Editorial

3 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity

by Antonella Fais and Benedetta Era

Plants 2024, 13(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030331 - 23 Jan 2024

Viewed by 547

Phytochemicals are bioactive plant compounds that provide humans with health benefits, representing a valuable source of novel bioactive molecules [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

Research

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12 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Profile and Health-Promoting Activities of Crataegus laciniata (Rosaceae) Flowers

by Salvatore Mirabile, Valeria D’Angelo, Maria Paola Germanò, Shiva Pouramin Arabi, Valentina Parisi, Francesco Maria Raimondo and Emanuele Rosa

Plants 2024, 13(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010034 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 732

Abstract

In the present study, we focused our attention on Crataegus laciniata Ucria (Rosaceae), which is wild growing in western Sicily (Italy). The chemical profile of the C. laciniata flower’s (CLF) ethanolic (70%) extract showed the presence of both C-flavonoid and O-flavonoid derivatives. Beyond [...] Read more.

In the present study, we focused our attention on Crataegus laciniata Ucria (Rosaceae), which is wild growing in western Sicily (Italy). The chemical profile of the C. laciniata flower’s (CLF) ethanolic (70%) extract showed the presence of both C-flavonoid and O-flavonoid derivatives. Beyond the main metabolites, like hyperoside and vitexin, there are several luteolin derivates, in addition to catechin and epicatechin dimers or trimers. Regarding the antioxidant activities, CLF showed a strong ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals and a good Fe³⁺-reducing antioxidant power. The investigation into the key enzymes in diabetes showed strong inhibition on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, whereas the skin-whitening properties are linked to inhibitory effects on tyrosinase. Moreover, we employed Danio rerio (zebrafish) for toxicity assessment, as it represents an ideal in vivo model due to its high correlation with humans in response to pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing. Zebrafish embryos exposed to CLF (25–100 µg/mL) showed marked depigmentation compared to phenylthiourea (PTU), in addition to a high survival percentage and the absence of malformations. In conclusion, this experimental study outlines that C. laciniata flowers could be a potential source of bioactive compounds for application in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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22 pages, 1797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wax Composition of Serbian Dianthus spp. (Caryophyllaceae): Identification of New Metabolites and Chemotaxonomic Implications

by Marko Z. Mladenović, Milenko N. Ristić, Andrija I. Bogdanović, Novica R. Ristić, Fabio Boylan and Niko S. Radulović

Plants 2023, 12(11), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12112094 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1030

Abstract

Although ethnopharmacologically renowned, wax constituents of Dianthus species were sporadically studied. A combination of GC-MS analysis, synthesis, and chemical transformations enabled the identification of 275 constituents of diethyl-ether washings of aerial parts and/or flowers of six Dianthus taxa (Dianthus carthusianorum, D. [...] Read more.

Although ethnopharmacologically renowned, wax constituents of Dianthus species were sporadically studied. A combination of GC-MS analysis, synthesis, and chemical transformations enabled the identification of 275 constituents of diethyl-ether washings of aerial parts and/or flowers of six Dianthus taxa (Dianthus carthusianorum, D. deltoides, D. giganteus subsp. banaticus, D. integer subsp. minutiflorus, D. petraeus, and D. superbus) and one Petrorhagia taxon (P. prolifera) from Serbia. Seventeen of these constituents (nonacosyl benzoate, additional 12 benzoates with anteiso-branched 1-alkanols, eicosyl tiglate, triacontane-14,16-dione, dotriacontane-14,16-dione, and tetratriacontane-16,18-dione) and two additional synthesized eicosyl esters (angelate and senecioate) represent completely new compounds. The structures of the tentatively identified β-ketones were confirmed by analysis of the mass fragmentation of the corresponding pyrazoles and silyl enol ethers obtained by transformations of crude extracts and extract fractions. Silylation allowed the identification of 114 additional constituents, including a completely new natural product (30-methylhentriacontan-1-ol). The results obtained by multivariate statistical analyses showed that the chemical profile of Dianthus taxa’s surface waxes is subject to both genetic and ecological factors, whereas the latter seemingly takes a more important role for the studied Dianthus samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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13 pages, 1216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Chestnut Extract and Its Components on Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus

by Sara Štumpf, Gregor Hostnik, Tomaž Langerholc, Maša Pintarič, Zala Kolenc and Urban Bren

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102043 - 20 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1451

Abstract

Increasing antimicrobial resistance has caused a great interest in natural products as alternatives or potentiators of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to isolate individual tannins from crude chestnut extract as well as to determine the influence of both crude extracts (tannic [...] Read more.

