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011 ). L. Barros also thanks to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for her grant (SFRH/BPD/4609/2008). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-CFOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Duenas thanks to the Programa Ram6n y Cajal tor a contract.

Many herbal beverages, frequently used in folk medicine, have pharmacological properties connected with the presence of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds. Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp. (Fam. Cistaceae) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in several regions of the Iberian Peninsula used to prepare herbal infusions or decoctions [1 ].1n the present work, the antioxidant activity of wild T. lignosa infusion and decoction was evaluated by four different methodologies (free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition) and the phenolic composition was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Ellagitanins and flavonoids were the main phenolic compounds found, being punicalagin and punicalagin gallate the most abundant compounds ( - 123 and 98 mg/g of infusion and decoction, respectively). The infusion and decoction presented very similar results in the amounts of phenolic compounds, but the antioxidant potential was slightly higher in the decoction preparation. Both samples revealed high antioxidant activity (EC50 values lower than 57.3 llg/ml), even higher, in some cases, than the standard trolox. This work gives scientific evidences to the traditional medicinal uses of wild Tuberaria lignosa, highlighting the interest of its decoction and infusion as sources of bioactive compounds (e.g. phenolic compounds) that could be used as functional beverages. ; Funda<;:ao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to Mountain Research Centre (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011 ). L. Barros thanks FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for her grant (SFRH/BPD/4609/2008). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Duefias thanks to the Programa Raman y Cajal for a contract.

Plants are being increasingly used in dermatological formulations, since their collateral effects are lower than those caused by synthetic products. Hydrogels represent efficient formulations to incorporate plant extracts, providing good percutaneous absorption, non-greasy texture and easy application. Bryonia dioica Jacq. (white-bryony), Tamus communis L. (black-bryony) and Lonicera periclymenum L. (honeysuckle) fruits have important applications as topical homemade remedies. The phenolic extracts of B. dioica, T. communis and L. periclymenum were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and further incorporated into hydrosoluble gels in order to evaluate their antioxidant potential. The hydrogels were prepared with each fruit extract at the EC50 value (obtained herein for each ethanolic extract). The antioxidant activity of extracts and hydrogels was evaluated following different chemical and biochemical assays. Eighteen compounds were identified in honeysuckle (7 flavonols, 7 hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives and 4 anthocyanins), fourteen in white-bryony (9 flavonols and 5 flavones) and twelve in black-bryony (7 flavonols and 5 flavones). Honeysuckle showed the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, but the antioxidant activity was similar among the three assayed species. The obtained formulations revealed antioxidant activity close to 50% for reducing power, scavenging activity and β-carotene/linoleate assays. The studied fruits might be considered as good source of phenolic compounds that can be used in formulations for topical application, benefiting their antioxidant effects. ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011). J.C.M. Barreira thanks to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for his grant (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010). M. Dueñas thanks to the Programa Ramón y Cajal for a contract. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063).

The vast structural diversity of natural compounds found in plants provides unique opportunities for discovering new drugs. Anthocyanins are an example of bioactive compounds with possible beneficial effects on human health (/). Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (hawthorn) has been extensively studied due to its various alleged health benefits (2) . Herein, samples from fruits on three different maturity stages (unripe, ripened and over ripened fruits) were extracted with acidified (trifluoracetic acid) methanol. Extracts were purified on a C1s SepPak® Vac 3 cc cartridge (Phenomenex) and filtered through a 0.22-pm disposable LC filter disk. The HPLC system consisted of a 1-lewlett-Packard 1100 chromatograph (Agilent Technologies) with a quaternary pump and a diode array detector (DAD) coupled to an HP Chem Station (rev. A.05.04) data-processing. Double detection was carried out by DAD, using 520 nm as the preferred wavelength, and MS detection, performed in an API 3200 Qtrap (Applied Biosystems) equipped with an ESI source and a triple quadrupole-ion trap mass analyzer that was controlled by the Analyst 5.1 software. Further details were given by Rodrigues et al. (3). The anthocyanin profiles obtained for ripened and over ripened fruits were quite similar, consisting of five different compounds, whereas the profile in unripe fruits was simpler (only two anthocyanins). Cyanidin 3-0-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-0-glucoside and peonidin 3-0-glucos ide were positively identified by comparison with standards. The p1·esence of cyanidin 3-0-rutinoside and cyanidin pentoside was also confirmed by comparison of its chromatographic and UV and mass spectral characteristics with data in our library. Cyanidin-3-0-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in all the samples, and over ripened th1its were, by far, the phenological stage with the highest anthocyanin concentrations, which was coherent with its higher pigmentation. Accordingly, C. manogyna might be considered as a potential natural source of anthocyanins, whose bioactive properties might have several applications. ; FCT (Portugal) for financial support to 1he research centre CIMO (PEst-0E/AGR/UI0690/2011), J.C.M. Barreira grant (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010). Spanish Government for financial support to GIP-USAL through the Consolider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063); Programa Ramón y Cajal for M. Dueñas contract.

