Antioxidants

Editorial

2 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use as Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods

by Azzurra Stefanucci and Adriano Mollica

Antioxidants 2021, 10(5), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10050766 - 12 May 2021

Viewed by 1517

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet comprises a set of foods that commonly feature in the diet of inhabitants from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 2433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grape Seeds Proanthocyanidins: Advanced Technological Preparation and Analytical Characterization

by Paolo Morazzoni, Paola Vanzani, Sandro Santinello, Antonina Gucciardi, Lucio Zennaro, Giovanni Miotto and Fulvio Ursini

Antioxidants 2021, 10(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030418 - 09 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

A “green” solvent-free industrial process (patent pending) is here described for a grape seed extract (GSE) preparation (Ecovitis™) obtained from selected seeds of Veneto region wineries, in the northeast of Italy, by water and selective tangential flow filtration at different porosity. Since a [...] Read more.

A “green” solvent-free industrial process (patent pending) is here described for a grape seed extract (GSE) preparation (Ecovitis™) obtained from selected seeds of Veneto region wineries, in the northeast of Italy, by water and selective tangential flow filtration at different porosity. Since a comprehensive, non-ambiguous characterization of GSE is still a difficult task, we resorted to using an integrated combination of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS). By calibration of retention time and spectroscopic quantification of catechin as chromophore, we succeeded in quantifying GPC polymers up to traces at n = 30. The MS analysis carried out by the ESI-HRMS method by direct-infusion allows the detection of more than 70 species, at different polymerization and galloylation, up to n = 13. This sensitivity took advantage of the nanoscale shotgun approach, although paying the limit of missed separation of stereoisomers. GPC and MS approaches were remarkably well cross-validated by overlapping results. This simple integrated analytical approach has been used for quality control of the production of Ecovitis™. The emerging feature of Ecovitis™ vs. a popular benchmark in the market, produced by a different technology, is the much lower content of species at low n and the corresponding increase of species at high n. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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15 pages, 4113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Pomegranate on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response Induced by 5-Fluorouracil in Human Keratinocytes

by Shara Francesca Rapa, Giorgia Magliocca, Giacomo Pepe, Giuseppina Amodio, Giuseppina Autore, Pietro Campiglia and Stefania Marzocco

Antioxidants 2021, 10(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020203 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4075

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine analogue used as an antineoplastic agent to treat multiple solid tumors. Despite its use and efficacy, it also has important side effects in healthy cells, including skin reactions, related to its pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory potential. Although there are [...] Read more.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine analogue used as an antineoplastic agent to treat multiple solid tumors. Despite its use and efficacy, it also has important side effects in healthy cells, including skin reactions, related to its pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory potential. Although there are numerous remedies for chemotherapy-induced skin reactions, the efficacy of these treatments remains limited. In this study we focused on the effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice extract (PPJE) on the oxidative and inflammatory state in 5-FU-treated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT). The obtained results showed that PPJE significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species release and increased the cellular antioxidant response, as indicated by the increased expression of cytoprotective enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1. In these experimental conditions, PPJE also inhibited nitrotyrosine formation and 5-FU-induced inflammatory response, as indicated by the reduced cytokine level release. Moreover, PPJE inhibited nuclear translocation of p65-NF-κB, a key factor regulating the inflammatory response. In 5-FU-treated HaCaT cells PPJE also inhibited apoptosis and promoted wound repair. These results suggest a potential use of PPJE as an adjuvant in the treatment of the oxidative and inflammatory state that characterizes chemotherapy-induced skin side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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17 pages, 1931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus Flavanones Mix and Its Stability after In Vitro Simulated Digestion

by Marcella Denaro, Antonella Smeriglio and Domenico Trombetta

Antioxidants 2021, 10(2), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020140 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4537

Abstract

Recently, several studies have highlighted the role of Citrus flavanones in counteracting oxidative stress and inflammatory response in bowel diseases. The aim of study was to identify the most promising Citrus flavanones by a preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory screening by in vitro cell-free [...] Read more.

Recently, several studies have highlighted the role of Citrus flavanones in counteracting oxidative stress and inflammatory response in bowel diseases. The aim of study was to identify the most promising Citrus flavanones by a preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory screening by in vitro cell-free assays, and then to mix the most powerful ones in equimolar ratio in order to investigate a potential synergistic activity. The obtained flavanones mix (FM) was then subjected to in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the availability of the parent compounds at the intestinal level. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity was investigated on a Caco-2 cell-based model stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. FM showed stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with respect to the single flavanones, demonstrating the occurrence of synergistic activity. The LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis of gastric and duodenal digested FM (DFM) showed that all compounds remained unchanged at the end of digestion. As proof, a superimposable behavior was observed between FM and DFM in the anti-inflammatory assay carried out on Caco-2 cells. Indeed, it was observed that both FM and DFM decreased the IL-6, IL-8, and nitric oxide (NO) release similarly to the reference anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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23 pages, 1441 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Effect of Nitrogen Input on Chemical Profile and Bioactive Properties of Green- and Red-Colored Basil Cultivars

by Luís R. O. Cruz, Ângela Fernandes, Francesco Di Gioia, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Nikolaos Polyzos, Maria Inês Dias, José Pinela, Marina Kostić, Marina D. Soković, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira and Lillian Barros

Antioxidants 2020, 9(11), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111036 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3537

Abstract

In the present study, three red-colored (Dark Opal, Basilico Rosso, and Red Basil) and one green-colored landrace (Mitikas) of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were grown under four nitrogen regimes, namely Control (no fertilizer added), 200 ppm, 400 ppm, and 600 ppm of [...] Read more.

In the present study, three red-colored (Dark Opal, Basilico Rosso, and Red Basil) and one green-colored landrace (Mitikas) of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were grown under four nitrogen regimes, namely Control (no fertilizer added), 200 ppm, 400 ppm, and 600 ppm of nitrogen (N). Fresh yield varied depending on N input following a quadratic function in all four genotypes, and green basil performed better compared to the red cultivars. A significant interaction of genotype × N input was recorded for most of the chemical parameters measured. Tocopherols contents of leaves were consistently higher in plants that received 200 ppm of N and lower in those receiving 600 ppm of N, especially in Dark Opal and Red Basil cultivars. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the major category of fatty acids and Red Basil had the lowest ratio of omega-6/omega 3 (0.29) and thus the best fatty acid profile. Polyphenols content was the highest in Red Basil and Dark Opal (25 mg/g of extract on average) and the lowest in Mitikas and decreased with increasing N input. Similarly, antioxidant activity was the highest in Dark Opal and Red Basil fertigated with 200 ppm of N, whereas all the leaf extracts tested had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. In conclusion, basil chemical and bioactive profile was significantly influenced by both genotype and N input. Red-colored basil, although less productive, had the best chemical profile, and moderate levels of N input may provide the best compromise between yield, nutritional value, and bioactivity for the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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13 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conservation of Native Wild Ivory-White Olives from the MEDES Islands Natural Reserve to Maintain Virgin Olive Oil Diversity

by Anallely López-Yerena, Antònia Ninot, Julián Lozano-Castellón, Elvira Escribano-Ferrer, Agustí J. Romero-Aroca, Angjelina Belaj, Anna Vallverdú-Queralt and Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós

Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9101009 - 17 Oct 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6222

Abstract

Food diversity, and in particular genetic diversity, is being lost at an alarming rate. Protection of natural areas is crucial to safeguard the world’s threatened species. The Medes Islands (MI), located in the northwest Mediterranean Sea, are a protected natural reserve. Wild olive [...] Read more.

Food diversity, and in particular genetic diversity, is being lost at an alarming rate. Protection of natural areas is crucial to safeguard the world’s threatened species. The Medes Islands (MI), located in the northwest Mediterranean Sea, are a protected natural reserve. Wild olive trees also known as oleasters make up part of the vegetation of the Meda Gran island. Among them, in 2012, a wild albino ivory-white olive tree with fruit was identified. Fruits were collected from this tree and their seeds were first sown in a greenhouse and then planted in an orchard for purposes of ex situ preservation. Seven out of the 78 seedling trees obtained (12%) produced ivory-white fruits. In autumn 2018, fruits from these trees were sampled. Although the fruits had low oil content, virgin olive oil with unique sensory, physicochemical, and stability characteristics was produced. With respect to the polyphenols content, oleacein was the main compound identified (373.29 ± 72.02 mg/kg) and the oleocanthal was the second most abundant phenolic compound (204.84 ± 52.58 mg/kg). Regarding pigments, samples were characterized by an intense yellow color, with 12.5 ± 4.6 mg/kg of chlorophyll and 9.2 ± 3.3 mg/kg of carotenoids. Finally, oleic acid was the main fatty acid identified. This study explored the resources of the natural habitat of the MI as a means of enrichment of olive oil diversity and authenticity of this traditional Mediterranean food Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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15 pages, 3353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant, Nutraceutical Properties, and Fluorescence Spectral Profiles of Bee Pollen Samples from Different Botanical Origins

by Daniele Barbieri, Morena Gabriele, Martina Summa, Raffaele Colosimo, Donatella Leonardi, Valentina Domenici and Laura Pucci

Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9101001 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5403

Abstract

Bee pollen is made by honey bees (Apis Mellifera) from the pollen of plants and flowers and represents an apiary product enriched in essential amino acids, polyphenols, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. This study investigated the botanical origin, micronutrient profile, and [...] Read more.

Bee pollen is made by honey bees (Apis Mellifera) from the pollen of plants and flowers and represents an apiary product enriched in essential amino acids, polyphenols, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. This study investigated the botanical origin, micronutrient profile, and antioxidant activity of bee pollen samples (n = 10) harvested in Lucca and Massa Carrara (Tuscany, Italy) between 2016 and 2017. The palynological analysis showed that bee pollen samples were composed of nine botanical families. Front-face fluorescence spectroscopy was performed on bee pollen samples in bulk, without any treatment, and in ethanol extracts to determine the characteristic fluorescent profile and, to identify the main chemical compounds with biological activity. The main chemical compounds detected were polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids), hydro-soluble vitamins (B₂, B₃, B₆, and B₉), amino acids, and pigments. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was investigated, and one of the two Viburnum pollens resulted in the highest polyphenols and flavonoids content (20.15 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g fw and 23.46 ± 0.08 mg CE/g fw, respectively). However, Prunus and Eucalyptus families showed the highest in vitro (190.27 ± 8.30 µmol Fe²⁺/g) and ex vivo (54.61 ± 8.51 CAA unit) antioxidant capacity, respectively. These results suggested that Tuscan bee pollen, depending on the botanical family, is rich in essential nutrients and potential nutraceutical product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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15 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation Effect of a Combination of Olive (Olea europea L.) Leaf and Fruit Extracts in the Clinical Management of Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome

by Michel P. Hermans, Philippe Lempereur, Jean-Paul Salembier, Nathalie Maes, Adelin Albert, Olivia Jansen and Joël Pincemail

Antioxidants 2020, 9(9), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090872 - 15 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4893

Abstract

Background: The role of herbal products in the prevention of cardiovascular disease requires supporting evidence. This open pilot study assessed the effect of 2-month supplementation of a combination of olive leaf and fruit extracts (Tensiofytol^®, Tilman SA, Baillonville, Belgium) in the [...] Read more.

Background: The role of herbal products in the prevention of cardiovascular disease requires supporting evidence. This open pilot study assessed the effect of 2-month supplementation of a combination of olive leaf and fruit extracts (Tensiofytol^®, Tilman SA, Baillonville, Belgium) in the clinical management of hypertension and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A total of 663 (pre)-hypertensive patients were enrolled by general practitioners and supplemented for two months with Tensiofytol^®, two capsules per day (100 mg/d of oleuropein and 20 mg/d of hydroxytyrosol). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) were measured before and after treatment. Markers of MetS, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FG) and waist circumference (WC), were also examined. Results: Significant reductions (p < 0.0001) in SBP/DBP (13 ± 10/7.1 ± 6.6 mmHg) were observed and similarly in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients. Improvements in SBP/DPB were independent of age and gender but greater for elevated baseline SBP/DBP. Tensiofytol^® supplementation also significantly improved markers of MetS, with a decrease of TG (11%), WC (1.4%) and FG (4.8%) and an increase of HDL-C (5.3%). Minor side effects were reported in 3.2% patients. Conclusions: This real-life, observational, non-controlled, non-randomized pilot study shows that supplementation of a combination of olive leaf and fruit extracts may be used efficiently and safely in reducing hypertension and MetS markers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

17 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Plant Additives on the Stability of Polyphenols in Cloudy and Clarified Juices from Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

by Andrzej Sidor, Agnieszka Drożdżyńska, Anna Brzozowska, Artur Szwengiel and Anna Gramza-Michałowska

Antioxidants 2020, 9(9), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090801 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a fruit with increasing popularity in consumption and processing. Recent research has strengthened the position of chokeberry as a source of phenolic compounds, antioxidants with high pro-health values, therefore it is important to investigate other substances [...] Read more.

