Foods

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 185 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Secondary Metabolites in Edible Species: Looking beyond Nutritional Value

by Ana M. L. Seca and Antoaneta Trendafilova

Foods 2021, 10(5), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10051131 - 19 May 2021

Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Secondary metabolites are organic molecules of low molecular weight, biosynthesized by any living being using a wide range of biosynthetic pathways, known as secondary metabolism [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 3227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity and Mode of Action of Celastrol, a Nortriterpen Quinone Isolated from Natural Sources

by Nayely Padilla-Montaño, Leandro de León Guerra and Laila Moujir

Foods 2021, 10(3), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10030591 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

Species of the Celastraceae family are traditionally consumed in different world regions for their stimulating properties. Celastrol, a triterpene methylene quinone isolated from plants of celastraceas, specifically activates satiety centers in the brain that play an important role in controlling body weight. In [...] Read more.

Species of the Celastraceae family are traditionally consumed in different world regions for their stimulating properties. Celastrol, a triterpene methylene quinone isolated from plants of celastraceas, specifically activates satiety centers in the brain that play an important role in controlling body weight. In this work, the antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of celastrol and a natural derivative, pristimerin, were investigated in Bacillus subtilis. Celastrol showed a higher antimicrobial activity compared with pristimerin, being active against Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) that ranged between 0.16 and 2.5 µg/mL. Killing curves displayed a bactericidal effect that was dependent on the inoculum size. Monitoring of macromolecular synthesis in bacterial populations treated with these compounds revealed inhibition in the incorporation of all radiolabeled precursors, but not simultaneously. Celastrol at 3 µg/mL and pristimerin at 10 µg/mL affected DNA and RNA synthesis first, followed by protein synthesis, although the inhibitory action on the uptake of radiolabeled precursors was more dramatic with celastrol. This compound also caused cytoplasmic membrane disruption observed by potassium leakage and formation of mesosome-like structures. The inhibition of oxygen consumption of whole and disrupted cells after treatments with both quinones indicates damage in the cellular structure, suggesting the cytoplasmic membrane as a potential target. These findings indicate that celastrol could be considered as an interesting alternative to control outbreaks caused by spore-forming bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic and Carotenoid Profile of Lamb’s Lettuce and Improvement of the Bioactive Content by Preharvest Conditions

by Virginia Hernández, M. Ángeles Botella, Pilar Hellín, Juana Cava, Jose Fenoll, Teresa Mestre, Vicente Martínez and Pilar Flores

Foods 2021, 10(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010188 - 18 Jan 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

This study characterizes the phenolic, carotenoid and chlorophyll profile of lamb’s lettuce, a vegetable whose consumption in salads and ready-to-eat products is constantly growing. The MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of thirty-five phenolic compounds including hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavanols and flavanones, [...] Read more.

This study characterizes the phenolic, carotenoid and chlorophyll profile of lamb’s lettuce, a vegetable whose consumption in salads and ready-to-eat products is constantly growing. The MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of thirty-five phenolic compounds including hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavanols and flavanones, many of which are reported here in lamb’s lettuce for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the principal phenolic compound found (57.1% of the total phenolic concentration) followed by its isomer cis-5-caffeoylquinic. Other major phenolic compounds were also hydroxycinnamic acids (coumaroylquinic, dicaffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids) as well as the flavones luteolin-7-rutinoside, diosmetin-apiosylglucoside and diosmin. Regarding carotenoids, seven xanthophyll and four carotenes, among which β-carotene and lutein were the major compounds, were detected from their UV-Vis absorption spectrum. In addition, chlorophylls a and b, their isomers and derivatives (pheophytin) were identified. Preharvest factors such as reduced fertilization levels or salinity increased some secondary metabolites, highlighting the importance of these factors on the final nutritional value of plant foods. Lamb’s lettuce was seen to be a good potential source of bioactive compounds, and fertilization management might be considered a useful tool for increasing its nutritional interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