The bioactivity (antioxidant and cytotoxic activities) of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Arenaria montana L., a plant commonly used in Portuguese folk medicine, was evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the phytochemical composition was determined regarding hydrophilic (sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds) and lipophilic (fatty acids and tocopherols) compounds, in order to valorize this plant material as a functional food/nutraceutical. Fructose, oxalic acid, methyl-luteolin 2''-O-feruloylhexosyl-C-hexoside, α-tocopherol, and linoleic acid were the main individual compounds found in A. montana. In general, the aqueous extract gave higher antioxidant and cytotoxic activity than the methanolic extract; the latter showed activity only against HeLa and HepG2 cell lines. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts showed some hepatotoxicity but at higher doses than the ones active for tumor cell lines. Moreover, the aqueous extract of A. montana may be used as a functional food or nutraceutical due to the high antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, and to the presence of bioactive compounds. As far as we know, this is the first report on phytochemical composition and bioactivity of A. montana. ; The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for Fnancial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011), REQUIMTE (PEst-C/EQB/ LA0006/2011), M.I. Dias (SFRH/BD/84485/2012 grant), R.C. Calhelha (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010 grant) and L. Barros (contract under "Programa Compromisso com Ciência-2008"). The GIPUSAL is Financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-CFOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Dueñas thanks to the Programa Ramón y Cajal for a contract.

The bioactive properties (antioxidant and antitumour activities, and hepatotoxicity) of the infusion and methanolic extracts of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., a plant commonly used in Portuguese folk medicine, were compared. The chemical composition in hydrophilic (sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds) and lipophilic (fatty acids and tocopherols) fractions were determined. In general, the infusion revealed higher antioxidant activity, while the methanolic extract was the only one showing antitumour effects against colon, cervical and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. No toxicity in non-tumour cells was observed either for the infusion or the extract. The studied plant proved to be a good source of natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, which may have industrial use. As far as we know, this is the first detailed chemical characterization and bioactivity evaluation of C. ambrosioides methanolic extract and infusion. ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011). R.C. Calhelha and L. Barros also thank to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for their grants (SFRH/BPD/ BPD/68344/2010 and SFRH/BPD/4609/2008, respectively). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Dueñas thanks to the Programa Ramón y Cajal for a contract.

Juglans regia L. (walnut) leaves are considered a source of healthcare compounds, and have been widely used in traditional medicine. Furthermore, they have been reported as a source of bioactive molecules such as the antioxidant phenolic compounds. In the present study, organic acids, mono and oligosaccharides, and tocopherols were analyzed in leaves and decoction (widely used for topical applications). Furthermore, the phenolic composition and bioactivity of walnut leaves was determined in its decoction and methanol extract. Malic acid, sucrose, α-tocopherol and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acids and quercetin O-pentoside were the most abundant organic acid, disaccharide, tocopherol isomer and phenolic compounds, respectively. Methanol extract presented higher antioxidant and antitumor potential than decoction; both samples did not show toxicity for non-tumor liver primary cells. This study provides a more complete characterization of phenolic compounds of walnut leaves, and as far as we know, this is the first time that the presence of procyanidins and taxifolin derivatives, as also tocopherols were reported in J. regia leaves. ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011). L. Barros and R.C. Calhelha also thank to FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for their grants (SFRH/BPD/4609/2008 and SFRH/BPD/68344/2010, respectively). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). M. Dueñas thanks the Programa Ramón y Cajal for a contract.

