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14 pages, 1265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profile of Trigonella caerulea (Blue Fenugreek) Herb and Quantification of Aroma-Determining Constituents

by Arpine Ayvazyan, Thomas Stegemann, Mayra Galarza Pérez, Manuel Pramsohler and Serhat Sezai Çiçek

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051154 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1639

Abstract

The herb of Trigonella caerulea (Fabaceae), commonly known as blue fenugreek, is used for the production of traditional cheese and bread varieties in the Alpine region. Despite its frequent consumption, only one study so far has focused on the constituent pattern of blue [...] Read more.

The herb of Trigonella caerulea (Fabaceae), commonly known as blue fenugreek, is used for the production of traditional cheese and bread varieties in the Alpine region. Despite its frequent consumption, only one study so far has focused on the constituent pattern of blue fenugreek, revealing qualitative information on some flavor-determining constituents. However, with regard to the volatile constituents present in the herb, the applied methods were insufficient and did not take relevant terpenoids into account. In the present study, we analyzed the phytochemical composition of T. caerulea herb applying a set of analytical methods, such as headspace-GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy. We thus determined the most dominant primary and specialized metabolites and assessed the fatty acid profile as well as the amounts of taste-relevant α-keto acids. In addition, eleven volatiles were quantified, of which tiglic aldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, methyl benzoate, n-hexanal, and trans-menthone were identified as most significantly contributing to the aroma of blue fenugreek. Moreover, pinitol was found accumulated in the herb, whereas preparative works led to the isolation of six flavonol glycosides. Hence, our study shows a detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile of blue fenugreek and provides an explanation for its characteristic aroma and its health-beneficial effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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21 pages, 11308 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Biological Activities of the Fruit Essential Oil, Fruit, and Root Extracts of Ferula drudeana Korovin, the Putative Anatolian Ecotype of the Silphion Plant

by Fatma Tosun, Fatih Göger, Gökalp İşcan, Mine Kürkçüoğlu, Fadıl Kaan Kuran and Mahmut Miski

Plants 2023, 12(4), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040830 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3121

Abstract

In the present study, preliminary phytochemical investigations were performed on the fruit essential oil and antioxidant-rich methanolic extracts of the fruits and roots of Ferula drudeana, the putative Anatolian ecotype of the Silphion plant, to corroborate its medicinal plant potential and identify [...] Read more.

In the present study, preliminary phytochemical investigations were performed on the fruit essential oil and antioxidant-rich methanolic extracts of the fruits and roots of Ferula drudeana, the putative Anatolian ecotype of the Silphion plant, to corroborate its medicinal plant potential and identify its unique characteristics amongst other Ferula species. The essential oil from the fruits of the endemic species Ferula drudeana collected from Aksaray was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main components of the oil were determined as shyobunone (44.2%) and 6-epishyobunone (12.6%). The essential oil of the fruits and various solvent extracts of the fruits and roots of F. drudeana were evaluated for their antibacterial and anticandidal activity using microbroth dilution methods. The essential oil of the fruits, methanol, and methylene chloride extracts of the fruits and roots showed weak to moderate inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms with MIC values of 78–2000 µg/mL. However, the petroleum ether extract of the roots showed remarkable inhibitory activity against Candida krusei and Candida utilis with MIC values of 19.5 and 9.75 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, all the samples were tested for their antioxidant activities using DPPH^• TLC spot testing, online HPLC–ABTS screening, and DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging activity assessment assays. Methanolic extracts of the fruits and roots showed strong antioxidant activity in both systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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21 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Potassium Application Enhanced Plant Growth, Mineral Composition, Proximate and Phytochemical Content in Trachyandra divaricata Kunth (Sandkool)

by Bakholise Bulawa, Avela Sogoni, Muhali Olaide Jimoh and Charles Petrus Laubscher

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3183; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223183 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

Wild leafy vegetables are commonly included in the diet of people in rural homesteads. Among various wild edible vegetables in South Africa, Trachyandra divaricata (Sandkool) is one of the most abundant but underutilized due to the dearth of literature on its cultivation and [...] Read more.