19 pages, 21434 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Steroid Glycosides Hyrcanoside and Deglucohyrcanoside: On Isolation, Structural Identification, and Anticancer Activity

by Silvie Rimpelová, Tomáš Zimmermann, Pavel B. Drašar, Bohumil Dolenský, Jiří Bejček, Eva Kmoníčková, Petra Cihlářová, Soňa Gurská, Lucie Kuklíková, Marián Hajdůch, Tomáš Ruml, Lubomír Opletal, Petr Džubák and Michal Jurášek

Foods 2021, 10(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010136 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3846

Abstract

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) represent a group of sundry compounds of natural origin. Most CGs are potent inhibitors of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and some are routinely utilized in the treatment of various cardiac conditions. Biological activities of other lesser known CGs have [...] Read more.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) represent a group of sundry compounds of natural origin. Most CGs are potent inhibitors of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and some are routinely utilized in the treatment of various cardiac conditions. Biological activities of other lesser known CGs have not been fully explored yet. Interestingly, the anticancer potential of some CGs was revealed and thereby, some of these compounds are now being evaluated for drug repositioning. However, high systemic toxicity and low cancer cell selectivity of the clinically used CGs have severely limited their utilization in cancer treatment so far. Therefore, in this study, we have focused on two poorly described CGs: hyrcanoside and deglucohyrcanoside. We elaborated on their isolation, structural identification, and cytotoxicity evaluation in a panel of cancerous and noncancerous cell lines, and on their potential to induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The activity of hyrcanoside and deglucohyrcanoside was compared to three other CGs: ouabain, digitoxin, and cymarin. Furthermore, by in silico modeling, interaction of these CGs with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was also studied. Hopefully, these compounds could serve not only as a research tool for Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibition, but also as novel cancer therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aglaomorpha quercifolia (L.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds a Wild Fern Used in Timorese Cuisine

by Hermenegildo R. Costa, Inês Simão, Helena Silva, Paulo Silveira, Artur M. S. Silva and Diana C. G. A. Pinto

Foods 2021, 10(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010087 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2962

Abstract

Aglaomorpha quercifolia (L.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds is an extensively used species in traditional medicinal systems in several areas of the world due to some important medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In East Timor, different parts of this [...] Read more.

Aglaomorpha quercifolia (L.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds is an extensively used species in traditional medicinal systems in several areas of the world due to some important medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In East Timor, different parts of this fern are used either as remedies or as food. The ingestion of a broth made from its rhizome improves lactation, and young fronds of this fern are boiled and eaten with rice by the locals. Nevertheless, its chemical profile is far from being established. The present work aims to establish the chemical profile of both rhizomes and leaves n-hexane extracts by Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed the leaves richness in fatty acids with interesting nutritional values (ω−6/ω−3 = 0.68, AI = 0.59, TI = 0.30), being linolenic acid (253.71 ± 0.93 mg/g dry leaves) and palmitic acid (237.27 ± 0.59 mg/g dry leaves) the significant compounds in the extract. Whereas the rhizome extract is mostly rich in terpenoids, such as steroid, cycloartane, and hopanoid derivatives, being hop-16-ene (166.45 ± 0.53 mg/g dry rhizome) and β-sitosterol (50.76 ± 0.11 mg/g dry rhizome) the major compounds. Several compounds are reported for the first time in the species, and the data herein reported contributes to confirming the species nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of Neuroprotective Anthocyanins from Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) against Amyloid-β-Induced Cognitive Impairment

by Haichao Wen, Hui Cui, Hehe Tian, Xiaoxu Zhang, Liyan Ma, Charles Ramassamy and Jingming Li

Foods 2021, 10(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010063 - 29 Dec 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3407

Abstract

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits are rich in anthocyanins, which are vital secondary metabolites that possess antioxidative properties. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify the anthocyanins from black chokeberry by simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, and to [...] Read more.