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a fruit with increasing popularity in consumption and processing. Recent research has strengthened the position of chokeberry as a source of phenolic compounds, antioxidants with high pro-health values, therefore it is important to investigate other substances protecting biologically active compounds during juice processing. This study was an attempt to reduce the loss of polyphenol in cloudy and clarified chokeberry juice by adding aqueous cinnamon and clove extracts. The results showed that the clarification of juices did not cause significant changes in the concentration of polyphenols. However, the addition of plant extracts prior to pasteurisation process influenced the content of phenolic compounds in the chokeberry juices. The main change in the composition of the chokeberry juices observed during storage was a result of the degradation process of anthocyanins. The research showed that, despite the common view about the beneficial effects of polyphenols and other compounds exhibiting mutual antioxidative potential, it is very difficult to inhibit the degradation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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19 pages, 2817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Polyphenols from Pomegranate Juice Reduce 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

by Giacomo Pepe, Shara Francesca Rapa, Emanuela Salviati, Alessia Bertamino, Giulia Auriemma, Stella Cascioferro, Giuseppina Autore, Andrea Quaroni, Pietro Campiglia and Stefania Marzocco

Antioxidants 2020, 9(8), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9080699 - 03 Aug 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3641

Abstract

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Different noxious agents, among them also anticancer therapies, can impair intestinal epithelial integrity triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. A frequent complication of chemotherapy is gastrointestinal mucositis, strongly influencing the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Different noxious agents, among them also anticancer therapies, can impair intestinal epithelial integrity triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. A frequent complication of chemotherapy is gastrointestinal mucositis, strongly influencing the effectiveness of therapy, increasing healthcare costs, and impairing patients’ quality of life. Different strategies are used to treat gastrointestinal mucositis, including products from natural sources. Our study focused on the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice extract on IEC-6 cells, both during inflammatory conditions and following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The polyphenolic profile of pomegranate juice was characterized in detail by Online Comprehensive two dimensional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The evaluation of pomegranate juice extract in IEC-6 indicates a significant inhibition in proinflammatory factors, such as cytokines release, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and nitrotyrosine formation. Pomegranate also inhibited oxidative stress and adhesion protein expression. In 5-FU-treated IEC-6, pomegranate also inhibited both inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and apoptosis. It promoted wound repair and tight junction expression. These results suggest a potential use of pomegranate as an adjuvant in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory and oxidative stress states, which also occur during chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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19 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Nutraceutical Potential of Dried Pepper Capsicum annuum L. on Market from Altino in Abruzzo Region

by Alice Della Valle, Marilisa Pia Dimmito, Gokhan Zengin, Stefano Pieretti, Adriano Mollica, Marcello Locatelli, Angelo Cichelli, Ettore Novellino, Gunes Ak, Serife Yerlikaya, Mehmet Cengiz Baloglu, Yasemin Celik Altunoglu and Azzurra Stefanucci

Antioxidants 2020, 9(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9050400 - 08 May 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 4595

Abstract

Sweet pepper is a typical type of Capsicum annuum from Abruzzo region, recognized as a traditional and local product, traditionally cultivated in the town of Altino (Abruzzo region, Italy). The aim of this study is to compare the sweet type of peppers from [...] Read more.

Sweet pepper is a typical type of Capsicum annuum from Abruzzo region, recognized as a traditional and local product, traditionally cultivated in the town of Altino (Abruzzo region, Italy). The aim of this study is to compare the sweet type of peppers from Altino with the hot pepper cultivated in the same area, in order to delineate their different phytochemical and biological profiles in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we elucidated their phytochemical composition, fatty acids composition and phenolic/flavonoid contents in extracts. Then antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays were performed to evaluate their biological properties, together with in vitro cell assay and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Microwave (1000 mg/mL) extract of hot pepper showed the best inhibition value on in vitro cell growth assay; in fact, the number of survived cells was about 20% and 40% for microwave and Soxhlet extracts, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed good activity for both species, which, when associated with in vitro cell inhibition results, could explain the protective effect on human prostatic hyperplasia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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15 pages, 1399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera Protect Cardiomyocytes from Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress: Evaluation of Onconutraceutical Potential of Vegetable Smoothies

by Giacomo Pepe, Emanuela Salviati, Shara Francesca Rapa, Carmine Ostacolo, Stella Cascioferro, Michele Manfra, Giuseppina Autore, Stefania Marzocco and Pietro Campiglia

Antioxidants 2020, 9(5), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9050378 - 02 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

The interest towards nutraceuticals able to counteract drug side effects is continuously growing in current chemotherapeutic protocols. In the present study, we demonstrated that smoothies containing mixtures of Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico N, two typical fruits of the Mediterranean [...] Read more.