Wild leafy vegetables are commonly included in the diet of people in rural homesteads. Among various wild edible vegetables in South Africa, Trachyandra divaricata (Sandkool) is one of the most abundant but underutilized due to the dearth of literature on its cultivation and nutritional value. In the present study, the effect of potassium application and pruning on growth dynamics, mineral composition, and proximate and phytochemical content in T. divaricata were evaluated. Treatments consisted of three potassium concentrations (0.0072, 0.0144, and 0.0216 M) supplemented in the form of potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) with four pruning levels (unpruned, 5, 10, and 15 cm) applied in each treatment. The potassium doses were added to the nutrient solution, while the control treatment was sustained and irrigated with nutrient solution only. The results revealed a significant increase in flower bud yield, height, total dry and wet weight of shoots and roots, as well as ash and neutral detergent fibre in plants irrigated with 0.0072 M of K₂SO₄ without pruning. Conversely, chlorophyll content and Ca were comparable among treatments, while the highest yield of Na, P, N, and Zn was recorded in treatment 100 mL of K₂SO₄ with 10 cm pruning. Likewise, the highest antioxidant value (Polyphenols, Flavonol and DPPH) was obtained from plants irrigated with 0.0072 M of K₂SO₄ with 10 cm pruning. Based on these findings, T. divaricata is a promising leafy vegetable as a minimum dose (0.0072 M) of K with moderate pruning optimised its productivity in terms of growth, biomass parameters, nutritional content, and antioxidant potential. Due to its rich nutritional value, the plant should be domesticated and studied further for its potential nutraceutical benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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10 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Validated Method for the Determination of Carnosic Acid and Carnosol in the Fresh Foliage of Salvia rosmarinus and Salvia officinalis from Greece

by Charikleia Paloukopoulou and Anastasia Karioti

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3106; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223106 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

In the framework of a project aiming at identifying genotypes of Greek rosemary and sage producing high amounts of carnosic acid, an HPLC-PDA method was developed for the determination of the main antioxidant in the fresh leaves. To this end, an effective and [...] Read more.

In the framework of a project aiming at identifying genotypes of Greek rosemary and sage producing high amounts of carnosic acid, an HPLC-PDA method was developed for the determination of the main antioxidant in the fresh leaves. To this end, an effective and repeatable extraction process of the labile diterpene was developed to ensure a good extraction yield. A fast RP-HPLC protocol was developed and optimized to allow for a short and reliable analysis of the unstable target constituent. The HPLC-PDA method was validated for precision and accuracy according to ICH guidelines. Finally, the overall method was validated for precision and accuracy at three concentration levels. The precision was acceptable with % RSD values ranging between 1.42 and 4.35. The recovery ranged between 85.1% and 104.6% with RSD values < 5%, within the acceptable limits. The developed assay was fast and simple and allowed for the fast and accurate determination of carnosic acid and carnosol in the fresh herbs. The methodology was applied to the quantitative analysis of several cultivated samples of S. rosmarinus and S. officinalis, and some of them were revealed to be promising starting materials for the development of Greek genotypes rich in carnosic acid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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14 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nutritive and Phytochemical Composition of Aromatic Microgreen Herbs and Spices Belonging to the Apiaceae Family

by Maria Giordano, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Marios C. Kyriacou, Giulia Graziani, Armando Zarrelli, Youssef Rouphael and Christophe El-Nakhel

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3057; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223057 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

Microgreens represent a new generation of food products, commonly used to garnish and embellish culinary dishes, and recently associated with an increasing interest in their nutraceutical and phytochemical profiles. Four Apiaceae species: Pimpinella anisum L. (anise), Anthriscus cerefolium L. (chervil), Carum carvi L. [...] Read more.