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits are rich in anthocyanins, which are vital secondary metabolites that possess antioxidative properties. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify the anthocyanins from black chokeberry by simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, and to investigate the neuroprotective effect of SMB purified anthocyanin against Aβ-induced memory damage in rats. The parameters of the SMB process were studied and optimized. Anthocyanin extracts were identified by HPLC and UPLC-QTOF-MS, and antioxidant abilities were evaluated. The Aβ-induced animal model was established by intracerebral ventricle injection in rat brain. Through the SMB purification, anthocyanins were purified to 85%; cyanidin 3-O-galactoside and cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside were identified as the main anthocyanins by UPLC-QTOF-MS. The SMB purified anthocyanins exhibited higher DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging abilities than the crude anthocyanins extract. Furthermore, rats receiving SMB purified anthocyanins treatment (50 mg/kg) showed improved spatial memory in a Morris water maze test, as well as protection of the cells in the hippocampus against Aβ toxicity. These results demonstrate that anthocyanins could serve as antioxidant and neuroprotective agents, with potential in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Stem Lettuce and Its Metabolites: Does the Variety Make Any Difference?

by Janusz Malarz, Klaudia Michalska and Anna Stojakowska

Foods 2021, 10(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010059 - 29 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3649

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to characterize chemical composition of hitherto unexamined aerial parts of Lactuca sativa var. angustana cv. Grüner Stern. In contrast to leafy and head varieties of the lettuces, asparagus lettuce grown in Europe is much less studied. [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to characterize chemical composition of hitherto unexamined aerial parts of Lactuca sativa var. angustana cv. Grüner Stern. In contrast to leafy and head varieties of the lettuces, asparagus lettuce grown in Europe is much less studied. Fractionation of a methanolic extract from leaves of L. sativa cv. Grüner Stern, supported with HPLC/DAD and ¹H NMR analysis, led to the isolation and/or identification of numerous terpenoid and phenolic compounds, including five apocarotenoids—(-)-loliolide, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol, blumenol A, (6S,9S)-vomifoliol, and corchoionoside C; three sesquiterpene lactones; two lignans—((+)-syringaresinol and its 4-O-β-glucoside); five caffeic acid derivatives; and three flavonoids. Some of the compounds, to the best of our knowledge, have never been isolated from L. sativa before. Moreover, monolignols, phenolic acids and a tryptophan-derived alkaloid were found in the analyzed plant material. Stems, leaves and shoot tips of the asparagus lettuce were examined to assess their phenolics and sesquiterpene lactone content as well as DPPH scavenging activity. Another stem lettuce—L. sativa var. angustana cv. Karola, two cultivars of leafy lettuces and one species of wild lettuce—L. serriola, were also examined as a reference material using HPLC/DAD. The results have been discussed regarding our previous studies and the literature data available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Total Phenols, Sugars, and Mineral Elements in Colored Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L.

by Piret Saar-Reismaa, Katrin Kotkas, Viive Rosenberg, Maria Kulp, Maria Kuhtinskaja and Merike Vaher

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121862 - 14 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2240

Abstract

The use of colored tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. is growing worldwide due to their health benefits and attractive color. The positive health effects of purple-fleshed tubers are a result of anthocyanins and various phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

The use of colored tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. is growing worldwide due to their health benefits and attractive color. The positive health effects of purple-fleshed tubers are a result of anthocyanins and various phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare variety Blue Congo and its cross-breeds of Desiree and Granola to yellow-fleshed tubers. The concentration of total phenols, anthocyanins, sugars, and mineral elements were evaluated in all tubers. The results showed differences between all tested materials, with largest differences in sugar content. Moreover, the results confirmed the preservation of health improving compounds of Blue Congo when cross-bred with yellow-fleshed tubers. The total phenolic content and anthocyanin concentrations of all analyzed tubers were above the comparison yellow ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality of Greek Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and Common Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare) Cultivated in the Temperate Climate of Central Europe

by Zenon Węglarz, Olga Kosakowska, Jarosław. L. Przybył, Ewelina Pióro-Jabrucka and Katarzyna Bączek

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111671 - 15 Nov 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5229

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the differences between two subspecies: O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart (Greek oregano) and O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare (common oregano) growing in cultivation conditions within temperate climate of Central Europe. The [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study was to determine the differences between two subspecies: O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart (Greek oregano) and O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare (common oregano) growing in cultivation conditions within temperate climate of Central Europe. The characteristic of the subspecies was undertaken in terms of selected morphological parameters and the quality of the raw material. The herb of both subspecies was evaluated on the content and composition of essential oil by hydrodistillation followed by GC-MS and GC-FID (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and flame ionization detector), the total content of phenolic acids (according to PP 6th ed.) and the content of rosmarinic acid (by HPLC). The sensory evaluation (QDA) was performed, as well. Greek oregano was distinguished by visibly higher number of glandular trichomes on the leaves (up to 4.85 per 1 mm²) followed by higher content of essential oil in the herb (up to 3.36 g × 100 g⁻¹ DW) in comparison to common oregano. Based on the essential oil composition, Greek oregano was classified as mixed carvacrol/γ-terpinene chemotype, while common oregano as mixed sabinyl/cymyl type rich in sesquiterpenes. Greek oregano was also characterized by higher total content of phenolic acids (up to 6.16 g × 100 g⁻¹ DW) and rosmarinic acid (up to 6787.2 mg × 100 g⁻¹ DW) than common oregano. Essential oil content reached the maximum at the beginning of blooming (common oregano) and at the full blooming stage (Greek oregano). In turn, the amount of phenolic acids followed by rosmarinic acid was the highest at the beginning of seed-setting stage, in the case of both subspecies. The differences between subspecies concerning chemical composition (especially essential oil) were reflected in the sensory attributes, where both odor and taste notes were found at higher level for Greek oregano. Results of our work indicate that Greek oregano is well adapted to grow in the temperate zone conditions. Such adaptation was reflected mainly in the satisfied yield and maintaining characters typical for the Mediterranean plant, e.g., a high essential oil content followed by high carvacrol share, traits the most important from practice viewpoint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Potential and Active Substances from Wedelia Chinensis (Osbeck)

by Kawsar Hossen, Krishna Rany Das, Shun Okada, Arihiro Iwasaki, Kiyotake Suenaga and Hisashi Kato-Noguchi

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1591; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111591 - 02 Nov 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4331

Abstract

Wedelia chinensis (Asteraceae) is a wetland herb native to India, China, and Japan. It is a valuable medicinal plant recorded to have pharmaceutical properties. However, the phytotoxic potential of Wedelia chinensis has not yet been examined. Thus, we carried out this study to [...] Read more.

Wedelia chinensis (Asteraceae) is a wetland herb native to India, China, and Japan. It is a valuable medicinal plant recorded to have pharmaceutical properties. However, the phytotoxic potential of Wedelia chinensis has not yet been examined. Thus, we carried out this study to establish the allelopathic effects of Wedelia chinensis and to identify its phytotoxic substances. Extracts of Wedelia chinensis exhibited high inhibitory activity against the root and shoot growth of cress, alfalfa, rapeseed, lettuce, foxtail fescue, Italian ryegrass, timothy, and barnyard grass. The inhibition was varied with species and was dependent on concentrations. The extracts were separated through several purification steps, and the two effective substances were isolated and characterized as vanillic acid and gallic acid using spectral analysis. Vanillic acid and gallic acid significantly arrested the growth of cress and Italian ryegrass seedlings. The concentrations of vanillic acid and gallic acid needed for 50% inhibition (I₅₀ values) of the seedling growth of the cress and Italian ryegrass were 0.04–15.4 and 0.45–6.6 mM, respectively. The findings suggest that vanillic acid and gallic acid may be required for the growth inhibitory activities of Wedelia chinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

(E)-Piplartine Isolated from Piper pseudoarboreum, a Lead Compound against Leishmaniasis

by Juan C. Ticona, Pablo Bilbao-Ramos, Ninoska Flores, M. Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela, Francisco Bolás-Fernández, Ignacio A. Jiménez and Isabel L. Bazzocchi

Foods 2020, 9(9), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091250 - 07 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2631

Abstract

The current therapies of leishmaniasis, the second most widespread neglected tropical disease, have limited effectiveness and toxic side effects. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need for new leishmanicidal agents. The present study reports a bioassay-guided [...] Read more.

The current therapies of leishmaniasis, the second most widespread neglected tropical disease, have limited effectiveness and toxic side effects. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need for new leishmanicidal agents. The present study reports a bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Piper pseudoarboreum against four species of Leishmania spp. promastigote forms, which afforded six known alkamides (1–6). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. Compounds 2 and 3 were identified as the most promising ones, displaying higher potency against Leishmania spp. promastigotes (IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.6 to 3.8 µM) and amastigotes of L. amazonensis (IC₅₀ values ranging from 8.2 to 9.1 µM) than the reference drug, miltefosine. The efficacy of (E)-piplartine (3) against L. amazonensis infection in an in vivo model for cutaneous leishmaniasis was evidenced by a significant reduction of the lesion size footpad and spleen parasite burden, similar to those of glucantime used as the reference drug. This study reinforces the therapeutic potential of (E)-piplartine as a promising lead compound against neglected infectious diseases caused by Leishmania parasites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Hepatoprotective Activity of Super Critical Carbon Dioxide Olive Leaf Extracts against CCl₄-Induced Liver Damage

by Amani Taamalli, Anouar Feriani, Jesús Lozano-Sanchez, Lakhdar Ghazouani, Afoua El Mufti, Mohamed Salah Allagui, Antonio Segura-Carretero, Ridha Mhamdi and David Arráez-Roman

Foods 2020, 9(6), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9060804 - 18 Jun 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3406

Abstract

Virgin olive oil has demonstrated its effective activity against oxidative stress. However, data on the bioactive effect of olive leaves or their major constituents on the liver are scarce. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of supercritical carbon [...] Read more.

Virgin olive oil has demonstrated its effective activity against oxidative stress. However, data on the bioactive effect of olive leaves or their major constituents on the liver are scarce. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extracts from fresh and dried olive leaves on hepatotoxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rat models. For this purpose, healthy albino rats of 180–250 g weight were used. The assessment of biochemical markers was carried out on blood and liver tissue. Then, a histopathological study was carried out on liver tissue. The obtained results showed that fresh and dried olive leaf extracts ameliorate the perturbed biochemical parameters caused by CCl₄ treatment. Furthermore, the results registered for the histopathological study are in accordance with the biochemical parameters and the protective capacity of SC-CO₂ extracts against DNA damage, indicating that olive leaf extracts helped to improve liver fibrosis caused by CCl₄ treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Gastroprotective Effects and Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Lycium Minutifolium J. Remy (Solanaceae)

by Stephanie Rodriguez, Mariano Walter Pertino, Chantal Arcos, Luana Reichert, Javier Echeverria, Mario Simirgiotis, Jorge Borquez, Alberto Cornejo, Carlos Areche and Beatriz Sepulveda

Foods 2020, 9(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9050565 - 03 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Lycium minutifolium J. Remy (Solanaceae) is commonly used as an infusion in traditional medicine to treat stomach pain, meteorism, intestinal disorders, stomach ailments, and other severe problems including prostate cancer and stomach cancer. From the EtOAc extract of L. minutifolium bark five known [...] Read more.

Lycium minutifolium J. Remy (Solanaceae) is commonly used as an infusion in traditional medicine to treat stomach pain, meteorism, intestinal disorders, stomach ailments, and other severe problems including prostate cancer and stomach cancer. From the EtOAc extract of L. minutifolium bark five known metabolites were isolated using chromatographic techniques. The gastroprotective effects of the EtOAc fraction and edible infusion extract of the bark were assayed on the hydrochloric acid (HCl)/EtOH induced gastric ulcer model in mice to support the traditional use of the plant. The EtOAc extract and the edible infusion showed gastroprotective effect at dose of 100 mg/kg reducing lesions by 31% and 64%, respectively. The gastroprotective action mechanisms of the edible infusion at a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg were evaluated suggesting that prostaglandins, sulfhydryl groups, and nitric oxide are involved in the mode of gastroprotective action. The UHPLC analysis coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry of the edible infusion showed the presence of twenty-three compounds. Our results can support the gastroprotective properties of the edible infusion extract, and at least can validate in part, the ethnopharmacological uses of the plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