Increasing antimicrobial resistance has caused a great interest in natural products as alternatives or potentiators of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to isolate individual tannins from crude chestnut extract as well as to determine the influence of both crude extracts (tannic acid extract, chestnut extract) and individual pure tannins (gallic acid, vescalin, vescalagin, castalin, castalagin) on the growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Their antibacterial activity was monitored by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) as well as the duration of the lag phase, growth rate and generation time. The effect of growth medium strength on the MIC of different tannins was also investigated. Bacterial growth was followed spectrophotometrically, and MIC values were determined by the microdilution method. The MIC values of various isolated compounds allowed us to determine the bioactive compounds and their contribution to antimicrobial activity. It was found that MIC values increase with increasing growth medium strength and that the lag phase lengthens with increasing tannin concentrations, while the growth rates decrease. Comparing the results of the two studies, the antimicrobial activity of tannins against S. aureus was not as pronounced as in the case of E. coli, which may indicate that a different mechanism of action is responsible for the antimicrobial effects of tannins on Gram-positive than on Gram-negative bacteria, or that a different mechanism is more pronounced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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15 pages, 2751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Passovia ovata Mistletoe on Pro-Inflammatory Markers In Vitro and In Vivo

by Isadora de Fátima Braga Magalhães, Ana Letícia Marinho Figueirêdo, Elizeu Mendes da Silva, Adryan Adam Batalha de Miranda, Cláudia Quintino da Rocha, Katia da Silva Calabrese, Fernando Almeida-Souza and Ana Lúcia Abreu-Silva

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091814 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

New agents that can suppress inflammatory responses are being sought, since chronic inflammation is associated with several pathologies. This work aims to elucidate phytochemicals from the hydroethanolic extract of mistletoe Passovia ovata (POH) and its anti-inflammatory potential. POH is submitted to HPLC-UV, qualitative [...] Read more.

New agents that can suppress inflammatory responses are being sought, since chronic inflammation is associated with several pathologies. This work aims to elucidate phytochemicals from the hydroethanolic extract of mistletoe Passovia ovata (POH) and its anti-inflammatory potential. POH is submitted to HPLC-UV, qualitative analysis of chemical constituents, and flavonoid quantification. Cytotoxicity is evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages by MTT. LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells are treated with POH and, after 48 h, the nitrite and cytokine levels are quantified. BALB/c mice are treated by gavage with POH and stimulated with λ-carrageenan to induce paw oedema or peritonitis. POH yield is 25% with anthraquinones, tannins, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonols, catechins and flavanones present and flavonoid content of 4.44 ± 0.157 mg QE/g dry weight. POH exhibits low cytotoxicity and significantly reduced (p < 0.01) nitrite, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α quantification at 500 μg/mL. POH at 500 mg/kg prevents paw edema increase and also reduces inflammatory infiltrate and mast cells in the footpad. In the peritonitis model, POH does not influence cytokines levels or cell counts. Overall, POH demonstrates a high concentration of flavonoids and prominent effects in the reduction in pro-inflammatory markers in vitro and in the inhibition of paw oedema. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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14 pages, 2687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxic Effects of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. Essential Oil and Its Main Component on Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)

by Ruimin Zhang, Wenxing Zhang, Junnan Zheng, Jingwei Xu, Huan Wang, Jiajia Du, Dan Zhou, Yan Sun and Bo Shen

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071516 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Sustainable control of mosquitoes, vectors of many pathogens and parasites, is a critical challenge. Chemical insecticides are gradually losing their effectiveness because of development of resistance, and plant metabolites are increasingly being recognized as potential alternatives to chemical insecticides. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Sustainable control of mosquitoes, vectors of many pathogens and parasites, is a critical challenge. Chemical insecticides are gradually losing their effectiveness because of development of resistance, and plant metabolites are increasingly being recognized as potential alternatives to chemical insecticides. This study aimed to analyze the main components of Perilla frutescens essential oil (PE-EO), investigate the specific activity of PE-EO as a botanical insecticide and mosquito repellent, and explore whether its main constituents are potential candidates for further research. The larvicidal activity assay showed that LC50 of PE-EO and 2-hexanoylfuran was 45 and 25 mg/L, respectively. In the ovicidal activity assay, both 120 mg/L PE-EO and 80 mg/L 2-hexanoylfuran could achieve 98% egg mortality. Moreover, PE-EO and 2-hexanoylfuran showed repellency and oviposition deterrence effects. Notably, 10% PE-EO maintained a high rate of protection for 360 min. Although PE-EO and its main component had certain toxic effects on zebrafish, no significant harmful effects were detected in human embryonic kidney cells. Therefore, perilla essential oil is an effective agent for mosquito control at several life stages and that its main component, 2-hexanoylfuran, is a potential candidate for developing novel plant biopesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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14 pages, 1336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Different Green Extraction Techniques Used for the Extraction of Targeted Flavonoids from Edible Feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O.Berg) Burret) Flowers

by Katarzyna Angelika Gil, Stela Jokić, Ana-Marija Cikoš, Marija Banožić, Martina Jakovljević Kovač, Antonella Fais and Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071461 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1864

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of four green extraction techniques (ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE; supercritical fluid extraction, SFE; subcritical water extraction, SWE; and extraction using deep eutectic solvents, DES) on the extraction of targeted flavonoids from edible feijoa flowers. The bioactive components [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of four green extraction techniques (ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE; supercritical fluid extraction, SFE; subcritical water extraction, SWE; and extraction using deep eutectic solvents, DES) on the extraction of targeted flavonoids from edible feijoa flowers. The bioactive components in the obtained extracts were quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Photodiode Array Detector (HPLC-PDA). Moreover, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity by DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were investigated. UAE generally gave the highest yields for isoquercitrin and quercetin content (18.36–25.33 and 10.86–16.13 µg/g), while DES extraction with choline chloride:lactic acid (1:2) and H₂O content of 50% gave the highest yield of chrysanthemin (90.81 µg/g). The highest yield of flavone (12.69 mg/g) was obtained with supercritical CO₂ at 300 bar. Finally, UAE gave the highest total polyphenol content (ca. 64 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity at 70 °C during 30 min with 40% (0.84 mmol TEAC/g and 2.25 mmol Fe²⁺/g, for ABTS^•+ and CUPRAC, respectively) and 60% ethanol-water solution (0.49 mmol TEAC/g and 2.09 mmol Fe²⁺/g, for DPPH^• and FRAP, respectively). The eco-friendly extraction techniques resulted in selective methods capable of extracting targeted bioactive compounds from edible feijoa flowers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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17 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Characterization of Polystichum lonchitis L. for Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities in Swiss Albino Mice Model

by Jan Sher, Gul Jan, Muhammad Israr, Muhammad Irfan, Nighat Yousuf, Fazal Ullah, Abdur Rauf, Abdulrahman Alshammari and Metab Alharbi

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071455 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Polystichum lonchitis L. is a fern belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. The present study was conducted to evaluate its pharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, and to conduct GC–MS screening of P. lonchitis. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, yeast-induced hyperpyrexia method, carrageenan-induced rat [...] Read more.

Polystichum lonchitis L. is a fern belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. The present study was conducted to evaluate its pharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, and to conduct GC–MS screening of P. lonchitis. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, yeast-induced hyperpyrexia method, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, and charcoal meal test model were carried out to assess analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic activity, respectively. DPPH was used as an antioxidant, while the phytochemical screening was conducted using standard scientific methods. Among the pharmacological activities, the most significant effects were observed in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, followed by the antipyretic and antispasmodic activities, at a dose of 450 mg/kg after the 4th hour, compared with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. For the evaluation of antioxidant activities, the most significant results were detected in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. The detection of flavonoids and phenol occurred most significantly in the methanolic extract, and then in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The main compounds detected using GC–MS analysis with a high metabolic rate was 𝛼-D-Galactopyranoside, which had a metabolic rate of 0.851, and methyl and n-hexadecanoic, which had a metabolic rate of 0.972. Overall, the results suggested that P. lonchitis had a strong potential for pharmacological activities. The suggested assessment provided a way to isolate the bioactive constituents and will help to provide new medicines with fewer side effects. Due to the fern’s effectiveness against various diseases, the results provide clear evidence that they also have the potential to cure various diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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13 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Isoflavone-Rich NADES Extract of Pueraria lobata Roots and Astaxanthin-Rich Phaffia rhodozyma Extract on Prostate Carcinogenesis in Rats

by Alexander L. Semenov, Margarita L. Tyndyk, Julia D. Von, Elena D. Ermakova, Anastasia A. Dorofeeva, Irina A. Tumanyan, Ekaterina A. Radetskaya, Maria N. Yurova, Alexander Zherebker, Alexander Yu. Gorbunov, Elena I. Fedoros, Andrey V. Panchenko and Vladimir N. Anisimov

Plants 2023, 12(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030564 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies worldwide. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extract of Pueraria lobata roots rich in isoflavones (ISF) and Phaffia rhodozyma extract rich in astaxanthin [...] Read more.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies worldwide. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extract of Pueraria lobata roots rich in isoflavones (ISF) and Phaffia rhodozyma extract rich in astaxanthin (ASX) on an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea plus testosterone PCa model in rats. ISF consisted of puerarin, daidzein, genistein, formononetin and other polyphenols, while ASX contained lipids and unsaturated species in addition to astaxanthin. Extracts were administered through a whole promotion period in daily doses shown by our group to successfully inhibit benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) development — 200 mg/kg for ISF and 25 mg/kg for ASX. Though a similar effect was found for BPH processes accompanying PCa induction, the incidence of PCa in animals treated with placebo, ISF and ASX was 37%, 37% and 41%, respectively, showing no chemopreventive activity of ISF and ASX. PCa development was associated with a decrease in the Ca/Mg ratio in serum and an increase in prostate tissue. Treatment with both extracts produced a normalization effect on Ca balance in serum, which, combined with a decrease in the prostatic index, suggests some positive health effects of ISF and ASX. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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22 pages, 1307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arecaceae Seeds Constitute a Healthy Source of Fatty Acids and Phenolic Compounds

by Miguel Ángel Rincón-Cervera, Abdallah Lahlou, Tarik Chileh-Chelh, Svetlana Lyashenko, Rosalía López-Ruiz and José Luis Guil-Guerrero

Plants 2023, 12(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020226 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2026

Abstract

Seeds of most Arecaceae species are an underutilized raw material that can constitute a source of nutritionally relevant compounds. In this work, seeds of 24 Arecaceae taxa were analyzed for fatty acids (FAs) by GC-FID, for phenolics by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, and for [...] Read more.

Seeds of most Arecaceae species are an underutilized raw material that can constitute a source of nutritionally relevant compounds. In this work, seeds of 24 Arecaceae taxa were analyzed for fatty acids (FAs) by GC-FID, for phenolics by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, and for their antitumor activity against the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line by the MTT assay. Lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids were the prominent FAs. Cocoseae species contained total FAs at 28.0–68.3 g/100 g seeds, and in other species total FAs were from 1.2 (Livistona saribus) to 9.9 g/100 g (Washingtonia robusta). Sabal domingensis, Chamaerops humilis, and Phoenix dactylifera var. Medjool had unsaturated/saturated FA ratios of 1.65, 1.33–1.78, and 1.31, respectively, and contained 7.4, 5.5–6.3, and 6.4 g FAs/100 g seeds, respectively. Thus, they could be used as raw materials for healthy oilseed production. Phenolics ranged between 39 (Livistona fulva) and 246 mg/100 g (Sabal palmetto), and of these, caffeic acid, catechin, dactylifric acid, and rutin had the highest values. (-)-Epicatechin was identified in most seed extracts by LC-MS. Hydroalcoholic extracts from five species showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HT-20 cells growth at 72 h (GI₅₀ at 1533–1968 µg/mL). Overall, Arecaceae seeds could be considered as a cheap source of health-promoting compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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13 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Profiling of Hedyosmum cumbalense and Hedyosmum spectabile (Chloranthaceae) Essential Oils, and Their Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Properties

by Alisson Guerrero, Emilye Guerrero, Luis Cartuche, Nixon Cumbicus and Vladimir Morocho

Plants 2023, 12(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010039 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1359

Abstract

In Ecuador, Hedyosmum cumbalense and Hedyosmum spectabile are valued for their well-known aromatic characteristics and therapeutic benefits. In this study, fresh and dried leaves of these species were steam-distilled to obtain their essential oils (EOs) for chemical characterization and assessment of their antimicrobial, [...] Read more.

