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Consumers' demand for healthier foods with functional properties has had a clear influence on the food industry and in this sense, they have been attaching natural sources of bioactive ingredients into food products. Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) is known to be a functional food, presenting its fruits in the form of a small dark blueberry. This coloration is due to its high content in anthocyanin, being also associated with bilberries' beneficial health effects. In the bilberry industry, there is a very high annual loss of this fruit due to the less aesthetic shape or appearance, in which they cannot be considered suitable for sale and are therefore disposed of as biological waste. Therefore, it is of great importance to valorize this fruit and this review aimed to completely characterize the fruits of V. myrtillus in order to comprehend the relationship between their consumption and the beneficial effects regarding consumer's health. Thus, this review provides a description of the nutritional and bioactive compounds present in bilberry fruits, followed by their beneficial health effects. An overview of the natural pigments present in these fruits was also explored, focusing particularly in the anthocyanins composition, which represents the most widely studied class of bioactive compounds of V. myrtillus fruits. Finally, industrial applications of these fruits and by-products, as an efficient approach to the production of value-added products with economical and environmental impact, were also discussed. In general, V. myrtillus is a rich source of micronutrients and phytochemical compounds, such as organic acids, sugars, vitamins, fibers and phenolic compounds (anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin compounds), with nutritional and functional properties, that justify the growing interest in these berries, not only for food applications, but also in the pharmaceutical industry. ; The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020) and T.C.S.P. Pires grant (SFRH/BD/129551/2017). L. Barros would like to thank the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract. To the project AllNat for the contract of C. Caleja (Project AllNat POCI-01-0145- FEDER-030463). The authors are also grateful to FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522- C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Edible flowers have been used in the human diet with secular records in Asia, ancient Greece and Rome, medieval France, England and the Middle East region [1). Due to consumer's interest in healthier living habits, edible flowers have performed an increasingly important function. These flowers are abundant natural sources of phytochemical compounds around the world with health benefits [2).The aim of this study was to determine the individual profile of soluble sugars and glycosylated flavonoids in petals and respective infusions of four edible flower species (Dahlia· mignon, Rose damascena 'Alexandria' and R. Gallica 'Francesa' grafted on R. canina, Calendula officina/is L. and Centaurea cyanus L). The soluble sugars were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a refractive index detector (HPLC-RI) and quantification was performed using the internal standard (melezitose) method. The phenolic profile analysis was performed by LC-DAD-ESI/MSn. Fructose, glucose and sucrose were found in the petals and in the infusions of the different species. Fructose was the main sugar present in three of the studied edible flowers, except for the Calendula officina/is L. where sucrose was the predominant sugar. Dahlia and rose petals (10.24 ± 0.62 and 10.75 ± 1.05 g/1 00 g dry weight), and their infusions (0.19 ± 0.02 and 0.19 ± 0.01 mg/100 mL respectively) presented higher values of total sugars, while the centaurea petals (1 .5 ± 0.1 g/1 00 g) and its infusion (0 .14 ± 0.01 mg/1 00 mL) presented lower values. The phenolic profile, of dahlia sample presented a total of 21 compounds, the main being naringenin-3-0-glucoside. The rose petals presented 12 flavonoids (kaempferol- and quercetin-3-0-glucosides as major compounds). Calendula presented a profile with 13 phenolic compounds (isorhamnetin-3-0-rutinoside as the most abundant molecule) and centaurea flowers presented 14 polyphenols (apigenin-0-glucuronide as the most abundant). These results confirm the potential of edible flowers as a source of bioactive compounds and their applicability, not only as ingredients in gourmet cooking but also as sources