38 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Research Advances on Health Effects of Edible Artemisia Species and Some Sesquiterpene Lactones Constituents

by Antoaneta Trendafilova, Laila M. Moujir, Pedro M. C. Sousa and Ana M. L. Seca

Foods 2021, 10(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010065 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 15553

Abstract

The genus Artemisia, often known collectively as “wormwood”, has aroused great interest in the scientific community, pharmaceutical and food industries, generating many studies on the most varied aspects of these plants. In this review, the most recent evidence on health effects of [...] Read more.

The genus Artemisia, often known collectively as “wormwood”, has aroused great interest in the scientific community, pharmaceutical and food industries, generating many studies on the most varied aspects of these plants. In this review, the most recent evidence on health effects of edible Artemisia species and some of its constituents are presented and discussed, based on studies published until 2020, available in the Scopus, Web of Sciences and PubMed databases, related to food applications, nutritional and sesquiterpene lactones composition, and their therapeutic effects supported by in vivo and clinical studies. The analysis of more than 300 selected articles highlights the beneficial effect on health and the high clinical relevance of several Artemisia species besides some sesquiterpene lactones constituents and their derivatives. From an integrated perspective, as it includes therapeutic and nutritional properties, without ignoring some adverse effects described in the literature, this review shows the great potential of Artemisia plants and some of their constituents as dietary supplements, functional foods and as the source of new, more efficient, and safe medicines. Despite all the benefits demonstrated, some gaps need to be filled, mainly related to the use of raw Artemisia extracts, such as its standardization and clinical trials on adverse effects and its health care efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

by Rosalba Leuci, Leonardo Brunetti, Viviana Poliseno, Antonio Laghezza, Fulvio Loiodice, Paolo Tortorella and Luca Piemontese

Foods 2021, 10(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010029 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4584

Abstract

Secondary metabolites from plants and fungi are stimulating growing interest in consumers and, consequently, in the food and supplement industries. The beneficial effects of these natural compounds are being thoroughly studied and there are frequent updates about the biological activities of old and [...] Read more.

Secondary metabolites from plants and fungi are stimulating growing interest in consumers and, consequently, in the food and supplement industries. The beneficial effects of these natural compounds are being thoroughly studied and there are frequent updates about the biological activities of old and new molecules isolated from plants and fungi. In this article, we present a review of the most recent literature regarding the recent discovery of secondary metabolites through isolation and structural elucidation, as well as the in vitro and/or in vivo evaluation of their biological effects. In particular, the possibility of using these bioactive molecules in the prevention and/or treatment of widely spread pathologies such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 3076 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Compounds from Plant-Based Functional Foods: A Promising Choice for the Prevention and Management of Hyperuricemia

by Lin-Lin Jiang, Xue Gong, Ming-Yue Ji, Cong-Cong Wang, Jian-Hua Wang and Min-Hui Li

Foods 2020, 9(8), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9080973 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 6898

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease that is caused by high serum uric acid levels. It is considered to be closely associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. While pharmaceutical drugs have been [...] Read more.

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease that is caused by high serum uric acid levels. It is considered to be closely associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. While pharmaceutical drugs have been shown to exhibit serious side effects, and bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods have been demonstrated to be active in the treatment of hyperuricemia with only minimal side effects. Indeed, previous reports have revealed the significant impact of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods on hyperuricemia. This review focuses on plant-based functional foods that exhibit a hypouricemic function and discusses the different bioactive compounds and their pharmacological effects. More specifically, the bioactive compounds of plant-based functional foods are divided into six categories, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and others. In addition, the mechanism by which these bioactive compounds exhibit a hypouricemic effect is summarized into three classes, namely the inhibition of uric acid production, improved renal uric acid elimination, and improved intestinal uric acid secretion. Overall, this current and comprehensive review examines the use of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods as natural remedies for the management of hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (16 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI