Horticulturae

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3 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities

by Dasha Mihaylova and Aneta Popova

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020167 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

The natural products of the plant kingdom, both terrestrial and marine, have been widely explored [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 2993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Tomato Pomace Enriched Gluten-Free Ready-to-Cook Snack’s Nutritional Profile, Quality, and Shelf Life Evaluation

by Jagbir Kaur Rehal, Poonam Aggarwal, Inderpreet Dhaliwal, Meenakshi Sharma and Prashant Kaushik

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050403 - 03 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Attempts were undertaken to design a quick ready-to-cook gluten-free snack utilizing finger millet and potato flour (50:50) as well as tomato pomace due to the restricted availability of gluten-free snack goods in the Indian market. The nutritional content of the food and its [...] Read more.

Attempts were undertaken to design a quick ready-to-cook gluten-free snack utilizing finger millet and potato flour (50:50) as well as tomato pomace due to the restricted availability of gluten-free snack goods in the Indian market. The nutritional content of the food and its general acceptability, cooking characteristics, and storage stability were all tested. The addition of tomato pomace had a distinct influence on the product’s color and hardness. Additionally, it resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of oil used, cooking loss, and frying time required. With a high acceptance level, the snack supplemented with 10% tomato pomace was determined to be the most optimal formulation. When the same substance was subjected to FTIR analysis, it was discovered that it retained all the important functional groups required for sustaining antioxidant activity. It also displayed high storage stability, a desirable overall acceptance score, and a very promising nutritional profile, all of which would benefit the product’s end users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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18 pages, 4957 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Phenolic Composition of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Was Highly Influenced by Cultivar and Year and Little by Soil Liming or Foliar Spray Rich in Nutrients or Algae

by Sandra Afonso, Maria Inês Dias, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Margarida Arrobas, Mário Cunha, Lillian Barros and Manuel Ângelo Rodrigues

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050385 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2101

Abstract

The interest in expanding the production of hops outside the traditional cultivation regions, mainly motivated by the growth of the craft brewery business, justifies the intensification of studies into its adaptation to local growing conditions. In this study, four field trials were undertaken [...] Read more.

The interest in expanding the production of hops outside the traditional cultivation regions, mainly motivated by the growth of the craft brewery business, justifies the intensification of studies into its adaptation to local growing conditions. In this study, four field trials were undertaken on a twenty-year-old hop garden, over periods of up to three years to assess the effect of important agro-environmental variation factors on hop phenol and phenolic composition and to establish its relationship with the elemental composition of hop cones. All the field trials were arranged as factorial designs exploring the combined effect of: (1) plots of different vigour plants × year; (2) plots of different plant vigor × algae- and nutrient-rich foliar sprays × year; (3) plot × liming × year; and (4) cultivars (Nugget, Cascade, Columbus) × year. Total phenols in hops, were significantly influenced by most of the experimental factors. Foliar spraying and liming were the factors that least influenced the measured variables. The year had the greatest effect on the accumulation of total phenols in hop cones in the different trials and may have contributed to interactions that often occurred between the factors under study. The year average for total phenol concentrations in hop cones ranged from 11.9 mg g⁻¹ to 21.2 mg g⁻¹. Significant differences in quantity and composition of phenolic compounds in hop cones were also found between cultivars. The phenolic compounds identified were mainly flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) and phenolic carboxylic acids (p-coumaric and caffeic acids). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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18 pages, 2970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oil Chemotypes of Four Vietnamese Curcuma Species Cultivated in North Alabama

by Lam Duong, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Rakesh Satyal, Prabodh Satyal and William N. Setzer

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050360 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3605

Abstract

Curcuma (turmeric) species are important culinary and medicinal plants, and the essential oils of Curcuma rhizomes have demonstrated promising pharmacological properties. The essential oils (EOs) of Curcuma species possess a wide variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antiproliferative, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic, antirheumatic, hypotensive, [...] Read more.

Curcuma (turmeric) species are important culinary and medicinal plants, and the essential oils of Curcuma rhizomes have demonstrated promising pharmacological properties. The essential oils (EOs) of Curcuma species possess a wide variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antiproliferative, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic, antirheumatic, hypotensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antithrombotic, antityrosinase, and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitory activities, among others. Curcuma oils are also known to enhance immune function, promote blood circulation, accelerate toxin elimination, and stimulate digestion. C. longa (turmeric) and C. zedoaria (zedoary) are the most extensively studied species of Curcuma due to their high commercial value. There is some interest in expanding the cultivation of Curcuma species to the southern regions in North America where the climate is favorable. The purpose of this work was to examine the rhizome essential oil composition of four species of Curcuma (C. aromatica, C. caesia, C. longa, C. zanthorrhiza) that were obtained from Vietnam and cultivated in North Alabama. The rhizome essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. The essential oils of C. aromatica were dominated by curzerenone (14.7–18.6%), germacrone (10.7–14.7%), 1,8-cineole (5.2–11.7%), and an unidentified component (8.7–11.0%). The major components in C. longa rhizome oil were ar-turmerone (8.3–36.1%), α-turmerone (12.7–15.2%), β-turmerone (5.0–15.4%), α-zingiberene (4.6–13.9%), and β-sesquiphellandrene (4.6–10.0%). The essential oils of C. caesia and C. zanthorrhiza were rich in curzerenone, curdione, and germacrone. These adapted turmeric varieties in North Alabama have potential use for medical purposes and medicinal plant oil market demands in the U.S. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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12 pages, 1261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oils from Leaves of Juniperus thurifera L., Exhibiting Antioxidant, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities against Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes

by Soufyane Lafraxo, Azeddin El Barnossi, Abdelfattah El Moussaoui, Mohammed Bourhia, Ahmad Mohammad Salamatullah, Abdulhakeem Alzahrani, Aziz Ait Akka, Abderahmane Choubbane, Mohamed Akhazzane, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud, John P. Giesy and Amina Bari

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040321 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2670

Abstract

The antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus thurifera L., a plant utilized in traditional, herbal medicine, were investigated. The EOs were extracted by use of a Clevenger apparatus and phytochemicals identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry [...] Read more.

The antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus thurifera L., a plant utilized in traditional, herbal medicine, were investigated. The EOs were extracted by use of a Clevenger apparatus and phytochemicals identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The antioxidant capacity of EOs of J. thurifera was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antimicrobial activity of EOs of J. thurifera was determined against four fungal strains, Candida albicans; ATCC 10231, Aspergillus niger; MTCC 282, Aspergillus flavus; MTCC 9606 and Fusarium oxysporum; MTCC 9913 and four bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus; ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli; K12, Bacillus subtilis; DSM 6333, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; CIP A22, by use of the disk diffusion method, and microdilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). EOs of J. thurifera consisted of 31 compounds and were dominated by α-thujene (25%), elemol (12%) and muurolol (12%). Antioxidant activity recorded an IC₅₀ of 24 ± 0.71 µg/mL (DPPF), EC50 of 0.19 ± 0.01 mg/mL (FRAP), and 9.3 × 10² ± 38 mg EAA/g (TAC). The EOs of J. thurifera exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains under investigation, especially P. aeruginosa; CIP A22 with an inhibition diameter of 28 ± 1.5 mm and MIC of 4.8 × 10⁻² ± 0. 001 µg/mL. EOs of J. thurifera also exhibited significant antifungal activity against C. albicans; ATCC 10231 and F. oxysporum; MTCC 9913 with an activity of 21 ± 2.1 mm, 32 ± 2.3%, and MIC of 9.5 × 10⁻² ± 0.001 Bioactive molecules found in EOs of J. thurifera could be used as an alternative solution to antibiotics available on the market to combat microbial resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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18 pages, 4749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on Chemical Constituents of Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Parts of Flos Abelmoschus manihot, Based on Metabolite Profiling Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

by Shengxin Yin, Zhichen Cai, Cuihua Chen, Yuqi Mei, Lifang Wei, Shengjin Liu, Lisi Zou, Nan Wu, Jiahuan Yuan, Xunhong Liu, Haitao Ge, Dianguang Wang and Dandan Wang

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040317 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1712

Abstract

According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), Abelmoschi Corolla (AC) is the dried corolla of Flos Abelmoschus manihot (FAM). Market research has found that AC is often mixed with the non-medicinal parts in FAM, including calyx, stamen, and pistil. However, previous studies have not [...] Read more.

