Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development and Challenges of Feeding Assays for Insect Pest Management
Published on: May 26, 2023
Phytochemical characterization of Borago officinalis L. and Centaurea cyanus L. during flower development
L Fernandes1, J A Pereira2, J A Saraiva3
1Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO)/School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus de Stª Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; LAQV@REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Porto University, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Agrifood (QOPNA) - Chemistry Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Abstract:
The present work details the nutritional and chemical compositions of borage and centaurea, at three flowering stages. Water was the main constituent, followed by total dietary fiber. Both flowers showed statistically different (p < 0.05) nutritional and chemical profiles, although in both, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (mainly linoleic and α-linolenic acids), free sugars (3.9-28.9% dw as fructose, glucose, and sucrose), tocopherols (with the major contribution of α-tocopherol from 1.24 to 2.75 mg/100 g dw), carotenoids (0.2-181.4 mg/100 g dw, mainly as lutein), and organic acids (6.1-14.4 g/100 g dw, mainly malic, succinic, and citric acids) were quantified. Concerning flowering, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for some components, particularly carotenoids; however, no specific trend was observed in either of the two flower species. Thus, the present study shows that each flower species, as well as their flowering stages, may have different phytochemical and nutritional compositions.
Related Concept Videos
Pollination and Flower Structure
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Sustainable Development
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...