The interest towards nutraceuticals able to counteract drug side effects is continuously growing in current chemotherapeutic protocols. In the present study, we demonstrated that smoothies containing mixtures of Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico N, two typical fruits of the Mediterranean diet, possess bioactive polyphenols that protect cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress. The polyphenolic extracts isolated from Citrus sinensis- and Vitis vinifera-based functional smoothies were deeply characterized by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry methods. Subsequently, the functional smoothies and relative mixtures were tested to verify their ability to affect cellular viability and oxidative stress parameters in embryonic cardiomyocyte cells (H9c2), and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) exposed to doxorubicin. Interestingly, we found that the mix resulting from Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera association in ratio 1:1 was able to reduce cardiomyocytes damage induced by anthracyclines, without significantly interfering with the pro-apoptotic activity of the drug on breast cancer cells. These results point out the potential use of vegetable smoothies as adjuvants functional foods for chemotherapeutic anticancer protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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23 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wild and Cultivated Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds

by Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Ângela Fernandes, Maria Ines Dias, Carla Pereira, Ricardo Calhelha, Francesco Di Gioia, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Marija Ivanov, Marina Sokovic, Lillian Barros and Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira

Antioxidants 2020, 9(4), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9040314 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5548

Abstract

Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta (DC.) Runemark is a wild edible species endemic to Greece. This study evaluated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of wild and cultivated C. raphanina subsp. mixta plants. Wild plants had higher nutritional value than cultivated ones, whereas cultivated [...] Read more.

Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta (DC.) Runemark is a wild edible species endemic to Greece. This study evaluated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of wild and cultivated C. raphanina subsp. mixta plants. Wild plants had higher nutritional value than cultivated ones, whereas cultivated plants contained more tocopherols. Glucose and sucrose were higher in cultivated plants and trehalose in wild ones. Oxalic and total organic acids were detected in higher amounts in cultivated samples. The main fatty acids were α-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acid, while wild plants were richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two pinocembrin derivatives were the main phenolic compounds being detected in higher amounts in wild plants. Regarding the antioxidant activity, wild and cultivated plants were more effective in the oxidative haemolysis (OxHLIA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively. Moreover, both extracts showed moderate cytotoxicity in non-tumor cell lines (PLP2), while cultivated plants were more effective against cervical carcinoma (HeLa), breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and non-small lung cancer (NCI-H460) cell lines. Finally, wild plants showed higher antimicrobial activity than cultivated plants against specific pathogens. In conclusion, the cultivation of C. raphanina subsp. mixta showed promising results in terms of tocopherols content and antiproliferative effects, however further research is needed to decrease oxalic acid content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 900 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rhamnus alaternus Plant: Extraction of Bioactive Fractions and Evaluation of Their Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties

by Amine Nekkaa, Akila Benaissa, Fabrice Mutelet and Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle

Antioxidants 2021, 10(2), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020300 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4780

Abstract

Rhamnus alaternus, is a wild-growing shrub, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. Widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, R. alaternus is used in the usual medicine in numerous countries, mostly Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia. A large number of [...] Read more.

Rhamnus alaternus, is a wild-growing shrub, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. Widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, R. alaternus is used in the usual medicine in numerous countries, mostly Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia. A large number of disorders—including dermatological complications, diabetes, hepatitis, and goiter problems—can be treated by the various parts of R. alaternus (i.e., roots, bark, berries, and leaves). Several bioactive compounds were isolated from R. alaternus, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and anthraquinones, and showed several effects such as antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative. This review summarizes the updated information concerning the botanical description, distribution, extraction processes applied on R. alaternus, and its ethnopharmacology, toxicity, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Edible Plants: An Assessment of Their Antioxidant, Radical Scavenger Properties and Their Use As Super Foods, Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods)

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