According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), Abelmoschi Corolla (AC) is the dried corolla of Flos Abelmoschus manihot (FAM). Market research has found that AC is often mixed with the non-medicinal parts in FAM, including calyx, stamen, and pistil. However, previous studies have not clarified the relationship between the medicinal and non-medicinal parts of FAM. In this study, in order to investigate whether there is any distinction between the medicinal and non-medicinal parts of FAM, the characterization of the constituents in calyx, corolla, stamen, and pistil was analyzed by UFLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to classify and screen differential constituents between medicinal and non-medicinal parts of FAM, and the relative contents of differential constituents were compared based on the peak intensities. Results showed that 51 constituents in medicinal and non-medicinal parts of FAM were identified, and the fragmentation pathways to different types of constituents were preliminarily deduced by the fragmentation behavior of the identified constituents. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the medicinal and non-medicinal parts of FAM differed significantly; 20 differential constituents were screened out to reveal the characteristics of metabolic differences. Among them, the relative contents of 19 differential constituents in the medicinal part were significantly higher than those in non-medicinal parts. This study could be helpful in the quality evaluation of AC as well as provide basic information for the improvement of the market standard of AC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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11 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Characteristics of Sambucus nigra L. Blossom from Different Regions in Bulgaria

by Galia Gentscheva, Iliana Milkova-Tomova, Krastena Nikolova, Dragomira Buhalova, Velichka Andonova, Viliana Gugleva, Nadezhda Petkova, Ina Yotkovska and Nadezhda Ivanova

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040309 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate some bioactive compounds from Sambucus nigra L. blossoms and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the obtained extracts. In this study, samples from four different regions of Bulgaria /Rhodopes, Plovdiv, Strandzha and Dobrich region/ [...] Read more.

The aim of the current study was to investigate some bioactive compounds from Sambucus nigra L. blossoms and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the obtained extracts. In this study, samples from four different regions of Bulgaria /Rhodopes, Plovdiv, Strandzha and Dobrich region/ from Sambucus nigra L. were collected and analyzed for total phenols, flavonoids, sugars and amino acids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by four assays based on different mechanisms. The sweetness index and total sweetness index of the extracts were also evaluated. The carbohydrate composition of the leaves and the blossoms was determined, with glucose and fructose predominating in both cases, as their contents were not above 3%. Nineteen amino acids have been identified in the composition of Sambucus nigra L., and glutamic, leucine and asparagine acids are predominant. The highest antioxidant activity and total content of phenols (49.2 ± 1 mg GAE/g) and flavonols (18.6 ± 0.5 mgQE/g) were found in the sample from the Rhodope region. Therefore, the higher altitude and lower temperature in mountains could influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in blossoms of Sambucus nigra L., which improves the antioxidant potential of the samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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16 pages, 1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Pomegranate, Sugar Apple, and Eggplant Peel Extracts Suppresses Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Biosynthesis Pathway

by Ismail A. Ismail, Sameer H. Qari, Rady Shawer, Moustafa M. Elshaer, Eldessoky S. Dessoky, Nesrine H. Youssef, Najwa A. Hamad, Ahmed Abdelkhalek, Ibrahim A. Elsamra and Said I. Behiry

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120558 - 07 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3152

Abstract

Even though the green revolution was a significant turning point in agriculture, it was also marked by the widespread use of chemical pesticides, which prompted severe concerns about their influence on human and environmental health. As a result, the demand for healthier and [...] Read more.

Even though the green revolution was a significant turning point in agriculture, it was also marked by the widespread use of chemical pesticides, which prompted severe concerns about their influence on human and environmental health. As a result, the demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to control plant diseases and avoid food spoilage is intensifying. Among the proposed alternatives, food by-product extracts, especially from the most consumed fruits in Egypt, eggplant, sugar apple, and pomegranate peel wastes, were largely ignored. Hence, we chose them to evaluate their antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities against maize fungus, Aspergillus flavus. All the extracts exhibited multiple degrees of antifungal growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibitory activities (35.52% to 91.18%) in broth media. Additionally, diethyl ether 50% eggplant, ethanol 75% sugar apple, and diethyl ether 25% pomegranate extracts exhibited the highest AFB1 inhibition, of 96.11%, 94.85%, and 78.83%, respectively, after one month of treated-maize storage. At the same time, Topsin fungicide demonstrated an AFB1 inhibition ratio of 72.95%. The relative transcriptional levels of three structural and two regulatory genes, aflD, aflP, aflQ, aflR, and aflS, were downregulated compared to the infected control. The phenolic content (116.88 mg GAEs/g DW) was highest in the 25% diethyl ether pomegranate peel extract, while the antioxidant activity was highest in the 75% ethanol sugar apple extract (94.02 µg/mL). The most abundant active compounds were found in the GC-MS analysis of the fruit peel extracts: α-kaurene, α-fenchene, p-allylphenol, octadecanoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy phenol, hexestrol, xanthinin, and linoleic acid. Finally, the three fruit peel waste extracts could be a prospective source of friendly ecological compounds that act as environmentally safer and more protective alternatives to inhibit AFB1 production in maize storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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11 pages, 1942 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Optical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Water-Ethanolic Extracts from Sempervivum tectorum L. from Bulgaria

by Galia Gentscheva, Irina Karadjova, Stefka Minkova, Krastena Nikolova, Velichka Andonova, Nadezhda Petkova and Iliana Milkova-Tomova

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120520 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1432

Abstract

Sempervivum tectorum L. is an evergreen plant belonging to a large family of the Crassulaceae. The fresh juice of the plant is used as a folk remedy almost exclusively for external purposes. The combination of several instrumental methods—transmission and fluorescence spectroscopy, ICP-MS spectrometry, [...] Read more.

Sempervivum tectorum L. is an evergreen plant belonging to a large family of the Crassulaceae. The fresh juice of the plant is used as a folk remedy almost exclusively for external purposes. The combination of several instrumental methods—transmission and fluorescence spectroscopy, ICP-MS spectrometry, and assays for the assessment of antioxidant activities were used for the characterization of water-ethanolic extracts from the leaves of Sempervivum tectorum L. with different polarities (ethanol content in the extracts varied between 10% and 95%). The highest total phenolic content was found in the 50% ethanol extract—0.84 ± 0.08 mg GAE/mL. Furthermore, this extract also possessed the highest antioxidant potential evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays—7.02 ± 0.71 mM TE/mL and 6.15 ± 0.25 mM TE/mL, respectively. High correlation coefficients were found between the total phenolic contents and the antioxidant activities of water-ethanolic extracts from Sempervivum tectorum L. The same is true for the strong relationship between the phenolic contents and the concentrations of Na and K. Most likely, the bioavailable species of elements such as Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg are mostly aqueous soluble. For all the studied extracts, the toxic element (As, Cd, Pb, Tl, Hg) contents are very much below the permissible limits for pharmaceutical products. On the contrary, the concentrations of compounds such as β-carotene and chlorophyll increase with the increase in ethanol in the extract. Results from this study may be used for the preliminary prognosis of pharmaceutical applications of extracts from Sempervivum tectorum L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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15 pages, 2192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Anti-Microbial Activity of Hog Plum (Spondias mombin L.) Peel Oil Extracted from Different Regions of Tropical Climates

by Md. Emrul Ahsan Plabon, Shakti Chandra Mondal, Md. Mamun Or Rashid, M. Kaium Chowdhury, Abu Saeid, Fayez Althobaiti, Eldessoky S. Dessok, Muhammad Ishaq Asif Rehmani, Syed Khalid Mustafa and Mohammad Sohidul Islam

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110428 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4642

Abstract

The hydro-distilled essential oil of hog plum peel may be used for enhancing the flavor and taste of food products as well as for hiding the unpleasant odor of drugs. Thus, the waste peels of Spondias mombin appear to have economic importance. To [...] Read more.

The hydro-distilled essential oil of hog plum peel may be used for enhancing the flavor and taste of food products as well as for hiding the unpleasant odor of drugs. Thus, the waste peels of Spondias mombin appear to have economic importance. To find out the chemical composition and anti-microbial properties of hog plum peel oil, the samples were collected from different regions of Bangladesh for extraction and identification of volatile compounds by GC-MS, where dichloromethane was used as an extraction solvent. The required standard analytical methods were used to assay the anti-microbial properties of hog plums. In this study, pentenyl-3-thy-met-4-alpha-methyl-alpha-ethanol-oxiranen (29.04%), (3,3.1,1)-4-dimethylethyl-1,1-phenol (8.00%), cycohexanol-3 (10.85%), 4-hydroxy-penzeneethanamine (7.09%), hydroxylamine (4.63%), dibutyl phthalate (6.85%), etc., were majorly determined. Consequently, the highest content of 75.81% volatile compounds was found in the Dinajpur district, where the lowest content of 35.00% was found in the Rajshahi district. In contrast, 33 volatile compounds were identified in hog plum peels collected from the Barishal district, whereas 22 compounds were detected in the peel samples collected from the Dinajpur district. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the oil was analyzed by the disk diffusion method, and the results revealed that the highest Ciprocin content was recorded in the hog plums of Barishal (22.0–23.0 mm), while the lowest was recorded in the Mymensingh sample (20.67–21.63 mm), which was on par with Rajshahi sample (20.70–21.50 mm). The results of the anti-fungal activities of the peel oil showed the highest zone of inhibition against the Aspergillus niger (11.63 ± 0.0003 mm) and Penicillium oxalicum (13.67 ± 1.97 mm) content of the Rajshahi and Pabna district samples, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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17 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Field-Grown and In Vitro Leaves, and Calluses in Blackberry and Blueberry

by Tijana Kolarević, Danijel D. Milinčić, Tatjana Vujović, Uroš M. Gašić, Ljiljana Prokić, Aleksandar Ž. Kostić, Radosav Cerović, Sladjana P. Stanojevic, Živoslav Lj. Tešić and Mirjana B. Pešić

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110420 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and profile of the phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant properties of field-grown leaves, in vitro leaves and in vitro callus cultures of the blackberry ‘Čačanska Bestrna’ and blueberry ‘Toro’. In vitro shoots of [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and profile of the phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant properties of field-grown leaves, in vitro leaves and in vitro callus cultures of the blackberry ‘Čačanska Bestrna’ and blueberry ‘Toro’. In vitro shoots of the selected genotypes were grown either on original Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L IBA and 0.1 mg/L GA₃ (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or on MS medium with macroelements reduced to ½, 2 mg/L zeatin and 0.2 mg/L IAA (‘Toro’). Callus cultures were induced from in vitro leaves and established on MS medium with 2 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L 2,4-D (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or MS medium with half strength macroelements, 2 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L NAA (‘Toro’). Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were the highest in blueberry leaves, whereas low TPC and TFC values were obtained in callus cultures of both cultivars. A higher content of PCs in blueberry leaves compared to blackberry leaves was determined by the UHPLC-DAD MS/MS technique. Quercetin derivatives and phenolic acids were the dominant PCs in the leaves of both berries, whereas gallocatechin was present in a significant amount in blueberry leaves. Callus cultures of both berries had a specific PC profile, with none detected in the leaves except quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Blackberry leaves showed the best antioxidant properties as estimated by ferric reducing power (FRP), ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• scavenging activity assays. Callus cultures of both berries exhibited three to five times lower ABTS^•+ and ten to seventeen times lower DPPH^• scavenging activity compared to corresponding leaves. The analyzed leaves and callus cultures can be a good source of PCs with good antioxidant properties and specific phenolics, respectively, for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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9 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Elements Composition in Sempervivum tectorum L. from Bulgaria

by Galia Gentscheva, Irina Karadjova, Poli Radusheva, Stefka Minkova, Krastena Nikolova, Yoana Sotirova, Ina Yotkovska and Velichka Andonova

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090306 - 12 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2651

Abstract

Sempervivumtectorum L. is an evergreen plant with fleshy blue-green leaves forming a rosette. The plant is well-known in alternative medicine and has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally for medicinal purposes, the plant is used as a juice obtained by simple [...] Read more.

Sempervivumtectorum L. is an evergreen plant with fleshy blue-green leaves forming a rosette. The plant is well-known in alternative medicine and has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally for medicinal purposes, the plant is used as a juice obtained by simple squeezing of fresh plants leaves. The total content of Ca, K, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Al, V, Cr, Ni, Mo, Ba, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Tl in plant leaves of Sempervivum tectorum L. sampled from different habitats in Bulgaria was determined after microwave digestion and measurements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Furthermore, the bioavailable fraction of essential elements Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn was defined after extraction with a hydrochloric acid solution, mimicking stomach juice. The total element content showed a high bioavailability of essential human health elements, such as Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn. Additionally, essential and toxic elements concentrations were quantified in a fresh juice, obtained by squeezing from plant leaves, as most frequently used in folk medicine. The results obtained demonstrated high concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Cu, which could be accepted as an explanation and a further confirmation of the anti-inflammatory action of this plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

19 pages, 1691 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advancements in Enhancing Antimicrobial Activity of Plant-Derived Polyphenols by Biochemical Means

by Likun Panda and Arturo Duarte-Sierra

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050401 - 03 May 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2819

Abstract

Plants are a reservoir of phytochemicals, which are known to possess several beneficial health properties. Along with all the secondary metabolites, polyphenols have emerged as potential replacements for synthetic additives due to their lower toxicity and fewer side effects. However, controlling microbial growth [...] Read more.

Plants are a reservoir of phytochemicals, which are known to possess several beneficial health properties. Along with all the secondary metabolites, polyphenols have emerged as potential replacements for synthetic additives due to their lower toxicity and fewer side effects. However, controlling microbial growth using these preservatives requires very high doses of plant-derived compounds, which limits their use to only specific conditions. Their use at high concentrations leads to unavoidable changes in the organoleptic properties of foods. Therefore, the biochemical modification of natural preservatives can be a promising alternative to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of plant-derived compounds/polyphenols. Amongst these modifications, low concentration of ascorbic acid (AA)–Cu (II), degradation products of ascorbic acid (DPAA), Maillard reaction products (MRPs), laccase–mediator (Lac–Med) and horse radish peroxidase (HRP)–H₂O₂ systems standout. This review reveals the importance of plant polyphenols, their role as antimicrobial agents, the mechanism of the biochemical methods and the ways these methods may be used in enhancing the antimicrobial potency of the plant polyphenols. Ultimately, this study may act as a base for the development of potent antimicrobial agents that may find their use in food applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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20 pages, 9210 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Volatile Organic Compounds from Basil Essential Oils: Plant Taxonomy, Biological Activities, and Their Applications in Tropical Fruit Productions

by Tibet Tangpao, Nutthawut Charoimek, Patipon Teerakitchotikan, Noppol Leksawasdi, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Pensak Jantrawut, Hien Van Doan, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon and Sarana Rose Sommano

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020144 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8639

Abstract

Basils of the genus Ocimum are aromatic plants grown widely throughout the tropical and temperate regions. The essential oils obtained from their aerial parts are enriched with volatile organic compounds with high market demand for food and pharmaceutical industries. The volatile organic compounds [...] Read more.

Basils of the genus Ocimum are aromatic plants grown widely throughout the tropical and temperate regions. The essential oils obtained from their aerial parts are enriched with volatile organic compounds with high market demand for food and pharmaceutical industries. The volatile organic compounds have been shown to exhibit biological activities. Therefore, their novel applications have been extensively explored in the last few decades. The most widely available basils in the tropical areas include white holy basil (O. sanctum var. Shyama), red holy basil (O. sanctum var. Rama), Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflorum), lemon basil (O. citriodorum), and tree basil (O. gratissimum). Over 60 volatiles of different classes have been exclusively described, and some of them could be useful as biomarkers for genotype specification. The major volatile ingredient is the phenylpropanoids, such as methyl eugenol, which has the potential as a natural product for mitigating Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) during tropical fruit production. Moreover, basil essential oils are also used to control diseases of the fruits during post-harvest storage. As a result, the application of basil essential oils as a sustainable defect control strategy for tropical fruit value chains seems intriguing. This review provides comprehensive information on plant taxonomy and volatile compositions of the essential oil fractions from different basil species. Their biological activities and applications are also discussed, mainly during the pre- and post-production of tropical fruits. Additionally, the available techniques to enhance the efficacy of the volatile active compounds are also described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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Open AccessReview

Opuntia genus in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 1

by Eduardo Madrigal-Santillán, Jacqueline Portillo-Reyes, Eduardo Madrigal-Bujaidar, Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Paola E. Mercado-Gonzalez, Jeannett A. Izquierdo-Vega, Nancy Vargas-Mendoza, Isela Álvarez-González, Tomás Fregoso-Aguilar, Luis Delgado-Olivares, Ángel Morales-González, Liliana Anguiano-Robledo and José A. Morales-González

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020088 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

Opuntia spp. is a diverse and widely distributed genus in Africa, Asia, Australia, and America. Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated [...] Read more.

Opuntia spp. is a diverse and widely distributed genus in Africa, Asia, Australia, and America. Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Throughout history, plants and their phytochemicals have played an important role in health care and Opuntia spp. has shown a high nutritional, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and economic impacts. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. This first review (Part 1), compiles information from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its preventive effects against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive and/or antigenotoxic capacity. The aim is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities)

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