Microgreens represent a new generation of food products, commonly used to garnish and embellish culinary dishes, and recently associated with an increasing interest in their nutraceutical and phytochemical profiles. Four Apiaceae species: Pimpinella anisum L. (anise), Anthriscus cerefolium L. (chervil), Carum carvi L. (caraway), and Anethum graveolens L. (dill) were assessed for fresh yield, macro- and microminerals, total chlorophylls, total ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, and their antioxidant activity. Anise was the species yielding the most (2.53 kg m⁻²) and having the highest lutein content (18.4 µg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW)). Chervil and dill were characterized by the highest total ascorbic acid content (~151 mg AA g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW)). The phenolic profile highlighted the presence of five flavonoid derivatives and 12 phenolic acid derivatives, with quinic acid derivatives being the most abundant phenols in the species tested. In addition, anise, caraway, and dill proved to be considerably rich in total polyphenols (~11056 μg g⁻¹ DW). Caraway and dill were characterized by the highest antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods, whereas the FRAP method revealed caraway as having the highest antioxidant activity. Such results highlight the potential of Apiaceae species as an alternative to other families which are commonly used for microgreens production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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13 pages, 2115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constituents, Enantiomeric Content, and ChE Inhibitory Activity of the Essential Oil from Hypericum laricifolium Juss. Aerial Parts Collected in Ecuador

by Melissa Salinas, Nicole Bec, James Calva, Christian Larroque, Giovanni Vidari and Chabaco Armijos

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212962 - 02 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1380

Abstract

The physical properties, chemical composition, enantiomer distribution, and cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity were determined for a steam-distilled essential oil (EO), with a yield of 0.15 ± 0.05 % (w/w), from H. laricifolium aerial parts, collected in southern Ecuador. The oil qualitative [...] Read more.

The physical properties, chemical composition, enantiomer distribution, and cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity were determined for a steam-distilled essential oil (EO), with a yield of 0.15 ± 0.05 % (w/w), from H. laricifolium aerial parts, collected in southern Ecuador. The oil qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by GC-EIMS and GC-FID techniques, using two capillary columns containing a non-polar 5%-phenyl-methylpolysiloxane and a polar polyethylene glycol stationary phase, respectively. The main constituents (>10%) detected on the two columns were, respectively, limonene (24.29, 23.16%), (E)-β-ocimene (21.89, 27.15%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (12.88, 16.03%). The EO enantioselective analysis was carried out using a column based on 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin. Two mixtures of chiral monoterpenes were detected containing (1R,5R)-(+)-α-pinene (ee = 83.68%), and (S)-(-)-limonene (ee = 88.30%) as the major enantiomers. This finding led to some hypotheses about the existence in the plant of two enantioselective biosynthetic pathways. Finally, the EO exhibited selective inhibitory effects in vitro against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (IC₅₀ = 36.80 ± 2.40 µg/mL), which were about three times greater than against acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 106.10 ± 20.20). Thus, the EO from Ecuadorian H. laricifolium is an interesting candidate for investigating the mechanism of the selective inhibition of BuChE and for discovering novel drugs to manage the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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12 pages, 1459 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Green Manures (in the Form of Monoculture and Intercropping), Biofertilizer and Organic Manure on the Productivity and Phytochemical Properties of Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)

by Abdollah Javanmard, Mostafa Amani Machiani, Mohammad Haghaninia, Luisa Pistelli and Basma Najar

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2941; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212941 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3176

Abstract

Nowadays, the application of sustainable and eco-friendly fertilizers plays an important role in improving the essential oil (EO) quantity and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of green manures, organic manures and biofertilizers on the [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the application of sustainable and eco-friendly fertilizers plays an important role in improving the essential oil (EO) quantity and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of green manures, organic manures and biofertilizers on the nutrient content, dry matter yield, EO productivity and quality of peppermint. The treatments included green manures [barley monoculture (Bm), hairy vetch monoculture (HVm) and replacement intercropping of 75%HV + 25%B, 50%HV + 50%B and 25%HV + 75%B], arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost (VC). A 50%HV + 50%B green manure appears to be the most effective treatment, since it provides the greatest amount of nutrients (N and K, 18.8 g kg⁻¹, and 18.1 g kg⁻¹, respectively), the tallest plants (61.5 cm), the most nodes per plant (17.5), the lateral branches (24.4), the highest leaf greenness index (45.5) and dry yield (266.7 g m⁻²) in peppermint. Moreover, this treatment evidenced the larger EO content (1.8%) and EO yield (4.84 g m⁻²). Regardless of the treatments, the chemical composition of peppermint EO was characterized by menthol (32.35–37.73%), menthone (16.96–20.64%) and 1,8-cineole (6.18–7.78%). The maximum content of menthol and 1,8-cineole was obtained by the application of 50%HV + 50%B. Additionally, the highest content of menthone was observed in AMF treatment. These results indicate that the application of 50%HV + 50%B green manures could be suggested as an environmentally friendly strategy for improving EO quantity and quality of peppermint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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19 pages, 2213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Geographical Distribution and Genetic Diversity on Metabolic Profiles of a Medicinal Plant, Embelia ribes Burm. f.

by Shubhangi Raskar, Vishwabandhu Purkar, Milind Sardesai and Sirsha Mitra

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212861 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665

Abstract

The extensive use of Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Embelia) in tribal medicine proclaimed global attention as a promising candidate in complementary and alternative medicine. The knowledge of chemical blends is a prerequisite for the selection of raw materials for herbal medicine formulations; however, [...] Read more.

The extensive use of Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Embelia) in tribal medicine proclaimed global attention as a promising candidate in complementary and alternative medicine. The knowledge of chemical blends is a prerequisite for the selection of raw materials for herbal medicine formulations; however, the influence of geographical distance and genetic diversity on the metabolome of Embelia fruits is unknown. Therefore, we collected Embelia fruits from four locations across the Western Ghats of India and analyzed the metabolic profile and genotypic diversity of Embelia fruits by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis yielded 583 compounds; however, the trimmed data resulted in 149 compounds. Further, MS/MS analysis identified 36 compounds, among which we reported 30 compounds for the first time from Embelia. These compounds belong to 11 compound classes that suggest location-specific chemical blends of Embelia fruits. Multivariate analysis showed 94% compound diversity across the accessions. ISSR analysis suggests 95% polymorphism across the accessions. A significant positive correlation (80%) between metabolomics and genotypic data matrices validates the genotype’s influence in tuning Embelia’s metabolic profiles. We conclude that the chemical profiles of Embelia are location-specific, which can be explored for the selection of herbal trade sustainably. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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15 pages, 3137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavonoid-Rich Fractions of Bauhinia holophylla Leaves Inhibit Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Hyphae Growth

by Sara Thamires Dias da Fonseca, Thaiz Rodrigues Teixeira, Jaqueline Maria Siqueira Ferreira, Luciana Alves Rodrigues dos Santos Lima, Walter Luyten and Ana Hortência Fonsêca Castro

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141796 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions of Bauhinia holophylla on Candida albicans planktonic growth, biofilm formation, mature biofilm, and hyphae growth. Three C. albicans strains (SC5314, ATCC 18804, and ATCC 10231) were tested. The crude extract and the fractions [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions of Bauhinia holophylla on Candida albicans planktonic growth, biofilm formation, mature biofilm, and hyphae growth. Three C. albicans strains (SC5314, ATCC 18804, and ATCC 10231) were tested. The crude extract and the fractions were obtained by exhaustive percolation and liquid–liquid partition, respectively. Phytochemical analyses of B. holophylla extract and fractions were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). A microdilution assay was used to evaluate the effect of the B. holophylla extract and fractions on C. albicans planktonic growth, and crystal violet staining was used to measure the total biomass of the biofilm. Hyphae growth was analyzed using light microscopy. Thirteen flavonoids were identified, with a predominance of the flavonol-3-O-glycoside type based on quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. Flavonoid-rich fractions of B. holophylla leaves displayed antifungal activity and inhibited both biofilm formation and hyphae growth in all the tested strains, but were not effective on C. albicans planktonic growth and mature biofilm. This study indicates that flavonoid-rich fractions from B. holophylla leaves interfere with the virulence of Candida species and support the use of Bauhinia spp. in folk medicine to treat infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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15 pages, 2318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endophytic Fungus from Opuntia ficus-indica: A Source of Potential Bioactive Antimicrobial Compounds against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

by Wafaa M. Elkady, Marwa M. Raafat, Marwa M. Abdel-Aziz, Arwa A. AL-Huqail, Mohamed L. Ashour and Noha Fathallah

