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Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants
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Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2024 | Viewed by 8635

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Enrico Doria

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 9 – 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: plant physiology; plant biochemistry; phycology; secondary metabolites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticultural plants contains a significant number of micronutrients, vitamins, and natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), which possess a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities, among other things. The isolation, analysis, and characterization of these compounds within these extracts makes it is possible to understand why they exhibit these diverse characteristic activities, as well as the chemical metabolism of compounds that occurs in horticultural plants. There is also a significant research challenge: to improve the extraction of NBCs from different horticultural plants in a sustainable way, according to circular economy principles, setting up new methods and processes. The need to identify the best “extraction” conditions and technologies, in order to improve the release of NBCs from the plant matrix in which they are encased, is also becoming an increasingly important goal too. This Special Issue will highlight the research of new potential NBCs with important biological activities from different horticultural plants, as well as the biochemical characterization of plant extracts with important biological properties, focusing attention to the used extraction methodology.

Dr. Enrico Doria
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • isolation and analysis of compounds
  • herbal and plant extracts
  • quality control
  • functional foods
  • herbal drugs
  • profiling
  • standardized processing
  • characteristic compounds
  • bioactive compounds
  • metabolites
  • phytochemicals
  • metabolomics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 5233 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Water Stress on Bioactive Compounds in Australian-Grown Black Sesame
by Beatriz E. Hoyos, Joel B. Johnson, Janice S. Mani, Ryan J. Batley, Tieneke Trotter, Surya P. Bhattarai and Mani Naiker
Plants 2024, 13(6), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060793 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1259
Abstract
Sesame is an emerging crop of interest in Australia and has attracted widespread interest due to the health-benefitting properties of its bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, lignans, and polyphenols. This study aimed to investigate the impact of drought stress on these bioactive compounds, [...] Read more.
Sesame is an emerging crop of interest in Australia and has attracted widespread interest due to the health-benefitting properties of its bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, lignans, and polyphenols. This study aimed to investigate the impact of drought stress on these bioactive compounds, using eleven cultivars of black sesame seeds grown in Australia. Specific varieties responded positively to water deficit (WD) conditions, showing increased levels of TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and lignans. Varieties 1, 4, 7, and 12 showed significantly increased FRAP values ranging from 158.02 ± 10.43 to 195.22 ± 9.63 mg TE/100 g DW in the WD treatment compared to the well-watered (WW) treatment, whereas varieties 7, 10, 12, 13, and 18 demonstrated the highest CUPRAC values of all varieties (2584.86 ± 99.68–2969.56 ± 159.72 mg TE/100 g) across both WW and WD conditions, with no significant variations between irrigation regimes. Moreover, lignan contents (sesamin and sesamolin) were higher in varieties 1, 2, 5, and 8 grown in WD conditions. Compared to the optimal unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (Σ UFA/Σ SFA ratio) of 0.45, all sesame genotypes showed superior ratios (ranging between 1.86 and 2.34). Moreover, the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio varied from 33.7–65.5, with lower ratios in varieties 2, 4, 5, 8, and 18 under WD conditions. The high levels of phenolic compounds and healthy fats suggest the potential of black sesame to be incorporated into diets as a functional food. Furthermore, the enhanced phytochemistry of these cultivars in WD conditions is promising for widespread adoption. However, larger trial studies to confirm these findings across different geographic locations and seasons are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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22 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
HPLC- and NMR-Based Chemical Profiling, Wound-Healing Potential, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of Satureja pilosa (Lamiaceae), a Neglected Medicinal–Aromatic Herb
by Christina Panagiotidou, Luisa D. Burgers, Christina Tsadila, Chara Almpani, Nikos Krigas, Dimitris Mossialos, Michail Christou Rallis, Robert Fürst and Anastasia Karioti
Plants 2023, 12(24), 4114; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244114 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1364
Abstract
Satureja pilosa Velen. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial and melliferous aromatic–medicinal subshrub which is range-restricted in adjacent parts of Greece and Bulgaria and locally in Italy, known in Northern Greece as wild oregano (“agriorigani”) and traditionally collected from the wild for culinary purposes. Since [...] Read more.
Satureja pilosa Velen. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial and melliferous aromatic–medicinal subshrub which is range-restricted in adjacent parts of Greece and Bulgaria and locally in Italy, known in Northern Greece as wild oregano (“agriorigani”) and traditionally collected from the wild for culinary purposes. Since the ethnopharmacological data and modern biological activities of Satureja spp. suggest promising applications in skin conditions, the present study aimed to investigate the hitherto unknown phenolic content of cultivated S. pilosa and its potential biological activities, focusing mainly on wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects. An HPLC-PDA-MS-targeted phytochemical investigation, along with NMR, allowed for the isolation and characterization of the main constituents, resulting in 18 compounds. Representative extracts and purified compounds were tested for wound-healing activity on NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. The butanol extract exhibited a significantly higher cell migration rate (73.4%) compared to aqueous (50.6%) and methanolic (49.6%) ones, enhancing the cell migration more rapidly at both concentration levels, whilst rosmarinic acid was the most potent among the isolated compounds, with a migration rate of 64.0% at the concentration level of 10−5 mg/mL, followed by 3,4-dihydrophenyllactic acid (54.7%). Moreover, potential effects on endothelial activation processes were explored, including the leukocyte–endothelial cell interaction during inflammatory processes and the migratory capacity during angiogenic actions, since these processes are commonly associated with skin diseases. Finally, extracts and purified compounds demonstrated weak antibacterial potential against two important pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), suggesting that further investigation is warrented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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22 pages, 1948 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical and Agronomic Characterization of High-Flavonoid Lettuce Lines Grown under Field Conditions
by Eunjin Cho, Csanad Gurdon, Rebecca Zhao, Hui Peng, Alexander Poulev, Ilya Raskin and Ivan Simko
Plants 2023, 12(19), 3467; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193467 - 02 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
Flavonoids are antioxidant phytochemicals that confer a beneficial effect on human health. We have previously developed and characterized eight lettuce (Latuca sativa L.) lines that accumulated high levels of diverse flavonoids and their precursors in controlled environment conditions. Three Rutgers Scarlet lettuce [...] Read more.
Flavonoids are antioxidant phytochemicals that confer a beneficial effect on human health. We have previously developed and characterized eight lettuce (Latuca sativa L.) lines that accumulated high levels of diverse flavonoids and their precursors in controlled environment conditions. Three Rutgers Scarlet lettuce (RSL) lines selected in tissue culture for deep-red color (RSL-NAR, RSL-NBR, RSL-NFR) accumulate anthocyanins and quercetin, three lines identified in a chemically mutagenized red lettuce population accumulate kaempferol (KfoA and KfoB) or naringenin chalcone (Nco), and two lines that were spontaneous green mutants derived from the red line RSL-NAR (GSL, GSL-DG) accumulate quercetin. These eight lines were field-grown in the Salinas Valley of California for four years together with seven control accessions of varying colors (light green, dark green, red, and dark red). At market maturity, a substantial variation in plant composition was observed, but the three RSL lines consistently accumulated high levels of cyanidin, GSL and GSL-DG accumulated the highest levels of quercetin, KfoA and KfoB accumulated kaempferol, and Nco amassed naringenin chalcone, confirming that these mutant lines produce high levels of beneficial phytochemicals under field conditions. Mutant lines and control accessions were also assessed for their biomass production (plant weight, height, and width), overall content of pigments (leaf chlorophyll and anthocyanins), resistance to diseases (downy mildew, lettuce drop, and Impatiens necrotic spot virus), postharvest quality of processed tissue (deterioration and enzymatic discoloration), and composition of 23 mineral elements. All but one mutant line had a fresh plant weight at harvest comparable to commercial leaf cultivars; only Nco plants were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller. Therefore, except for Nco, the new, flavonoid hyperaccumulating lines can be considered for field cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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18 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
Chemical Characterization, Bioactivity and Toxicity of European Flora Plant Extracts in Search for Potential Natural Origin Preservatives
by Breno Martins de Deus, Conceição Fernandes, Adriana K. Molina, Virginie Xavier, Tânia C. S. P. Pires, Filipa Mandim, Sandrina A. Heleno, Tiane C. Finimundy and Lillian Barros
Plants 2023, 12(15), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152784 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Consumer demand for natural and healthier products has led to an increasing interest in the bioactive and therapeutic properties of plant extracts. In this study, we evaluated the phenolic compounds profile, bioactivities, and toxicities of plant extracts from eight European flora species, including [...] Read more.
Consumer demand for natural and healthier products has led to an increasing interest in the bioactive and therapeutic properties of plant extracts. In this study, we evaluated the phenolic compounds profile, bioactivities, and toxicities of plant extracts from eight European flora species, including Calendula officinalis L., Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Hippophae rhamnoides L., Juglans regia L., Mentha cervina L., Rubus idaeus L., Sambucus nigra L., and Vitis vinifera L. The aim was to identify potential preservatives of natural origin. Phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Caffeic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, flavonols, and flavones were the major phenolic compounds identified. The total phenolic content varied from 16.0 ± 0.2 (V. vinifera) to 123 ± 2 mg/g (H. rhamnoides) of dry extract. All extracts showed antioxidant potential and exhibited activity against some of the microorganisms tested. S. nigra showed the highest activity in the inhibition of oxidative hemolysis (OxHLIA) assay and H. rhamnoides, notably, had the lowest IC50 values in TBARS and DPPH assays, as well as the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Regarding in vitro cytotoxicity, in tumor and non-tumor cell lines, although some extracts revealed toxicity against normal cells, it was found that the samples C. vulgaris, V. vinifera and R. idaeus might be used against tumor cells since the active concentration is much lower than the one causing toxicity. In vivo acute toxicity tests using Artemia franciscana suggest low toxicity for most extracts, with LC50 > 400 mg/L. These results showed the potential of the studied extracts as natural preservatives, given their richness in compounds with bioactive properties, highlight their potential value to the production chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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13 pages, 710 KiB  
Article
Development of a Pressurized Green Liquid Extraction Procedure to Recover Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds from Strawberry Tree Fruit (Arbutus unedo L.)
by Anica Bebek Markovinović, Sanja Milošević, Nemanja Teslić, Branimir Pavlić, Predrag Putnik, Irena Brčić Karačonji, Karlo Jurica, Dario Lasić and Danijela Bursać Kovačević
Plants 2023, 12(10), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102006 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Strawberry tree fruits (Arbutus unedo L.) are a natural source of valuable biologically active compounds. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a green extraction approach using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to provide the highest yield of bioactive compounds. Different [...] Read more.
Strawberry tree fruits (Arbutus unedo L.) are a natural source of valuable biologically active compounds. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a green extraction approach using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to provide the highest yield of bioactive compounds. Different extraction solvents (distilled water, 50% and 96% ethanol) and different PLE parameters were investigated: temperature (40, 80, and 120 °C), static extraction time (5 and 10 min), and number of cycles (1 and 2). Total phenolic contents (TPC), hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA), flavonols (FL), total flavonoids (TF), condensed tannins (CT), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) were determined in PLE extracts. Solvent type, temperature, static extraction time, and number of cycles had a statistically significant effect on all bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity (p ≤ 0.05). All bioactive compounds were positively correlated with temperature, except for TPC and DPPH. For all polyphenols studied, the optimal PLE parameters were a temperature of 120 °C, a static extraction time of 10 min and 2 cycles. The best solvent for most bioactive compounds was 96% ethanol, except for TPC, for which 50% ethanol was better. This study suggests that PLE is a promising tool to intensify the extraction of bioactive compounds from strawberry tree fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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11 pages, 1295 KiB  
Article
Tocopherols in Cultivated Apple Malus sp. Seeds: Composition, Variability and Specificity
by Paweł Górnaś, Gunārs Lācis, Inga Mišina and Laila Ikase
Plants 2023, 12(5), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051169 - 03 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 938
Abstract
The seeds of 111 Malus sp. different fruit use (dessert and cider apples) cultivars/genotypes developed in 18 countries were analysed to evaluate composition of tocopherol homologues and identify crop-specific profile, including diploid, triploid, and tetraploid apple cultivars with and without scab-resistance to ensure [...] Read more.
The seeds of 111 Malus sp. different fruit use (dessert and cider apples) cultivars/genotypes developed in 18 countries were analysed to evaluate composition of tocopherol homologues and identify crop-specific profile, including diploid, triploid, and tetraploid apple cultivars with and without scab-resistance to ensure high genetic diversity. The percentage of individual tocopherols was as follows: alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) (38.36%), beta-tocopherol (beta-T) (40.74%), gamma-tocopherol (gamma-T) (10.93%), and delta-tocopherol (delta-T) (9.97%), represented by average measurements of 17.48, 18.56, 4.98, and 4.54 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. The values of the variation coefficient showed high variability for delta (0.695) and gamma (0.662) homologue content, whereas measurements of alpha-T and beta-T were less variable (coefficient of variation 0.203 and 0.256, respectively). The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) revealed three main cultivar groups characterised by almost equal content of all four tocopherol homologues (Group I), high concentrations of alpha-T and beta-T, but very low content of gamma-T and delta-T (Group II), and relatively high average content of alpha-T and beta-T, but higher gamma-T and delta-T content (Group III). Specific tocopherol homologues showed association with certain valuable traits, such as harvesting time (total content of tocopherols) and resistance to apple scab (alpha-T and total content of tocopherols). This study represents the first large-scale tocopherol homologue (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) screening in apple seeds. The dominant tocopherol homologues in cultivated apple cultivars are alpha-T and beta-T, with the prevalence of alpha-T or beta-T depending on genotype. It is a unique finding due to the rare occurrence of beta-T in the plant world and is considered a unique feature of the species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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Review

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15 pages, 1066 KiB  
Review
Plant-Based Biostimulants for Seeds in the Context of Circular Economy and Sustainability
by Hisham Wazeer, Shraddha Shridhar Gaonkar, Enrico Doria, Andrea Pagano, Alma Balestrazzi and Anca Macovei
Plants 2024, 13(7), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13071004 - 31 Mar 2024
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Plant-based biostimulants (PBs), agents rich in bioactive compounds, are emerging as key players able to sustainably improve plant growth and crop productivity to address food security. PBs are generally applied as foliar spray or soil irrigation, while more recently, the application as seed [...] Read more.
Plant-based biostimulants (PBs), agents rich in bioactive compounds, are emerging as key players able to sustainably improve plant growth and crop productivity to address food security. PBs are generally applied as foliar spray or soil irrigation, while more recently, the application as seed priming treatments is being envisaged as a highly sustainable method to also improve seed quality and germination. Therefore, this review proposes to explore the use of PBs for the seeds industry, specifically discussing about the relevance of product market values, sustainable methods for their production, why and how PBs are used for seed priming, and pinpointing specific strengths and challenges. The collected research studies indicate that PBs applied to seeds result in improved germination, seedling growth, and stress tolerance, although the molecular mechanisms at work are still largely overlooked. The high variability of bioactive molecules and used sources point towards a huge reservoir of nature-based solutions in support of sustainable agriculture practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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