Flavonoids represent the most common and widely distributed group of plant phenolic compounds, and can be further broken into classes including flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanols, isoflavonoids and anthocyanins (1). Anthocyanins are widespread in nature mainly in flowers, fruits and vegetables and are responsible for their orange, red and blue colors. They are nontoxic, water-soluble compounds of great interest in nutrition and medicine because of their potent antioxidant capacity (2) , ability to regulate adipocytokine gene expression (3), and therefore, possible protective effects on human health ( 4). They are also used in dyes industry to rep lace synthetic pigments by natural ones (5). This study aimed to analyze the composition in anthocyanins of wild fruits of Arbutus unedo L. (strawberry-tree), Prunus spinosa L. (b lackthorn), Rosa canina L. and Rosa micrantha Borrer ex Sm. (wild roses) from northeastern Portugal. The fruits were extracted using methanol with 0.5% trilluoracetic acid, puritied with a C-1 8 SepPak® cartridge and analyzed by 1-lPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Cyanidin 3-0-glucoside was found in all the studied fruits, being the major anthocyanin in most of them, with the exception of P. spinosa sample, in which cyanidin-3-0-rutinoside and peonidin-3-0-rutinoside predominated. P . spinosa sample presented the more complex anthocyanin profile among the analyzed fruits and also the highest anthocyanin concentrations (100.40 ~-L g/ 100 g dry weight), which was coherent with its greater pigmentation. R. canina fruits presented the lowest concentration (0.68 11 g/ l 00 g) . Overall, the studied fruits may have great potential for food industries as a source of colors and flavors, as well as bioactive molecules for dietary supplements or functional foods . ; FCT (Portugal) for financial support to the research centre CIMO (PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011 ), R. Guimaraes and L. Barros grants (SFRJ-1/BD/78307/2011 ; SFRH/BPD/4609/2008). Spanish Government for financial support to GJP-USi\L through the Consolider-lngenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD. CSD2007-00063); Programa Ramón y Cajal for M. D. contract

Bee bread (BB) is a fermented mixture of plant pollen, honey, and bee saliva that worker bees use as food for larvae, and for young bees to produce royal jelly. In the present study, five BB samples, collected from Apis mellifera iberiensis hives located in different apiaries near Bragança, in the northeast region of Portugal, and one BB commercial sample were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) in terms of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoid glycoside derivatives. Furthermore, the samples were screened, using in vitro assays, against different human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung cancer), HeLa (cervical carcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), and also against non-tumor liver cells (porcine liver cells, PLP2). The main phenolic compounds found were flavonol derivatives, mainly quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin and herbacetrin glycoside derivatives. Thirty-two compounds were identified in the six BB samples, presenting BB1 and BB3 with the highest contents (6802 and 6480 µg/g extract, respectively) and the highest number of identified compounds. Two isorhamnetin glycoside derivatives, isrohamnetin-O-hexosyl-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-O-pentosyl-hexoside, were the most abundant compounds present in BB1; on the other hand, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside was the most abundant flavonol in BB3. However, it was not possible to establish a correlation between the flavonoids and the observed low to moderate cytotoxicity (ranging from > 400 to 68 µg/mL), in which HeLa and NCI-H460 cell lines were the most susceptible to the inhibition. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report characterizing glycosidic flavonoids in BB samples, contributing to the chemical knowledge of this less explored bee product. ; The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (Pest-OE/AGR/UI0690/2013) and L. Barros grant (SFRH/BPD/107855/2015). Also, to POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984 (LA LSRE-LCM), funded by FEDER, through POCI-COMPETE2020 and FCT. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion