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New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant...
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New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2024) | Viewed by 36203

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ivayla Dincheva

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
Agrobiotechnologies, AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: metabolomics; natural product chemistry; bioactive compounds; GC-MS; LC-ESI-MS/MS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ilian Badjakov

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Guest Editor
Agrobiotechnology, AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: natural products; bioactive compounds; GC-MS; LC-ESI-MS/MS; biotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bistra Galunska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Faculties of Pharmacy, Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” - 9000 Varna, 84 Tzar Osvoboditel str., Bulgaria
Interests: phytochemical composition; antioxidant activity; metabolism and bioavailability of plant active substances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant bioactive compounds are essential for human health owing to their multiple biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities, which lead to beneficial effects on various noncommunicable diseases such as autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying these components and establishing their beneficial health effects are extremely active areas of scientific inquiry. The screening of natural sources for novel biologically active metabolites has been an essential part of several drug discovery programs.

This Special Issue aims to present the recent developments in the high-throughput and efficient analytical approaches enabling identification of plant-based compounds; the new protocols for evaluation of in vivo and in vitro bioactivities; and the methods for extraction, isolation, and structural characterization of new bioactive components with nutraceutical and therapeutic potential.

Dr. Ivayla Dincheva
Dr. Ilian Badjakov
Prof. Dr. Bistra Galunska
Guest Editors

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

  • bioactive compounds
  • extraction, isolation, and structural characterization
  • herbal preparations and natural medicines
  • benefits
  • analytical strategies for bioactive compound identification and quantification
  • in vivo and in vitro bioactivity of botanicals

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 8025 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic Variations and Bioactive Constituents among Selected Ocimum Species
by Sintayehu Musie Mulugeta, Zsuzsanna Pluhár and Péter Radácsi
Plants 2024, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010064 - 24 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
Basil (Ocimum species) represents an extraordinary group of aromatic plants that have gained considerable economic importance, primarily due to their essential oils, which have applications in medicine, culinary, and perfumery. The Ocimum genus encompasses more than 60 species of herbs and shrubs [...] Read more.
Basil (Ocimum species) represents an extraordinary group of aromatic plants that have gained considerable economic importance, primarily due to their essential oils, which have applications in medicine, culinary, and perfumery. The Ocimum genus encompasses more than 60 species of herbs and shrubs originally native to tropical regions. This genus stands out for its remarkable diversity, displaying a wide spectrum of variations in phenotype, chemical composition, and genetic makeup. In addition to genetic factors, the growth, development, and essential oil production of basil are also influenced by environmental conditions, ontogeny, and various other factors. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to explore the diversity in both the morphological characteristics and essential oil composition among basil genotypes preserved within the gene bank of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The investigation involved the assessment of fifteen basil genotypes, representing four distinct species: Ocimum basilicum (including ‘Anise’, ‘Clove’, ‘Fino Verde’, ‘Licorice’, ‘Mammoth’, ‘Mrs. Burns’, ‘Thai tömzsi’, ‘Thai hosszú’, and ‘Vietnamese basil’), Ocimum sanctum (green holy basils), Ocimum citrodora (Lemon basil), and Ocimum gratissimum (African and Vana holy basil). The genotypes exhibited significant variations in their morphological growth, essential oil content (EOC), and composition. African basil produced more biomass (408.3 g/plant) and showed robust growth. The sweet basil cultivars clove, licorice, Thai tömzsi, and Thai hosszú also exhibited similar robust growth trends. Vietnamese basil, on the other hand, displayed the lowest fresh biomass of 82.0 g per plant. Both holy basils showed EOC levels below 0.5%, while Mrihani basil stood out with the highest EOC of 1.7%. The predominant constituents of the essential oil among these genotypes comprised estragole, thymol, methyl cinnamate, linalool, and eugenol. In conclusion, this study showed that the genotypes of basil stored in the department’s gene bank exhibit a wide range of variability, both within and between species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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22 pages, 1482 KiB  
Article
LC-ESI QToF MS Non-Targeted Screening of Latex Extracts of Euphorbia seguieriana ssp. seguieriana Necker and Euphorbia cyparissias and Determination of Their Potential Anticancer Activity
by Milka Jadranin, Danica Savić, Ema Lupšić, Ana Podolski-Renić, Milica Pešić, Vele Tešević, Slobodan Milosavljević and Gordana Krstić
Plants 2023, 12(24), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244181 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Euphorbia seguieriana ssp. seguieriana Necker (ES) and Euphorbia cyparissias (EC) with a habitat in the Deliblato Sands were the subject of this examination. The latexes of these so far insufficiently investigated species of the Euphorbia genus are used in traditional medicine for the [...] Read more.
Euphorbia seguieriana ssp. seguieriana Necker (ES) and Euphorbia cyparissias (EC) with a habitat in the Deliblato Sands were the subject of this examination. The latexes of these so far insufficiently investigated species of the Euphorbia genus are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds and warts on the skin. To determine their chemical composition, non-targeted screening of the latexes’ chloroform extracts was performed using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry employing an electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI QTOF MS). The analysis of the obtained results showed that the latexes of ES and EC represent rich sources of diterpenes, tentatively identified as jatrophanes, ingenanes, tiglianes, myrsinanes, premyrsinanes, and others. Examination of the anticancer activity of the ES and EC latex extracts showed that both extracts significantly inhibited the growth of the non-small cell lung carcinoma NCI-H460 and glioblastoma U87 cell lines as well as of their corresponding multi-drug resistant (MDR) cell lines, NCI-H460/R and U87-TxR. The obtained results also revealed that the ES and EC extracts inhibited the function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in MDR cancer cells, whose overexpression is one of the main mechanisms underlying MDR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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17 pages, 3100 KiB  
Article
Sloanea chocoana and S. pittieriana (Elaeocarpaceae): Chemical and Biological Studies of Ethanolic Extracts and Skincare Properties
by Patricia Quintero-Rincón, Nayive Pino-Benítez, Elkin Galeano, Cris Rojo-Uribe, Ana C. Mesa-Arango and Oscar A. Flórez-Acosta
Plants 2023, 12(23), 3953; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233953 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 944
Abstract
The Colombian Chocó is known for its rich biodiversity and to harbor plant species that are under-explored, including the genus Sloanea. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of derivatized ethanolic extracts from S. chocoana and S. pittieriana using BSTFA and [...] Read more.
The Colombian Chocó is known for its rich biodiversity and to harbor plant species that are under-explored, including the genus Sloanea. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of derivatized ethanolic extracts from S. chocoana and S. pittieriana using BSTFA and TMCS through GC–MS, and to assess cell viability of immortalized human non-tumorigenic keratinocytes (HaCaT) and periodontal ligament fibroblast cells using crude extracts through MTS assay. Antioxidant and photoprotective properties were determined using DPPH assay and spectrophotometry. Antifungal activity of extracts against Candida species was developed following the CLSI standard M27, 4th ed. The sun protective factor (SPF) and UVA/UVB ratio values were calculated using the Mansur equation and the Boots star rating system. The critical wavelength (λc) was determined by calculating the integrated optical density curve’s area. The transmission of erythema and pigmentation was calculated through equations that use constants to calculate the flux of erythema and pigmentation. The GC–MS analysis identified 37 compounds for S. chocoana and 38 for S. pittieriana, including alkaloids, triterpenoids, and polyphenolics, among others. Both extracts exhibited proliferative effects on periodontal ligament fibroblasts, did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells, and showed excellent antioxidant activities (46.1% and 43.7%). Relevant antifungal activity was observed with S. pittieriana extract against Candida albicans (GM–MIC: 4 µg/mL), followed by C. auris and C. glabrata (GM–MIC: 32 µg/mL), while S. chocoana extract was active against C. albicans and C. glabrata (GM–MIC: 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively). High SPF values (31.0 and 30.0), λc (393.98 and 337.81 nm), UVA/UVB ratio (1.5 and 1.2), and low percentage of transmission of erythema and pigmentation were determined for S. chocoana and S. pittieriana, respectively. Results showed that species of Sloanea constitute a promising alternative as ingredients for developing skincare products, and exhaustive studies are required for their sustainable uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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19 pages, 4913 KiB  
Article
Eugenol: In Vitro and In Ovo Assessment to Explore Cytotoxic Effects on Osteosarcoma and Oropharyngeal Cancer Cells
by Robert-Cosmin Racea, Ioana-Gabriela Macasoi, Stefania Dinu, Iulia Pinzaru, Iasmina Marcovici, Cristina Dehelean, Laura-Cristina Rusu, Doina Chioran, Mircea Rivis and Roxana Buzatu
Plants 2023, 12(20), 3549; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203549 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 979
Abstract
Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide; consequently, new therapeutic alternatives are being investigated, including those found in the vegetable kingdom. Eugenol (Eug) has attracted attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in stomatology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity [...] Read more.
Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide; consequently, new therapeutic alternatives are being investigated, including those found in the vegetable kingdom. Eugenol (Eug) has attracted attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in stomatology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of Eug, in vitro, on osteosarcoma (SAOS-2) and oropharyngeal squamous cancer (Detroit-562) cells, as well as its potential irritant effect in ovo at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The data obtained following a 72 h Eug treatment highlighted the reduction in cell viability up to 41% in SAOS-2 cells and up to 37% in Detroit-562 cells, respectively. The apoptotic-like effect of Eug was indicated by the changes in cell morphology and nuclear aspect; the increase in caspase-3/7, -8 and -9 activity; the elevated expression of Bax and Bad genes; and the increase in luminescence signal (indicating phosphatidylserine externalization) that preceded the increase in fluorescence signal (indicating the compromise of membrane integrity). Regarding the vascular effects, slight signs of coagulation and vascular lysis were observed, with an irritation score of 1.69 for Eug 1 mM. Based on these results, the efficiency of Eug in cancer treatment is yet to be clarified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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18 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
An In Vitro Evaluation and Network Pharmacology Analysis of Prospective Anti-Prostate Cancer Activity from Perilla frutescens
by Patrick Jay B. Garcia, Steven Kuan-Hua Huang, Kathlia A. De Castro-Cruz, Rhoda B. Leron and Po-Wei Tsai
Plants 2023, 12(16), 3006; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12163006 - 21 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1916
Abstract
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is extensively cultivated in East Asia as a dietary vegetable, and nutraceuticals are reportedly rich in bioactive compounds, especially with anticancer activities. This study explored the in vitro cytotoxic effects of P. frutescens parts’ (stems, leaves, and seeds) extracts [...] Read more.
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is extensively cultivated in East Asia as a dietary vegetable, and nutraceuticals are reportedly rich in bioactive compounds, especially with anticancer activities. This study explored the in vitro cytotoxic effects of P. frutescens parts’ (stems, leaves, and seeds) extracts on prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and possible interactions of putative metabolites to related prostate cancer targets in silico. The ethanol extract of P. frutescens leaves was the most cytotoxic for the prostate cancer cells. From high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, rosmarinic acid was identified as the major metabolite in the leaf extracts. Network analysis revealed interactions from multiple affected targets and pathways of the metabolites. From gene ontology enrichment analysis, P. frutescens leaf metabolites could significantly affect 14 molecular functions and 12 biological processes in five cellular components. Four (4) KEGG pathways, including for prostate cancer, and six (6) Reactome pathways were shown to be significantly affected. The molecular simulation confirmed the interactions of relevant protein targets with key metabolites, including rosmarinic acid. This study could potentially lead to further exploration of P. frutescens leaves or their metabolites for prostate cancer treatment and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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13 pages, 3021 KiB  
Communication
Gintonin Isolated from Ginseng Inhibits the Epithelial—Mesenchymal Transition Induced by TGF-β in A549 Lung Cancer Cells
by Sung Jin Kim, Seung-Yeol Nah, Il-Ho Park, Myoung-Sook Shin and Ki Sung Kang
Plants 2023, 12(10), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102013 - 17 May 2023
Viewed by 1230
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EM transition) is a process wherein epithelial cells lose their intrinsic characteristics and cell–cell junctions and differentiate into a mesenchymal phenotype. EM transition is an important feature of cancer invasion and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory [...] Read more.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EM transition) is a process wherein epithelial cells lose their intrinsic characteristics and cell–cell junctions and differentiate into a mesenchymal phenotype. EM transition is an important feature of cancer invasion and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of gintonin (GT), an ingredient of ginseng, on EM transition using A549 cells. The proliferation of A549 cells was enhanced following treatment with 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL of GT. GT affected EM transition-induced gene and protein expression, specifically that of vimentin (Vim), N-cadherin (N-cad), zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1, and Twist in A549 cells. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 was suppressed by GT treatment. Immunofluorescence staining also showed that GT treatment decreased the TGF-β1-induced expression of Vim and N-cad in A549 cells. Therefore, GT may be used to suppress cancer cell metastasis via maintenance of the cell–cell junction’s integrity. However, further studies are required to pave the way for its translation into clinical application in cancer therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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17 pages, 2788 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Composition of Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Fruits Growing in Protected Areas of Lithuania
by Rima Šedbarė, Sigita Sprainaitytė, Gintaras Baublys, Jonas Viskelis and Valdimaras Janulis
Plants 2023, 12(10), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101974 - 13 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
The fruits of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. are an important source of bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on the phytochemical analysis of cranberry fruit samples showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active compounds varied in cranberry fruit [...] Read more.
The fruits of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. are an important source of bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on the phytochemical analysis of cranberry fruit samples showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active compounds varied in cranberry fruit samples collected from different types of wetland sites: the total anthocyanin content was 698 ± 24–8352 ± 200 µg/g, the total flavonol content—518 ± 16–2811 ± 31 µg/g, the total content of triterpene compounds—4060 ± 122–6542 ± 157 µg/g, the content of chlorogenic acid—17 ± 0.4 µg/g to 1224 ± 41 µg/g, and the total content of proanthocyanidins—919 ± 19 µg EE/g to 3038 ± 137 µg EE/g. The percentage composition of anthocyanins in cranberry fruit varied between the different wetland sites: in some cranberry fruit samples, four anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3-galactoside, and peonidin-3-arabinoside) were predominant, while in other samples, six anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3-galactoside, peonidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and peonidin-3-glucoside) predominated. The results of these studies showed the differences in the composition of secondary metabolites in the studied cranberry samples and prove that the standardization of the qualitative and quantitative composition of cranberry fruit raw materials and the application of routine tests are necessary for the expansion of the use of botanical raw materials in the production of functional foods and phytopreparations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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14 pages, 1577 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Production of Hydrolytic Enzymes in Elicited Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Cell Suspension Cultures
by Bruno Casimiro, Inês Mota, Paula Veríssimo, Jorge Canhoto and Sandra Correia
Plants 2023, 12(1), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010190 - 02 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6054
Abstract
Plant cell suspension cultures are widely used as a tool for analyzing cellular and molecular processes, metabolite synthesis, and differentiation, bypassing the structural complexity of plants. Within the range of approaches used to increase the production of metabolites by plant cells, one of [...] Read more.
Plant cell suspension cultures are widely used as a tool for analyzing cellular and molecular processes, metabolite synthesis, and differentiation, bypassing the structural complexity of plants. Within the range of approaches used to increase the production of metabolites by plant cells, one of the most recurrent is applying elicitors capable of stimulating metabolic pathways related to defense mechanisms. Previous proteomics analysis of tamarillo cell lines and cell suspension cultures have been used to further characterize and optimize the growth and stress-related metabolite production under in vitro controlled conditions. The main objective of this work was to develop a novel plant-based bioreactor system to produce hydrolytic enzymes using an elicitation approach. Based on effective protocols for tamarillo micropropagation and plant cell suspension culture establishment from induced callus lines, cell growth has been optimized, and enzymatic activity profiles under in vitro controlled conditions characterized. By testing different sucrose concentrations and the effects of two types of biotic elicitors, it was found that 3% (w/v) sucrose concentration in the liquid medium enhanced the production of hydrolytic enzymes. Moreover, casein hydrolysate at 0.5 and 1.5 g/L promoted protein production, whereas yeast extract (0.5 g/L) enhanced glycosidase activity. Meanwhile, chitosan (0.05 and 0.1 g/L) enhanced glycosidases, alkaline phosphates, and protease activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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17 pages, 1335 KiB  
Article
Pattern Recognition of Varieties of Peach Fruit and Pulp from Their Volatile Components and Metabolic Profile Using HS-SPME-GC/MS Combined with Multivariable Statistical Analysis
by Dasha Mihaylova, Aneta Popova and Ivayla Dincheva
Plants 2022, 11(23), 3219; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233219 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1512
Abstract
A fruit’s aroma profile, composed of a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds, is among the core attributes related to the overall taste and consumer preference. Prunus persica L. is a preferred summer fruit with a distinct, favorable olfactory characteristic. The volatile compositions [...] Read more.
A fruit’s aroma profile, composed of a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds, is among the core attributes related to the overall taste and consumer preference. Prunus persica L. is a preferred summer fruit with a distinct, favorable olfactory characteristic. The volatile compositions of both peach fruits and fruit pulps from eight peach cultivars (four native and four introduced) was investigated to compare their composition and assess flavor-contributing compounds. In total, 65 compounds were profiled after a HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis: 16 esters, 14 aldehydes, 5 alcohols, 7 hydrocarbons, 7 ketones, 8 acids, and 8 terpenes. The most common compounds were esters, acids, and aldehydes. Although the same compounds were identified in both fruit and pulp, their %TIC (total ion current) differed in favor of the whole fruit. Following the metabolic profiling of the whole fruit and fruit pulp, a total of 44 compounds were identified from the studied varieties. Among them, amino acids, organic acids, sugar alcohols, saccharides, fatty acids, and phenolic acids were identified as existing groups. According to the provided principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the relative %TIC of the identified volatile compounds fluctuated depending on the studied cultivar. No differences were visible in the PCA biplots, which suggested that the polar and lipid metabolites do not provide significant variations when considering different parts of the fruit, contrary to the volatile compounds. The obtained results could successfully be applied in the metabolic chemotaxonomy of peaches and the differentiation of the metabolites present in different parts of the peach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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23 pages, 5548 KiB  
Article
Exercise Training and Verbena officinalis L. Affect Pre-Clinical and Histological Parameters
by Sonia M. Rodrigues Oliveira, Elsa Dias, Ana Paula Girol, Helena Silva and Maria de Lourdes Pereira
Plants 2022, 11(22), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223115 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2052
Abstract
Verbena officinalis L. or vervain is an herbal medicine and dietary supplement used worldwide. It is used for antidepressant and anticonvulsant purposes, as well as to treat inflammatory disorders, skin burns, abrasions, and gastric diseases, among others. Here, we investigated the biochemical, antioxidant, [...] Read more.
Verbena officinalis L. or vervain is an herbal medicine and dietary supplement used worldwide. It is used for antidepressant and anticonvulsant purposes, as well as to treat inflammatory disorders, skin burns, abrasions, and gastric diseases, among others. Here, we investigated the biochemical, antioxidant, and histopathological effects of vervain against chronic physical stress. Male Wistar rats were submitted to chronic physical training and oral administration of 200 mg/kg of extract for 7 weeks. Control animals were not treated with either stress or vervain. Body weight was monitored during the study. Liver, kidney, spleen, testis, epididymis, heart, skeletal muscle, and brain samples were collected. Blood cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin, and creatinine kinase (CREA), among others, were studied. Glutathione peroxidase (GPox) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant activity was analyzed in the blood, liver, and kidney. Testosterone measurements were also performed on whole testis extracts. We found significant weight ratios differences in the epididymis, brain, and heart. Animals submitted to training showed hemorrhagic livers. Kidney histology was affected by both stress and vervain. Cell disruption and vacuolization were observed in the testes and epididymis of animals submitted to stress. Hematological and biochemical markers as CREA, LDH, TP, CKI, URCA, γGT, and glucose revealed statistically significantly differences. Additionally, the activity of glutathione peroxide (GPox) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood was also impacted. Both stress and vervain have significant in vivo effects. Infusions of vervain include phenylpropanoids, iridoids, verbenalin, hastatoside, and flavonoids, amongst others, which interact synergistically to produce the preclinical effects reported here. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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14 pages, 1197 KiB  
Article
Extracts from Frangula alnus Mill. and Their Effects on Environmental and Probiotic Bacteria
by Agata Kledecka, Przemysław Siejak, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski, Farahnaz Fathordoobady, Maciej Jarzębski and Wojciech Smułek
Plants 2022, 11(20), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202719 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2269
Abstract
The bark of Frangula alnus Mill (FAM), the so-called alder buckthorn, has been widely investigated for its medicinal properties, especially its laxative effects and the bioactive properties of the plant material extract. Still, there is no wider study devoted to its antibacterial properties. [...] Read more.
The bark of Frangula alnus Mill (FAM), the so-called alder buckthorn, has been widely investigated for its medicinal properties, especially its laxative effects and the bioactive properties of the plant material extract. Still, there is no wider study devoted to its antibacterial properties. This is important in the context of its impact on probiotic gut bacteria. The aim of the research was to recognize the effect of FAM extract on bacterial cells, and to determine how the bioactive properties and composition of the extract are influenced by the type of solvent used for the extraction. To find the most suitable conditions for the FAM extraction, we used four solvent solutions with different polarities, including water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. We assessed the quality and composition of the extracts with spectral analysis, using spectrophotometric (FTIR, UV-Vis) and chromatographic methods (GC-MS). Finally, we analyzed the extractant impact of the extracts on the selected bacterial cells. The results showed that the chemical diversity of the extracts increased with the increase in solvent polarity, in which the abundance of frangulin, the main bioactive compound in buckthorn bark, was confirmed. Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 was particularly sensitive to the action of extracts, whereas other strains of the Pseudomonas genus showed practically no adverse effects. Ethanolic extracts had the strongest effect on most of the selected bacteria strains. We found that the probiotic Lactobacillus strain, which represents intestinal microflora, has no direct effect on probiotic microorganisms. The research shown FAM extracts can be safe for probiotic bacteria present in human gut microflora. Moreover, the study indicated that contact with the extracts may reduce the total permeability of the bacterial membranes. This opens up the possibility of using FAM extracts as a factor regulating transport into cells, which may be used to support the action of other bioactive substances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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Review

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24 pages, 2511 KiB  
Review
A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on Ora-Pro-Nobis (Pereskia sp.): Economical, Botanical, Phytochemical, Nutritional, and Ethnopharmacological Aspects
by Valéria Maria Costa Teixeira, Anielle de Oliveira, Emanueli Backes, Cristina Giatti Marques de Souza, Rafael Castoldi, Anacharis Babeto de Sá-Nakanishi, Lívia Bracht, Jurandir Fernando Comar, Rúbia Carvalho Gomes Corrêa, Fernanda Vitória Leimann, Adelar Bracht and Rosane Marina Peralta
Plants 2023, 12(22), 3874; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12223874 - 16 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
Pereskia aculeata Miller and Pereskia grandfolia Haw, known as ‘ora-pro-nobis’, are unconventional vegetables belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the Americas and common in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This review attempts to present a balanced account of both the [...] Read more.
Pereskia aculeata Miller and Pereskia grandfolia Haw, known as ‘ora-pro-nobis’, are unconventional vegetables belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the Americas and common in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This review attempts to present a balanced account of both the methods used for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants and the results that were obtained in terms of their applicability to foods and other products with biological activities. Attention will also be devoted to the properties of their bioactives and their applications to real food products. Methods for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants will be analyzed, as well as the chemical nature of the bioactives that were hitherto identified. Next, the applicability of ora-pro-nobis in either its integral form or in the form of extracts or other products (mucilages) to the production of food and dietary supplements will be analyzed. The species have been extensively investigated during the last few decades. But, the determination of chemical structures is frequently incomplete and there is a need for new studies on texture determination and color evaluation. Further studies exploring the fruit and flowers of P. aculeata are also required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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28 pages, 5259 KiB  
Review
New Insights into the Latest Advancement in α-Amylase Inhibitors of Plant Origin with Anti-Diabetic Effects
by Hamdy Kashtoh and Kwang-Hyun Baek
Plants 2023, 12(16), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162944 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3467
Abstract
The rising predominance of type 2 diabetes, combined with the poor medical effects seen with commercially available anti-diabetic medications, has motivated the development of innovative treatment approaches for regulating postprandial glucose levels. Natural carbohydrate digestion enzyme inhibitors might be a viable option for [...] Read more.
The rising predominance of type 2 diabetes, combined with the poor medical effects seen with commercially available anti-diabetic medications, has motivated the development of innovative treatment approaches for regulating postprandial glucose levels. Natural carbohydrate digestion enzyme inhibitors might be a viable option for blocking dietary carbohydrate absorption with fewer side effects than manufactured medicines. Alpha-amylase is a metalloenzyme that facilitates digestion by breaking down polysaccharides into smaller molecules such as maltose and maltotriose. It also contributes to elevated blood glucose levels and postprandial hyperglycemia. As a result, scientists are being urged to target α-amylase and create inhibitors that can slow down the release of glucose from carbohydrate chains and prolong its absorption, thereby resulting in lower postprandial plasma glucose levels. Natural α-amylase inhibitors derived from plants have gained popularity as safe and cost-effective alternatives. The bioactive components responsible for the inhibitory actions of various plant extracts have been identified through phytochemical research, paving the way for further development and application. The majority of the findings, however, are based on in vitro investigations. Only a few animal experiments and very few human investigations have confirmed these findings. Despite some promising results, additional investigation is needed to develop feasible anti-diabetic drugs based on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors. This review summarizes the most recent findings from research on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors, including plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it offers insights into the structural aspects of the crucial therapeutic target, α-amylases, in addition to their interactions with inhibitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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30 pages, 1938 KiB  
Review
From Plants to Wound Dressing and Transdermal Delivery of Bioactive Compounds
by Gabriela Olimpia Isopencu, Cristina-Ileana Covaliu-Mierlă and Iuliana-Mihaela Deleanu
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142661 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4025
Abstract
Transdermal delivery devices and wound dressing materials are constantly improved and upgraded with the aim of enhancing their beneficial effects, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost effectiveness. Therefore, researchers in the field have shown an increasing interest in using natural compounds as constituents for such [...] Read more.
Transdermal delivery devices and wound dressing materials are constantly improved and upgraded with the aim of enhancing their beneficial effects, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost effectiveness. Therefore, researchers in the field have shown an increasing interest in using natural compounds as constituents for such systems. Plants, as an important source of so-called “natural products” with an enormous variety and structural diversity that still exceeds the capacity of present-day sciences to define or even discover them, have been part of medicine since ancient times. However, their benefits are just at the beginning of being fully exploited in modern dermal and transdermal delivery systems. Thus, plant-based primary compounds, with or without biological activity, contained in gums and mucilages, traditionally used as gelling and texturing agents in the food industry, are now being explored as valuable and cost-effective natural components in the biomedical field. Their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity compensate for local availability and compositional variations. Also, secondary metabolites, classified based on their chemical structure, are being intensively investigated for their wide pharmacological and toxicological effects. Their impact on medicine is highlighted in detail through the most recent reported studies. Innovative isolation and purification techniques, new drug delivery devices and systems, and advanced evaluation procedures are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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18 pages, 1057 KiB  
Review
Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review
by Mona Mohamed Mohamed Yasseen Elghandour, Aristide Maggiolino, Paulina Vázquez-Mendoza, Edwin Rafael Alvarado-Ramírez, José Cedillo-Monroy, Pasquale De Palo and Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1921; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091921 - 08 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2928
Abstract
Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, [...] Read more.
Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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20 pages, 562 KiB  
Review
A Review of Pistacia lentiscus Polyphenols: Chemical Diversity and Pharmacological Activities
by Chabha Sehaki, Nathalie Jullian, Fadila Ayati, Farida Fernane and Eric Gontier
Plants 2023, 12(2), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020279 - 07 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3019
Abstract
Pistacia lentiscus (lentisk) is a plant species of the Anacardiaceae family. It is a medicinal plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean region. This review aims to update the existing knowledge regarding P. lentiscus polyphenols by consulting references dated from 1996 to 2022. [...] Read more.
Pistacia lentiscus (lentisk) is a plant species of the Anacardiaceae family. It is a medicinal plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean region. This review aims to update the existing knowledge regarding P. lentiscus polyphenols by consulting references dated from 1996 to 2022. The data are organized and analyzed as follows: (i) to show the chemical diversity of phenolic products from P. lentiscus; (ii) to summarize the variability in phenolic composition and quantity; this could be attributed to plant origin, environmental conditions, phenological stage, and the polarity of the extraction solvents; (iii) to present the pharmacological properties in agreement with the traditional uses of this plant; and (iv) to demonstrate the correlation between the chemical profile and the pharmacological effect. Various compositions were observed, including phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, anthocyanins, catechins, and their derivatives. The biological and therapeutic potentials of lentisk extracts have been evaluated in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Most of these activities are related to the phenolic composition of this plant. The content of this review will undoubtedly contribute to the choice of techniques for isolating the different bioactive molecules contained in the P. lentiscus. It is also of significance for the potential development of a micro-industrial sector based on the valorization of lentisk polyphenols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in the Research of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential II)
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