of bioactive phytochemicals with interest for the pharmaceutical and food industries. ; The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (U/D/AGR/00690/2013), REQUIMTE (UID/QU//50006/2013 - POCI/01101 45/FERDER/007) and L. Barros' contract. GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish government through project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The recent preoccupation with healthier living conditions has increased consumer interest in products that have beneficial effects. Edible flowers have been reported since ancient times in Asia, ancient Greece and Rome, medieval France, England and in the Middle East region as a healthy alternative. The aim of this study was to determine the individual profile of soluble sugars and glycosylated flavonoids in dahlia petals and in its infusion, and also to evaluate the bioactive properties. The soluble sugars were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a refractive index detector (HPLC-RI), while the phenolic profile was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn. Furthermore, the bioactive properties were evaluated through the antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Fructose, glucose and sucrose were found in the petals and infusions, being fructose the main sugar present in petals (10.24 ± 0.62 g/100 g dw), and in the infusion (0.19 ± 0.02 mg/100 mL). The phenolic profile of dahlia sample presented a total of 21 compounds, being the main molecule naringenin-3-O-glucoside. Dahlia petals presented a higher antioxidant activity than the infusion for DPPH scavenging activity (0.63 ± 0.01 and 1.17 ± 0.05 mg/mL, respectively) and β-carotene bleaching inhibition (0.48 ± 0.02 and 2.01 ± 0.07 mg/mL, respectively), while for the reducing power the infusion revealed a higher potential (1.33 ± 0.07 and 0.799 ± 0.001 mg/mL, respectively). Dahlia petals and infusion gave the lowest GI50 values against HeLa (223.65 ± 2.78 μg/mL) and MCF-7 (361.99 ± 28.83 μg/mL, 303.27 ± 26.13 μg/mL respectively) cell lines. The samples were active against most of the tested microorganisms, however, the samples were found to be more active against Gram-positive bacteria with MICs ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL. These results confirm the potential of Dahlia mignon as a source of bioactive compounds with interest for the pharmaceutical and food industries. ; Acknowledgments: The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013), L. Barros contract, and T. Pires grant (SFRH/BD/129551/2017); to FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E; GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Consumers search for food with functional characteristics beyond its nutritional properties. Thus, the concept of functional food has become a hot topic, allowing us to obtain additional health benefits, including disease prevention. In this context, plants are recognized as sources of a wide range of bioactives, including phenolic compounds. Herein, rosemary aqueous extract was used as a functional ingredient for cottage cheese, after proving that it possesses both higher content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, comparatively with the corresponding hydroethanolic extract. However, a decrease of bioactivity was observed for the cheese samples enriched with the extracts in free form after seven days under storage. Therefore, in order to preserve the antioxidant activity, the rosemary aqueous extract was efficiently microencapsulated by using an atomization/coagulation technique. Overall, the introduction of both free and microencapsulated extracts provided bioactivity that was better preserved with microencapsulated extracts without changing the nutritional value of cottage cheese. ; FCT for financial support to CIMO (Project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014). FCT/MEC and FEDER under Program PT2020 for financial support to LSRE (Project UID/EQU/50020/2013). QREN, ON2 and FEDER (NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000014) and PRODER (Project nº 46577- PlantLact). The GIP-USAL to the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN–C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). L. Barros and C. Caleja thank FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for their contracts ("Programa Compromisso com Ciência-2008" and SFRH/BD/93007/2013, respectively). The authors also thank Cantinho das Aromáticas Lda., for providing rosemary samples, and to Queijos Casa Matias, for the preparation of the cottage cheese samples.