In Ecuador, Hedyosmum cumbalense and Hedyosmum spectabile are valued for their well-known aromatic characteristics and therapeutic benefits. In this study, fresh and dried leaves of these species were steam-distilled to obtain their essential oils (EOs) for chemical characterization and assessment of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase properties. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a flame-ionized detector (GC-FID) with a nonpolar column was employed to determine the chemical composition, along with the enantioselective analysis. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against three Gram-positive, two Gram-negative, and two sporulated fungi. The radical scavenging properties were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. A total of 66 and 57 compounds were identified for H. cumbalense and H. spectabile, respectively. Two pairs of enantiomers for each species were also detected, with (1R,5R)-(+)-sabinene and (1S,5S)-(–)-sabinene found in both specimens. A poor effect against Gram-positive cocci was observed on H. cumbalense (MIC of 4000 µg/mL). Both oils displayed weak antifungal activities, exhibiting a MIC of 1000 µg/mL. H. cumbalense had a good scavenging effect assessed by the ABTS radical (SC₅₀ = 96.02 ± 0.33 µg/mL). Both EOs showed a strong anticholinesterase potential with an IC₅₀ value of 61.94 ± 1.04 µg/mL for H. cumbalense and 21.15 ± 1.03 µg/mL for H. spectabile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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13 pages, 2802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Quercetin Derivatives and Antioxidant Activity in Marigold Petals (Tagetes patula L.) Induced by Ultraviolet-B Irradiation and Methyl Jasmonate

by Ji Hye Kim, Shucheng Duan, You Jin Lim and Seok Hyun Eom

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2947; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212947 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

Marigold petals contain numerous antioxidative flavonoids and carotenoids that can be affected by environmental stressors. There is yet no detailed study on the relationship between phytochemical accumulation and stressors in marigold petals. This study evaluated quercetin derivatives and antioxidant activity in marigold petals [...] Read more.

Marigold petals contain numerous antioxidative flavonoids and carotenoids that can be affected by environmental stressors. There is yet no detailed study on the relationship between phytochemical accumulation and stressors in marigold petals. This study evaluated quercetin derivatives and antioxidant activity in marigold petals in response to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. The limiting UV-B radiation intensity and MeJA dose that caused no wilting damage under 1-h daily treatment for 10 days were <2 W∙m⁻²∙s⁻¹ and <10 mM, respectively. Marigold petals contained three major flavonoids, quercetin-7-O-glucoside (Q7G, 6.6 mg∙g⁻¹dw), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q3G, 62.7 mg), and quercetin (26.6 mg), possessing different antioxidant potential and exhibiting the highest power in quercetin and next value in Q7G. Single UV-B irradiation exerted a limited effect on the changes in the content of the three quercetin derivatives, whereas combined treatment with 1 W UV-B radiation and 5 mM MeJA resulted in the highest total quercetin content, showing >20% increase compared to that without treatment. This increase primarily resulted in an increase in quercetin content. MeJA treatment positively affected the increase in Q3G and Q7G contents in a dose-dependent manner during the 10-d experimental period but exerted no considerable effect on quercetin accumulation. The antioxidant activity was increased when flowers were exposed to mild MeJA treatment of 5–10 mM. UV-B irradiation decreased the antioxidant activity of marigold petals, but this decrease could be compensated by MeJA treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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Review

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39 pages, 850 KiB

Open AccessReview

Acylphenols and Dimeric Acylphenols from the Genus Myristica: A Review of Their Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

by Muhamad Aqmal Othman and Yasodha Sivasothy

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081589 - 09 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

The genus Myristica is a medicinally important genus belonging to the Myristicaceae. Traditional medicinal systems in Asia have employed plants from the genus Myristica to treat a variety of ailments. Acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols are a rare group of secondary metabolites, which, to [...] Read more.

The genus Myristica is a medicinally important genus belonging to the Myristicaceae. Traditional medicinal systems in Asia have employed plants from the genus Myristica to treat a variety of ailments. Acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols are a rare group of secondary metabolites, which, to date, have only been identified in the Myristicaceae, in particular, in the genus Myristica. The aim of the review would be to provide scientific evidence that the medicinal properties of the genus Myristica could be attributed to the acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols present in the various parts of its plants and highlight the potential in the development of the acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols as pharmaceutical products. SciFinder-n, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed were used to conduct the literature search between 2013–2022 on the phytochemistry and the pharmacology of acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols from the genus Myristica. The review discusses the distribution of the 25 acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols within the genus Myristica, their extraction, isolation, and characterization from the respective Myristica species, the structural similarities and differences within each group and between the different groups of the acylphenols and dimeric acylphenols, and their in vitro pharmacological activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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