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081070 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Endophytic Aspergillus species represent an inexhaustible source for many medicinally important secondary metabolites. The current study isolated the endophytic Aspergillus niger (OL519514) fungus from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peels. The antibacterial activities were reported for both Aspergillus species and Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peel extract. [...] Read more.

Endophytic Aspergillus species represent an inexhaustible source for many medicinally important secondary metabolites. The current study isolated the endophytic Aspergillus niger (OL519514) fungus from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peels. The antibacterial activities were reported for both Aspergillus species and Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peel extract. Extraction of the endophytic fungal metabolites using ethyl acetate and fractionation was performed, yielding dihydroauroglaucin (C1), isotetrahydroauroglaucin (C2), and cristatumin B (C3). Resistant bacterial strains were used to investigate the efficiency of the total fungal ethyl acetate extract (FEA) and the isolated compounds. FEA showed promising wide spectrum activity. (C3) showed excellent activity against selected Gram-negative resistant bacteria; However, (C2) exhibited tremendous activity against the tested Gram-positive resistant strains; conversely, (C1) possessed the lowest antibacterial activity compared to the two other compounds. An in silico virtual molecular docking demonstrated that cristatumin B was the most active antimicrobial compound against the selected protein targets. In conclusion, the active metabolites newly isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger (OL519514) and present in plants’ waste can be a promising antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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31 pages, 5478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid Contents, and Free Radicals’ Scavenging Potential of Onion Varieties Planted under Diverse Environmental Conditions

by Nusrat Bibi, Munir H. Shah, Nadeem Khan, Abdulrahman Al-Hashimi, Mohamed Soliman Elshikh, Akhtar Iqbal, Shakeel Ahmad and Arshad Mehmood Abbasi

Plants 2022, 11(7), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070950 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3256

Abstract

Genetic diversity and Agro-climatic conditions contribute significantly to the agronomic and morphological features of the food plant species, and their nutraceutical potential. The present study was intended to evaluate the impact of growing conditions on total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and in [...] Read more.

Genetic diversity and Agro-climatic conditions contribute significantly to the agronomic and morphological features of the food plant species, and their nutraceutical potential. The present study was intended to evaluate the impact of growing conditions on total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties planted under diverse environmental conditions. Standard analytical methods were used to quantify total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and free radicals’ scavenging/antioxidant capacity. The impact of climatic and soil conditions was assessed using statistical tools. In general, onion varieties cultivated at three different locations viz. Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited significant variations in TPC and TFC, and antioxidant activities. The bulbs and leaves of Mustang (V1) variety planted at Lahore and Swabi had significantly (p < 0.05), high levels of TPC (659.5 ± 6.59, and 631.1 ± 8.58 mg GAE/100 g, respectively). However, leaves of Red Orb (V2) and bulbs of Mustang (V1), and Golden Orb (V6), harvested from Kalar Kahar depicted the highest concentration of TFC (432.5 ± 10.3, 303.0 ± 6.67, and 303.0 ± 2.52 mg QE/100 g DW, respectively). Likewise, bulbs of V1 planted at Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited maximum inhibition of DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ radicals (79.01 ± 1.49, 65.38 ± 0.99, and 59.76 ± 0.90%, respectively). Golden Orb (V6) harvested from Lahore had the highest scavenging of OH radical (67.40 ± 0.09%). Likewise, bulbs of V1 variety planted at KalarKahar and Swabi had significant capacity to scavenge ferric ions (415.1 ± 10.6 mg GAE/100 g DW), and molybdate ions (213.7 ± 0.00 mg AAE/100 g DW). Conversely, leaves of Amazon (V8), planted at Lahore and Swabi depicted significant levels of DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂ radical scavenging (90.69 ± 0.26, 63.55 ± 1.06, 51.86 ± 0.43%, respectively), and reduction of ferric ions (184.2 ± 6.75 mg GAE/100 g DW). V6 leaves harvested from Lahore and that of Super Sarhad (V3) from Swabi showed the highest inhibition of OH radical (61.21 ± 0.79%), and molybdate ions (623.6 ± 0.12 mg AAE/100 g DW), respectively. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong relationships of climatic conditions, soil properties and elevation with TPC, TFC and free radicals’ scavenging potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties. The variations in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential of different varieties, and their associations with climatic and soil factors revealed the complexity of the growing conditions and genetic makeup that imposed significant impacts on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and nutraceutical potential of food and medicinal plant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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16 pages, 5027 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Variation of the Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Total Phenols Content in Natural Populations of Marrubium vulgare L.

by Mounira Guedri Mkaddem, Ahlem Zrig, Mariem Ben Abdallah, Mehrez Romdhane, Mohammad K. Okla, Abdulrahman Al-Hashimi, Yasmeen A. Alwase, Momtaz Y. Hegab, Mahmoud M. Y. Madany, Abdelrahim H. A. Hassan, Gerrit T. S. Beemster and Hamada AbdElgawad

Plants 2022, 11(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050612 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2406

Abstract

Marrubium vulgare is a valuable source of natural bioactive molecules with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to study the chemical polymorphism of natural populations of M. vulgare in Tunisia by quantitative chemical markers and the estimation of divergence between [...] Read more.

Marrubium vulgare is a valuable source of natural bioactive molecules with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to study the chemical polymorphism of natural populations of M. vulgare in Tunisia by quantitative chemical markers and the estimation of divergence between populations. Phytochemical analyses of the eight natural populations of Tunisian Marrubium vulgare prospected in different bioclimatic stages, revealed 42 compounds of essential oils representing 96.08% to 100% of the total oil. Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes were the main fraction of all the populations studied and β-bisabolene was the major compound (from 30.11% to 71.35% of the total oil). The phytochemical investigation of the M. vulgare plant indicated the presence of essential oil with significant percentages of phenolic compounds. A significant quantitative and qualitative variation in the essential oils is detected for both major and minor compounds. The principal components analysis (PCA) performed in the single and combined traits provides a good distinction among populations, not according to their geographical and/or bioclimatic origins. Moreover, the phytochemical analysis of the leaves showed that the Tunisian populations, i.e., the populations of Kasserine, Kef, and Beja, were very rich in phenolic compounds (from 20.8 to 44.65 mg GAE/g DW). Flavonoids compounds were also the main class of total polyphenols present in all the tested populations (from 8.91 to 37.48 mg RE/g DW). The quantitative genetic diversity estimated by the population’s structure, based on PCA analysis, was an adaptation to the changes in the environmental conditions. Overall, our study indicated that natural populations of M. vulgare had different chemotypes of essential oils and they were rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, which opens a new prospect for industrial use and differential exploitation of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 3800 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vanilla beyond Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla × tahitensis: Taxonomy and Historical Notes, Reproductive Biology, and Metabolites

by Renatha Tavares de Oliveira, Joana Paula da Silva Oliveira and Andrea Furtado Macedo

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3311; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233311 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3991

Abstract

Vanilla is a worldwide cherished condiment, and its volatile market is associated with the so-called “vanilla crisis”. Even though only two species (Vanilla planifolia and V. × tahitensis) are cultivated on a large scale for commercial purposes, the Vanilla genus is [...] Read more.

Vanilla is a worldwide cherished condiment, and its volatile market is associated with the so-called “vanilla crisis”. Even though only two species (Vanilla planifolia and V. × tahitensis) are cultivated on a large scale for commercial purposes, the Vanilla genus is comprised of 140 species. The present review article discusses the facets of this crisis, and vanilla crop wild relatives (WRs) are showcased as alternatives to overcome them. Historical, taxonomic, and reproductive biology aspects of the group were covered. Emphasis was given to the metabolic characterization of the vanilla crop WRs, highlighting their main chemical classes and the potential flavor descriptors. Many of these species can produce important flavor compounds such as vanillin, vanillic acid, and acetovanillone, among others. Overall, this review compiles valuable information that can help unravel new chapters of the history of this treasured product by evidencing the biotechnological potential of vanilla crop WRs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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23 pages, 6397 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.)

by Maria Batool, Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz Ranjha, Ume Roobab, Muhammad Faisal Manzoor, Umar Farooq, Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, Muhammad Nadeem, Rabia Kanwal, Hamada AbdElgawad, Soad K. Al Jaouni, Samy Selim and Salam A. Ibrahim

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111394 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9614

Abstract

Pumpkin is a well-known multifunctional ingredient in the diet, full of nutrients, and has opened new vistas for scientists during the past years. The fruit of pumpkin including the flesh, seed, and peel are a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites, including [...] Read more.

Pumpkin is a well-known multifunctional ingredient in the diet, full of nutrients, and has opened new vistas for scientists during the past years. The fruit of pumpkin including the flesh, seed, and peel are a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites, including proteins, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, tryptophan, delta-7-sterols, and many other phytochemicals. This climber is traditionally used in many countries, such as Austria, Hungary, Mexico, Slovenia, China, Spain, and several Asian and African countries as a functional food and provides health promising properties. Other benefits of pumpkin, such as improving spermatogenesis, wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-ulcerative properties, and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia have also been confirmed by researchers. For better drug delivery, nanoemulsions and niosomes made from pumpkin seeds have also been reported as a health promising tool, but further research is still required in this field. This review mainly focuses on compiling and summarizing the most relevant literature to highlight the nutritional value, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic benefits of pumpkin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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Open AccessReview

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Biological, and Nutritional Properties of Genus Crepis—A Review

by Natale Badalamenti, Francesco Sottile and Maurizio Bruno

Plants 2022, 11(4), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040519 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

The genus Crepis L., included within the Asteraceae family, has a very wide distribution, expanding throughout the northern hemisphere, including Europe, northern Africa, and temperate Asia. This genus has a fundamental value from biodynamic and ecological perspectives, with the different species often being [...] Read more.

The genus Crepis L., included within the Asteraceae family, has a very wide distribution, expanding throughout the northern hemisphere, including Europe, northern Africa, and temperate Asia. This genus has a fundamental value from biodynamic and ecological perspectives, with the different species often being chosen for soil conservation, for environmental sustainability, and for their attraction towards pollinating species. Furthermore, various species of Crepis have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food since ancient times. In most cases, the species is consumed either in the form of a decoction, or as a salad, and is used for its cardiovascular properties, as a digestive, for problems related to sight, for the treatment of diabetes, and for joint diseases. This literature review, the first one of the Crepis genus, includes publications with the word ‘Crepis’, and considers the single metabolites identified, characterised, and tested to evaluate their biological potential. The various isolated compounds, including in most cases sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, were obtained by extracting the roots and aerial parts of the different species. The secondary metabolites, extracted using traditional (solvent extraction, column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, preparative HPLC, vacuum liquid chromatography), and modern systems such as ultrasounds, microwaves, etc., and characterised by mono- and bi- dimensional NMR experiments and by HPLC-MS, have a varied application spectrum at a biological level, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antiulcer, phytotoxic, and nutritional properties having been reported. Unfortunately, in vitro tests have not always been accompanied by in vivo tests, and this is the major critical aspect that emerges from the study of the scientific aspects related to this genus. Therefore, extensive investigations are necessary to evaluate the real capacity of the different species used in food, and above all to discover what the different plants that have never been analysed could offer at a scientific level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Nutritional Analyses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP))

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