Most of the nearly 1500 species in Opuntia genus contain health-promoting components. These species are able to grow under adverse conditions, not suitable for other fruits/vegetables. Despite the acknowledge interest of their xoconostle fruits, especially due to their exquisite taste, other botanical parts from Opuntia are being scarcely studied. Herein, it was intended characterize Opuntia spp. seeds for their composition in soluble sugars, organic acids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds, besides evidencing their potential as sources of essential fatty acids. In addition, their antioxidant activity was assessed through different in vitro biochemical assays. Seeds of Opuntia spp. presented phytochemical profiles that allow their classification as a high-interest by-product. The levels of linoleic acid, γ-tocopherol and phenolic acids, as also their high antioxidant activity, are amongst the top characteristics that might endorse Opuntia spp. seeds in novel applications in food or pharmaceutical industries. ; The authors are grateful to 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 FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE for his grant (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010). L. Barros thanks "Compromisso para a Ciência 2008" for her contract. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063).

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Opuntia microdasys flowers in different maturity stages was evaluated. Fructose, glucose, sucrose and trehalose were found; oxalic, quinic, malic, and citric acids were also detected; five hydroxycinnamoyl, two kaempferol and six isorhamnetin derivatives; 23 fatty acids were quantified in all stages, except C20:2, which was only found in post flowering stage (F3); alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols were quantified in all samples. The highest contents in soluble sugars and phenolic compounds were detected in full flowering stage (F2), while organic acids and tocopherols were predominant in vegetative stage (F1). The highest levels of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in F3, F2 and F1, respectively. F1 gave the highest antioxidant activity. Principal components analysis showed clearly individualized groups corresponding to each flowering stage, identifying the most distinctive features, which might be useful to select a flowering stage for incorporation in functional foods. (C) 2014 ; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011), João C.M. Barreira (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010 grant) and L. Barros ("Compromisso para a Ciência 2008" contract). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063).

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.

In vitro culture emerges as a sustainable way to produce bioactives for further applicability in the food industry. Herein, vegetative parts of Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry) obtained by in vitro culture were analyzed regarding nutritional and phytochemical compounds, as well as antioxidant activity. These samples proved to have higher content of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble sugars, organic acids (including ascorbic acid) and tocopherols (mainly a-tocopherol) than wild grown F. vesca, as well as containing additional phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity of hydromethanolic extracts could be correlated with the content of different phenolic groups and other compounds (sugars and organic acids). It was demonstrated that in vitro culture could enhance nutritional and bioactive compounds of Fragaria vesca L. plants, providing a very interesting biotechnological tool for potential food applications. ; The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project UID/AGR/00690/2013) and to REQUIMTE (national funds and co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020) and to POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984 (LA LSRE-LCM) funded by ERDF through POCI-COMPETE2020 and FCT. L. Barros and M.I. Dias thank FCT for their grants (SFRH/BPD/107855/2015 and SFRH/BD/84485/2012, respectively). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Edible flowers are used in food preparations, being also recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Nevertheless, these species are highly perishable, and irradiation treatment might be applied to ensure food quality and increase their shelf life. Viola tricolor L. is a typical edible flower, with multiple applications and biological properties, mainly provided by the flavonoid content. In the present work, the phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using biochemical assays. Linear discriminant analyses (LDA) were performed in order to compare the results obtained with flowers submitted to different irradiation doses and technologies (cobalt-60 and electron-beam). In general, irradiated samples (mostly with 1 kGy) showed the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the significant differences observed in the LDA allow determination of which dose and/or technology is suitable to obtain flowers with higher antioxidant potential. ; The authors are grateful to the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011), João C.M. Barreira (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010 grant) and L. Barros ("Compromisso para a Ciência 2008" contract). The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063). To CNEN, CAPES, CNPq and IPEN-CNEN/SP for financial support to Amanda Koike. This research is included in a Bilateral action FCT-CNPq, Portugal/Brazil 2014.

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 substitution of artificial dyes by natural colouring agents is among the top concerns of food industry to fulfil current consuming trends, justifying the prospection of novel natural sources of these compounds. Herein, the hydrophilic extracts from rose, cornflower and dahlia were tested as potential substitutes to E163 (anthocyanin extract). Besides comparing the colouring capacity, the potential occurrence of changes in the chemical composition of yogurts (nutritional parameters, free sugars and fatty acids) was also assessed throughout storage (up to 7 days) and compared with a "blank" (free of any additive) yogurt formulation. In general, yogurts prepared with flower extracts, presented similar nutritional value and free sugars profile to those prepared with E163 and to the "blank" yogurt. Nevertheless, rose extract turned out to be the most suitable alternative to E163 as these two groups of yogurts had similar nutritional composition, free sugars and fatty acids composition, besides presenting close scores in colour parameters. ; The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project UID/AGR/00690/2013), to REQUIMTE (national funds and cofinanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020), Tânia Pires (SFRH/BD/129551/2017) and João C.M. Barreira and L. Barros contracts. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. The authors are also grateful to FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E; the European Structural and Investment Funds (FEEI) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project NORTE- 01-0145-FEDER-023289: DeCodE and Project Mobilizador Norte-01- 0247-FEDER-024479: ValorNatural®. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion