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9 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the (Poly)Phenolic Fraction of Fig Peel: Comparison among Twelve Cultivars Harvested in Tuscany

by Luca Calani, Letizia Bresciani, Margherita Rodolfi, Daniele Del Rio, Raffaella Petruccelli, Cecilia Faraloni and Tommaso Ganino

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3073; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223073 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1104

Abstract

(1) Background: The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area and it produces fruits largely consumed in the Mediterranean diet. Previous studies have shown that this fruit represents a rich source of (poly)phenols, which are mainly located [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area and it produces fruits largely consumed in the Mediterranean diet. Previous studies have shown that this fruit represents a rich source of (poly)phenols, which are mainly located in the peel rather than the pulp. In our study, fig peel derived from twelve different cultivars located in Tuscany was assessed for its (poly)phenol profile. (2) Methods: The (poly)phenol characterization was performed through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to multiple-stage mass spectrometry. (3) Results: Twenty-eight (poly)phenolic compounds were quantified in the investigated fig peel. It was possible to observe an interesting variability in the (poly)phenol content among the twelve cultivars of fig peel. Rutin and 5-caffeoylquinic acid were the main compounds in the greenish fig peel, while cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside was the main component in the dark-violet fig peel. (4) Conclusions: fig peel could be used as a (poly)phenol-rich ingredient in several food products to increase the bioactive compound content of foods. Moreover, dark-violet peel could be considered potentially suitable as a natural food colorant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

21 pages, 3742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Artemisia Genus: An Insight into the Phytochemical and Multi-Biological Potential of A. campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube

by Adriana Trifan, Monika E. Czerwińska, Constantin Mardari, Gokhan Zengin, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Izabela Korona-Glowniak, Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak and Simon Vlad Luca

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212874 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1585

Abstract

The Artemisia L. genus includes over five hundred species with great economic and medicinal properties. Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive metabolite and bioactivity profile of Artemisia campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube collected from north-eastern Romania. Liquid chromatography with tandem [...] Read more.

The Artemisia L. genus includes over five hundred species with great economic and medicinal properties. Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive metabolite and bioactivity profile of Artemisia campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube collected from north-eastern Romania. Liquid chromatography with tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) analysis of different polarity extracts obtained from the aerial parts led to the identification of twelve flavonoids, three phenolic acids, two sesquiterpene lactones, two fatty acids, one coumarin, and one lignan. The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were shown in the DPPH (0.71–213.68 mg TE/g) and ABTS (20.57–356.35 mg TE/g) radical scavenging, CUPRAC (38.56–311.21 mg TE/g), FRAP (121.68–202.34 mg TE/g), chelating (12.88–22.25 mg EDTAE/g), phosphomolybdenum (0.92–2.11 mmol TE/g), anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.15–3.64 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0–3.18 mg GALAE/g), anti-amylase (0.05–0.38 mmol ACAE/g), anti-glucosidase (0.43–2.21 mmol ACAE/g), and anti-tyrosinase (18.62–48.60 mg KAE/g) assays. At 100 μg/mL, Artemisia extracts downregulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophil model (29.05–53.08% of LPS+ control). Finally, the Artemisia samples showed moderate to weak activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 625 mg/L) against the seventeen tested microbial strains (bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes). Overall, our study shows that A. campestris subsp. lednicensis is a promising source of bioactives with putative use as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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13 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Methods and Durations of Extraction on Total Flavonoid and Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Java Cardamom (Amomum compactum Soland Ex Maton) Fruit

by Waras Nurcholis, Rahma Alfadzrin, Nurul Izzati, Rini Arianti, Boglárka Ágnes Vinnai, Fadillah Sabri, Endre Kristóf and I Made Artika

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2221; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172221 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

Free radicals contribute to the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases which increase mortality globally, including mortality in Indonesia. Amomum compactum Soland. Ex Maton fruit from the Zingiberaceae family, also known as Java cardamom, contains secondary metabolites that have high antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity [...] Read more.

Free radicals contribute to the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases which increase mortality globally, including mortality in Indonesia. Amomum compactum Soland. Ex Maton fruit from the Zingiberaceae family, also known as Java cardamom, contains secondary metabolites that have high antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Java cardamom fruit correlates with its flavonoid and phenolic compound contents, which can be affected by different methods and durations of extraction. This study aimed to measure and compare the effects of extraction methods and durations on total flavonoid and phenolic contents (TFCs and TPCs) and subsequent antioxidant activities by the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Methanol extracts of Java cardamom were produced by continuous shaking (CSE), microwave-assisted (MAE), or ultrasonic-assisted extractions (UAE) for three different durations. CSE for 360 min resulted in the highest TFCs (3.202 mg Quercetin Equivalent/g dry weight), while the highest TPCs (1.263 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g dry weight) were obtained by MAE for 3 min. Out of the investigated methods, MAE for 3 min resulted in the highest antioxidant activity results for the extracts. We conclude that the polyphenolic antioxidant yield of Java cardamom depends on two parameters: the method and the duration of extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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18 pages, 1363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Diversity and Antioxidant Potential of Wild Heather (Calluna vulgaris L.) Aboveground Parts

by Vytaute Kaunaite, Gabriele Vilkickyte and Lina Raudone

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172207 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1596

Abstract

Calluna vulgaris L. (heather) is a traditional medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and calming activities that are determined by the notable amounts of phytochemicals. The evaluation of different populations of plants that accumulate great amounts of bioactive compounds are requisite for the quality determination [...] Read more.

Calluna vulgaris L. (heather) is a traditional medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and calming activities that are determined by the notable amounts of phytochemicals. The evaluation of different populations of plants that accumulate great amounts of bioactive compounds are requisite for the quality determination of plant materials and medicinal and nutritional products. The assessment of natural resources from a phytogeographic point of view is relevant. Phytochemical analysis of heather samples was carried out using spectrophotometric methods and HPLC-PDA techniques, while antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS and FRAP assays. A significant diversification of phenolic and triterpenic compounds and antioxidant activity was determined in the heather samples collected in distinct habitats. Natural habitats, due to their characteristic chemical heterogeneity, lead to the diversity of indicators characterizing the quality of plant raw materials. Chlorogenic acid and hyperoside were found to be predominant among the phenolic compounds, while ursolic, oleanolic acids, and uvaol prevailed among the triterpenic compounds. Thus, these compounds can be suggested as phytochemical markers, characteristic of the heather raw material from central Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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14 pages, 3681 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Polyphenolic Contents, Free Radical Scavenging and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Dalbergiella welwitschii Leaf Extracts

by Tabisa Diniso, Jerry Adeyemi, Ayodeji Oriola, Taiwo Elufioye, Mavuto Gondwe and Adebola Oyedeji

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152066 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

A decoction of Dalbergiella welwitschii leaves has been used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of mental illness and inflammatory diseases amongst other diseases. In this study, the leaf methanol extract of D. welwitschii and its partition fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous, were tested [...] Read more.

A decoction of Dalbergiella welwitschii leaves has been used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of mental illness and inflammatory diseases amongst other diseases. In this study, the leaf methanol extract of D. welwitschii and its partition fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous, were tested and evaluated for their polyphenolic contents, free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) and proanthocyanidin (TPA) contents were determined using standard colorimetric methods. The anti-radical activity of the extracts against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion and nitric oxide (NO) radicals as well as their effects on lipid peroxidation were monitored spectrophotometrically. The cholinesterase enzyme (AChE and BuChE) inhibitions by the extracts were determined by a modified method of Ellman. The result showed a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition of the free radicals and the cholinesterase enzymes, except for that of lipid peroxidation. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exhibited the highest polyphenolic contents among the fractions, with a TPC of 1.08 mgGAE/g, TFC of 0.38 mgQuE/g and TPA of 0.21 mgGAE/g. It also demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activities with 72.63% and 65.43% inhibitions of DPPH and NO, respectively. The EtOAc fraction inhibited AChE and BuChE enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 0.94 and 8.49 mg/mL, respectively. Our findings show that the plant may have polyphenol contents, in particular in the methanol extract and EtOAc fraction. These extracts showed considerable free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory properties. Thus, the observed bioactivities may serve as a justification for its folkloric use as a remedy for mental illness. The study also provides relevant information that could help in the search for lead cholinesterase inhibitors from medicinal plants that can be exploited against neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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10 pages, 1372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Chlorogenic Acid in Sweet Potato Leaf Extracts

by Chun-Hui Chiu, Kuan-Hung Lin, Hsin-Hung Lin, Wen-Xin Chu, Yung-Chang Lai and Pi-Yu Chao

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152063 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2116

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, with leaves of different varieties showing purple, green and yellow, and these leaves provide a dietary source of nutrients and various bioactive compounds. The objective of this study [...] Read more.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, with leaves of different varieties showing purple, green and yellow, and these leaves provide a dietary source of nutrients and various bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to identify the active constituents of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in different methanolic extract of leaves of three varieties of sweet potato (purple CYY 98-59, green Taoyuan 2, and yellow CN 1927-16) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Genotype-specific metabolite variations were observed; CGAs and three isomeric peaks were detected in sweet potato leaf extracts (SPLEs). Among them, the yellow SPLE contained the highest contents of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-di-CQA) and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4-di-CQA), followed by the green SPLE, whereas the purple SPLE retained lower 3,5-di-CQA content compared to yellow and green SPLEs. All three SPLEs contained lower 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-di-CQA) and CGA contents compared to 3,5-di-CQA and 3,4-di-CQA, although CGA constituents were not significantly different in genotypes, whereas purple SPLE contained higher 4,5-di-CQA content compared to yellow and green SPLEs. This study indicates that SPLs marketed in Taiwan vary widely in their biological potentials and may impart different health benefits to consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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12 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, and Antibacterial Properties of Corn Tassel

by Jameel M. Al-Khayri, Arzu Kavaz Yüksel, Mehmet Yüksel, Mesut Işık and Emrah Dikici

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151899 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2489

Abstract

Corn tassel (CT) is a waste part of the corn plant. It is a good co-product and rich in terms of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. This research tried to show the phenolic profile, antioxidants, anticholinergic activities, and antibacterial properties of CT ethanol extract. [...] Read more.

Corn tassel (CT) is a waste part of the corn plant. It is a good co-product and rich in terms of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. This research tried to show the phenolic profile, antioxidants, anticholinergic activities, and antibacterial properties of CT ethanol extract. The phenolic content analysis of the CT was determined quantitatively by LC-MS/MS, and the antioxidant capacity was measured using ABTS, DPPH, Cu²⁺–Cu⁺, and Fe³⁺–Fe²⁺ reducing methods. The anticholinergic measurements of CT were detected by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The antibacterial activity was determined by MIC and disc diffusion methods. Many phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid, caffeic acid, fumaric acid, acetohydroxamic acid, butein, myricetin, resveratrol, catechin hydrate, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were detected in ethanol extract of CT. The obtained plant ethanol extract had a 7.04% DPPH value, while it showed ABTS activity at 9.45%. Moreover, it had a 0.10 mg/mL inhibition effect on the AChE in terms of IC₅₀ values. The ethanol extract of the CT had an antibacterial property on the investigated bacteria at different ratios. In conclusion, this research aims to consider CT as a source of phenolic compounds and to reveal its bioactive properties and its effects on the treatment of some diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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19 pages, 9273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Promising Cytotoxic Metabolites from Tabebuia guayacan Hemsl.: Computational Prediction and In Vitro Testing

by Seham S. El-Hawary, Rabab Mohammed, Marwa A. Taher, Sameh Fekry AbouZid, Mostafa A. Mansour, Suliman A. Almahmoud, Bader Huwaimel and Elham Amin

Plants 2022, 11(7), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070888 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2141

Abstract

Genus Tabebuia is famous for its traditional uses and valuable phytoconstituents. Our previous investigation of Tabebuia species noted the promising anticancer activity of T. guayacan Hemsl. leaves extract, however, the mechanism underlying the observed anticancer activity is still unexplored. The current research was [...] Read more.

Genus Tabebuia is famous for its traditional uses and valuable phytoconstituents. Our previous investigation of Tabebuia species noted the promising anticancer activity of T. guayacan Hemsl. leaves extract, however, the mechanism underlying the observed anticancer activity is still unexplored. The current research was designed to explore the phytochemical content as well as to address the phytoconstituent(s) responsible for the recorded anticancer activity. Accordingly, sixteen compounds were isolated, and their structures were elucidated using different spectroscopic techniques. The drug-likeness of the isolated compounds, as well as their binding affinity with four anticancer drug target receptors: CDK-2/6, topoisomerase-1, and VEGFR-2, were evaluated. Additionally, the most promising compounds were in vitro evaluated for inhibitory activities against CDK-2/6 and VEGFR-2 enzymes using kinase assays method. Corosolic acid (3) and luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside (16) were the most active inhibitors against CDK-2 (−13.44 kcal/mol) and topoisomerase 1 (−13.83 kcal/mol), respectively. Meanwhile, quercetin 3-O-β-xyloside (10) scored the highest binding free energies against both CDK-6 (−16.23 kcal/mol) as well as against VEGFR-2 protein targets (−10.39 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamic simulation indicated that quercetin 3-O-β-xyloside (10) exhibited the least fluctuations and deviations from the starting binding pose with RMSD (2.6 Å). Interestingly, in vitro testing results confirmed the potent activity of 10 (IC₅₀ = 0.154 µg/mL) compared to IC₅₀ = 0.159 µg/mL of the reference drug ribociclib. These findings suggest the three noted compounds (3, 10, and 16) for further in vivo anticancer studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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21 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Shoot Age Influence Biological and Chemical Properties in Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars?

by Boban Djordjević, Dejan Djurović, Gordan Zec, Dragana Dabić Zagorac, Maja Natić, Mekjell Meland and Milica Fotirić Akšić

Plants 2022, 11(7), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070866 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of shoot age on the biological and chemical properties of 13 black currant cultivars with different origins and ripening times. Phenological observations together with examined pomological and chemical characteristics were studied in two [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of shoot age on the biological and chemical properties of 13 black currant cultivars with different origins and ripening times. Phenological observations together with examined pomological and chemical characteristics were studied in two consecutive years at the experimental field near Belgrade, Serbia. The total content of phenols was estimated spectrophotometrically by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while quantitative analysis of anthocyanin and flavonols aglycones was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Principal component analysis was performed to establish differences in biological and chemical properties of black currants. Three-year-old shoots had an earlier start of all examined phenological stages, better generative potential, higher yields, while clusters and berries from 2-year-old shoots had significantly higher values for physical properties, total phenols, anthocyanin and flavanols aglycones and antiradical capacity. Late ripening cultivars had higher contents of all chemical compounds. The berries on 2-year-old shoots had total phenolics that ranged between 123.0 (‘Titania’) and 298.3 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) (‘Ometa’), while total anthocyanins ranged between 398.5 (’Ojebyn’) and 1160.8 mg/kg FW (’Ometa’). According to the obtained results, cultivars ‘Ometa’, ‘Ben Lomond’, ‘Tsema’ and ‘Malling Juel’ can be recommended as the most promising for growing in the continental climate because they stood out with higher generative potential and yield, physical traits of cluster and berry, higher level of primary and secondary metabolites and DPPH activity in their berries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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12 pages, 2347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Capacity Determination of Hungarian-, Slovak-, and Polish-Origin Goldenrod Honeys

by Szilvia Czigle, Rita Filep, Ema Balažová, Hajnalka Szentgyörgyi, Viktória Lilla Balázs, Marianna Kocsis, Dragica Purger, Nóra Papp and Ágnes Farkas

Plants 2022, 11(6), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060792 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

The goldenrod (Solidago) species are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honeys. S. canadensis and S. gigantea are native to North America and invasive in several European countries, while S. virgaurea is native to Europe. [...] Read more.

The goldenrod (Solidago) species are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honeys. S. canadensis and S. gigantea are native to North America and invasive in several European countries, while S. virgaurea is native to Europe. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the antioxidant capacity of goldenrod honeys collected in three central European countries (Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), from three locations within each country. The botanical origin of each honey sample was checked with melissopalynological analysis. Color intensity was determined using the Pfund scale. The antioxidant activity was determined with different spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was quantified using spectrophotometric methods. The highest radical-scavenging activity was identified for Hungarian samples with all three antioxidant capacity assays. Medium antioxidant activity was described for Slovak samples. The DPPH and ABTS assays discriminated Polish honeys with the lowest antioxidant activity. The highest flavonoid and phenolic acid content was detected in Hungarian and Slovak honeys, while the lowest values were measured in Polish samples. Our study shows that the antioxidant capacity of unifloral goldenrod honeys can be different in various countries of origin, correlating with color intensity and polyphenol content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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14 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Contents in a Mediterranean Population of Plantago lanceolata L. Exploited for Quarry Reclamation Interventions

by Federico Sanna, Giovanna Piluzza, Giuseppe Campesi, Maria Giovanna Molinu, Giovanni Antonio Re and Leonardo Sulas

Plants 2022, 11(6), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060791 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2767

Abstract

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) is an interesting multipurpose perennial species whose aerial parts are used in herbal medicine due to its precious phytochemicals and are palatable to animals. Moreover, peculiar traits such as drought tolerance, an extended growth season and a deep root [...] Read more.

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) is an interesting multipurpose perennial species whose aerial parts are used in herbal medicine due to its precious phytochemicals and are palatable to animals. Moreover, peculiar traits such as drought tolerance, an extended growth season and a deep root system, make plantain a promising pioneer plant for quarry reclamation based on the use of native species. This study evaluated the effects of different environmental conditions and seasons on the accumulation of the bioactive compounds of its aerial organs. An autochthonous plantain population was grown in three locations in Sardinia (Italy). Leaves, peduncles and inflorescences were collected between October 2020 and July 2021. Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were determined. The analysis of the individual phenolic compounds was performed using liquid chromatography. In leaves, the content of total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoids were significantly influenced by location and season. Total phenolic content ranged from 65 to 240 g gallic acid equivalent kg⁻¹, whereas total flavonoids were from 16 to about 89 g catechin equivalent kg⁻¹. Neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic acids, verbascoside, diosmin and luteolin were identified in the methanolic extracts of leaves, peduncles and inflorescences. Verbascoside was the main antioxidant isolated from plantain extracts. Results evidenced an increasing accumulation pattern of phenolics from vegetative stage to flowering, followed by a decrement towards the seed ripening as well as site-specific differences with amounts of phenolics even 25% higher for same plantain accession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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15 pages, 16746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nelumbo nucifera Petals Extract on Antioxidant Activity and Sperm Quality in Charolais Cattle Sperm Induced by Mancozeb

by Jiraporn Laoung-on, Churdsak Jaikang, Kanokporn Saenphet and Paiwan Sudwan

Plants 2022, 11(5), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050637 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1906

Abstract

The white Nelumbo nucifera petals aqueous extraction (NAE) was prominent in phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and enhanced rat sperm viability induced by FeSO₄, a heavy metal. Mancozeb (MZ) contains heavy metals and is widely used for fungal control in agriculture and [...] Read more.

The white Nelumbo nucifera petals aqueous extraction (NAE) was prominent in phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and enhanced rat sperm viability induced by FeSO₄, a heavy metal. Mancozeb (MZ) contains heavy metals and is widely used for fungal control in agriculture and industry. It induces oxidative stress and causes of spermatogenesis and reproductive organs’ abnormalities in both humans and animals. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of white Nelumbo nucifera petals aqueous extraction (WNAE) on sperm quality in cattle sperm induced by MZ. Moreover, this study investigated phytochemical compounds by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A protein profile related to sperm quality with SDS-page and sperm energy preservation for each treatment was determined. The results found nine phytochemical compounds, in which quercetin-3-O-arabinoglycoside was a major flavonoid that was found in the WNAE. MZ induced free radicals in cells, leading to LPO and protein oxidation, while decreasing sperm motility, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and normal sperm morphology. The cattle sperm found four proteins related to sperm quality including MWs of 17, 31, 34, and 55 kDa. The WNAE effectively increased energy preservation, sperm motility, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and normal sperm morphology. The WNAE enhanced sperm qualities by reducing oxidative stress. It might be suggested that WNAE has benefits for sperm preservation which may be used to guard against toxicity in animals or humans exposed to MZ contaminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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18 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity for Fermented and Unfermented Rooibos Samples Extracted with Water and Methanol

by Eslam A. Hussein, Christopher Thron, Mehrdad Ghaziasgar, Mattia Vaccari, Jeanine L. Marnewick and Ahmed A. Hussein

Plants 2022, 11(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010016 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3573

Abstract

Rooibos is brewed from the medicinal plant Aspalathus linearis. It has a well-established wide spectrum of bio-activity properties, which in part may be attributed to the phenolic antioxidant power. The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of rooibos is related to its total phenolic content (TPC). [...] Read more.

Rooibos is brewed from the medicinal plant Aspalathus linearis. It has a well-established wide spectrum of bio-activity properties, which in part may be attributed to the phenolic antioxidant power. The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of rooibos is related to its total phenolic content (TPC). The relation between TPC and AOC of randomly selected 51 fermented (FR) and 47 unfermented (UFR) rooibos samples was studied after extraction using water and methanol separately. The resulted extracts were assessed using two antioxidant assays, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results were analyzed using both simple statistical methods and machine learning. The analysis showed different trends of TPC and AOC correlations of FR and UFR samples, depending on the solvent used for extraction. The results of the water extracts showed similar TPC and higher AOC of FR than UFR samples, while the methanolic extracted samples showed higher TPC and AOC of UFR than FR. As a result, the methanolic extracts showed better agreement between TPC and AOC than water extracts. Possible explanations are given for these observed results. Although, the current literature demonstrates direct correlations of the TPC and AOC of rooibos water extracts. This study showed deviation and highlighted the importance of solvent selection and analysis methodology as an important factor in determining the TPC/AOC correlation and subsequently the expectation of the actual health benefits of rooibos herbal tea. In particular, unfermented and fermented samples can be accurately identified on the basis of a combination of assays (any two of TPC, FRAP and TEAC), especially if methanol is the solvent used. Machine learning analysis of assay data provides nearly identical results with classical statistical analytical methods. This is the first report on machine learning analysis and comparison of the TPC and AOC of rooibos herbal tea extracted with methanol and water, and highlights the importance of using methanol as a solvent to evaluate its AOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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21 pages, 1736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomolecules with Antioxidant Capacity from the Seeds and Sprouts of 20 Varieties of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Quinoa)

by Edwin Carlos Enciso-Roca, Enrique Javier Aguilar-Felices, Johnny Aldo Tinco-Jayo, Jorge Luis Arroyo-Acevedo and Oscar Herrera-Calderon

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112417 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2677

Abstract

Quinoa has acquired a great interest due to its high content of nutrients and biomolecules that have nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to compare the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and the antioxidant capacity of 20 [...] Read more.

Quinoa has acquired a great interest due to its high content of nutrients and biomolecules that have nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to compare the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and the antioxidant capacity of 20 varieties of seeds and sprouts of quinoa extract. Quinoa seeds were germinated for 72 h and dried in an oven at 45 °C. The extracts were obtained by dynamic extraction using methanol. Phytochemical analysis with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), TPC, TF, and the antioxidant capacity was carried out and compared between both extracts. The TPC was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, TF with AlCl₃, and the antioxidant capacity was determined according to the DPPH and ABTS assays. Sprout extracts showed high values of TPC (31.28 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g; Pasankalla variety), TF (14.31 ± 0.50 mg EQ/g; black Coito variety), and antioxidant capacity (IC_{50 (DPPH)}: 12.69 ± 0.29 µg/mL and IC_{50 (ABTS):} 3.51 ± 0.04 µg/mL; Pasankalla). The extracts of the Pasankalla variety revealed 93 and 90 phytochemical constituents in the seeds and sprouts, respectively, such as amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and triterpene saponins, among others. Quinoa sprouts showed a high content of TPC and TF, and high antioxidant capacity compared with seed extracts, especially the Pasankalla variety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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17 pages, 1484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolites of Siberian Raspberries: LC-MS Profile, Seasonal Variation, Antioxidant Activity and, Thermal Stability of Rubus matsumuranus Phenolome

by Nina I. Kashchenko, Daniil N. Olennikov and Nadezhda K. Chirikova

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112317 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2607

Abstract

Rubus matsumuranus H. Lev. & Vaniot, a famous Siberian shrub of the Rosaceae family, is used in the folk medicine of nomads (Buryats, Yakuts, Soyots, and Mongols) as a remedy for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory and hepatobiliary systems. The lack [...] Read more.

Rubus matsumuranus H. Lev. & Vaniot, a famous Siberian shrub of the Rosaceae family, is used in the folk medicine of nomads (Buryats, Yakuts, Soyots, and Mongols) as a remedy for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory and hepatobiliary systems. The lack of scientific information on R. matsumuranus leaves contributed to the investigation of the metabolomic profile and biological activity of this plant. In this study, metabolites of R. matsumuranus leaves in three stages (active growth, flowering, and fruiting) were characterised using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionisation triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PDA-ESI-tQ-MS). In total, 63 compounds were identified, including gallic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamates, catechins, procyanidins, flavonols, and ellagitannins. Lambertianin C (57.11 mg/g of dry weight, DW), miquelianin (39.63 mg/g DW), and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide (31.18 mg/g DW) were the major compounds in R. matsumuranus leaves. As a result of the HPLC-PDA-based assay to determine the antioxidant activity, it was revealed that lambertianin A, sanguiin H6, lambertianin C, and sanguiin H11 were effective scavengers of free radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH^•) and possessed Fe²⁺-chelating activity. After an investigation of the phenolic content in infusions and decoctions obtained by extraction with water at different temperatures, it was revealed that a hot infusion (80 °C) is a phenolic-rich preparation of R. matsumuranus leaves. Our research suggests that R. matsumuranus leaves are a rich source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant properties and that this could be a prospective plant for new functional products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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Review

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25 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessReview

Paeonia × suffruticosa (Moutan Peony)—A Review of the Chemical Composition, Traditional and Professional Use in Medicine, Position in Cosmetics Industries, and Biotechnological Studies

by Halina Ekiert, Marta Klimek-Szczykutowicz and Agnieszka Szopa

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3379; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233379 - 05 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3192

Abstract

The aim of this review is to perform a systematic review of scientific papers and an in-depth analysis of the latest research related to Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews as a valuable plant species, important in pharmacy and cosmetology. P. × suffruticosa bark root- [...] Read more.

The aim of this review is to perform a systematic review of scientific papers and an in-depth analysis of the latest research related to Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews as a valuable plant species, important in pharmacy and cosmetology. P. × suffruticosa bark root-Moutan cortex is a medicinal raw material formerly known from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but less common in official European medicine. It was introduced for the first time in the European Pharmacopoeia Supplement 9.4 in 2018. In this work, the numerous possible applications of this raw material were depicted based on modern professional pharmacological studies documenting its very valuable medicinal values, including antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities. The scientific studies indicated that the profile of raw material activity is mainly due to paeonol, paeoniflorin and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose. Moreover, the significance of this plant (its different organs) in the production of cosmetics was underlined. P. × suffruticosa finds increasing application in cosmetology due to research on its chronic dermatitis, anti-aging and brightening effects. Furthermore, some biotechnological research has been described aimed at developing effective in vitro micropropagation protocols for P. × suffruticosa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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27 pages, 4749 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Alchemilla Species

by Sebastian Kanak, Barbara Krzemińska, Rafał Celiński, Magdalena Bakalczuk and Katarzyna Dos Santos Szewczyk

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202709 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The genus Alchemilla, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which display a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Alchemilla species are used in traditional [...] Read more.

The genus Alchemilla, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which display a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Alchemilla species are used in traditional medicine for treatment of acute diarrhea, wounds, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. In this review, we focus on the phenolic compound composition and antioxidative activity of Alchemilla species. We can assume that phytomedicine and natural products chemistry are of significant importance due to the fact that extract combinations with various bioactive compounds possess the activity to protect the human body rather than disturb damaging factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts Ⅱ)

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