Antioxidants

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22 pages, 3645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid Remodeling in Mouse SR-B1-Deficient Embryos with Oxidative Stress-Associated Neural Tube Defects

by Alonso Quiroz, Nicolás Santander, Greene D. E. Nicolás, Kit-Yi Leung and Dolores Busso

Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050634 - 16 May 2026

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Abstract

Neural tube defects (NTD) are congenital malformations that lead to structural abnormalities of the brain or spine. Mouse embryos deficient in Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 (SR-B1 KO), the main receptor for high-density lipoproteins, exhibit a high incidence of anterior NTD, which [...] Read more.

Neural tube defects (NTD) are congenital malformations that lead to structural abnormalities of the brain or spine. Mouse embryos deficient in Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 (SR-B1 KO), the main receptor for high-density lipoproteins, exhibit a high incidence of anterior NTD, which is associated with vitamin E deficiency and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Maternal supplementation with vitamin E, a micronutrient with antioxidant properties, completely prevents the occurrence of NTD and normalizes ROS levels in SR-B1 KO embryos, suggesting a contribution of oxidative stress to NTD in this model. In this work, we showed that SR-B1 KO embryos at gestational day E9.5 display higher levels of lipoperoxidative damage markers. Analysis of data obtained through shotgun lipidomics evidenced a selective and coordinated reorganization of fatty acid distribution, characterized by altered polyunsaturated and monounsaturated composition, together with reduced phosphatidylcholine and increased lysophosphatidylcholine levels, and diversion of fatty acids into triacylglyceride storage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a coordinated upregulation of genes involved in phospholipid synthesis and remodeling, consistent with the altered lipid homeostasis observed in SR-B1 KO embryos. Together, these results provide novel information showing a potential link between oxidative stress and disruptions in mammalian embryonic lipid metabolism, highlighting phospholipid remodeling as a potential determinant of susceptibility to NTD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enzyme-Assisted Phenolic Extract of Murtilla Pomace: A Green Food Additive to Prevent Ozone-Induced Oxidation in Salmon

by Vicente Gregorio Valenzuela-Bass, Elva Gonzales-Nieto, Gabriela Valenzuela-Barra, Miguel Ángel Varas Condori, Angélica Reyes-Jara, Miguel Ángel Rincón-Cervera, Severino Marías de Alencar, Raquel Bridi and Adriano Costa de Camargo

Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050593 - 7 May 2026

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Abstract

Murtilla pomace (the by-product generated during juice production) shows a high phenolic content. Recovering phenolics from murtilla pomace is a sustainable approach towards zero waste. In this study, murtilla pomace was subjected to enzyme-assisted extraction using Viscozyme. The extracts were analyzed for TPC [...] Read more.

Murtilla pomace (the by-product generated during juice production) shows a high phenolic content. Recovering phenolics from murtilla pomace is a sustainable approach towards zero waste. In this study, murtilla pomace was subjected to enzyme-assisted extraction using Viscozyme. The extracts were analyzed for TPC and phenolic profile. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by chemical-based assays and the antioxidant property was demonstrated for the first time in an ozone-induced oxidation process applied to a raw fish model system. Enzymatic pretreatment with Viscozyme increased the total phenolic content by up to 57%. The antioxidant activity also increased upon enzymatic treatment. The concentration of quercetin was positively affected, while the content of rutin decreased upon enzymatic pretreatment, likely reflecting the enzymatic hydrolysis biotransforming rutin glycoside into quercetin aglycone. Phenolics from murtilla pomace obtained upon enzyme-assisted extraction were shown to be effective as natural antioxidants against ozone-induced oxidation in salmon. Therefore, enzyme-assisted extraction may be an environmentally friendly strategy in the recovery of these natural antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 1257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional Phenolic Signatures of Antioxidant-Relevant Compounds in Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Varieties and Local Ecotypes Cultivated in Southern Chile

by Ignacio Matamala, Manuel Chacón-Fuentes, Daniel Martínez-Cisterna, Pablo Parra-Verdugo, Valeria Asencio-Cancino and Leonardo Bardehle

Antioxidants 2026, 15(4), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15040444 - 1 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cones are increasingly recognized as sources of phenolic compounds relevant to antioxidant-oriented applications beyond their traditional brewing role; however, genotype-dependent chemical diversity remains poorly characterized under South American cultivation. This study evaluated phenolic composition and antioxidant-related chemical signatures [...] Read more.

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cones are increasingly recognized as sources of phenolic compounds relevant to antioxidant-oriented applications beyond their traditional brewing role; however, genotype-dependent chemical diversity remains poorly characterized under South American cultivation. This study evaluated phenolic composition and antioxidant-related chemical signatures in 22 hop accessions, including commercial varieties and Chilean local ecotypes, cultivated under homogeneous conditions in southern Chile. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins were determined using spectrophotometric assays, while phenolic acids, catechin, and prenylated flavonoids were quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the ORAC assay, and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to integrate chemical variables. TPC ranged from 4051 to 8124 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry weight, TFC from 655 to 3011 mg quercetin equivalents/100 g, and condensed tannins from 11.0 to 60.1 mg catechin equivalents/g. ORAC values ranged from 96,405 to 161,815 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g dry weight, indicating substantial genotype-dependent variation. PCA explained 69.5% of total variance and revealed distinct phenolic composition patterns among genotypes. Pearson correlation analysis showed that antioxidant capacity was strongly associated with condensed tannins and total phenolic content, whereas total flavonoids were not significantly related to ORAC values. Prenylated flavonoids were negatively associated with antioxidant capacity, suggesting a limited contribution to peroxyl radical scavenging activity. These findings highlight the importance of phenolic subclass composition, particularly condensed tannins, in determining antioxidant capacity and support the selection of hop genotypes based on specific phenolic profiles for functional applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 1978 KB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) Extraction, HPLC-DAD Analysis, and Antioxidant Activity of Chilean Ugni molinae Turcz. Fruits

by Javier Antileo-Laurie, Verónica Olate-Olave, Valentina Fehrmann-Riquelme, Camila Anabalón-Alvarez, Luis Cid-Carrillo, Javier Campanini-Salinas, Carlos Fernández-Galleguillos and Luisa Quesada-Romero

Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101234 - 14 Oct 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2701

Abstract

The demand for sustainable methods to extract bioactive compounds from native fruits is increasing. We evaluated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover phenolic compounds from Ugni molinae Turcz. (murta), a Chilean fruit with recognized [...] Read more.

The demand for sustainable methods to extract bioactive compounds from native fruits is increasing. We evaluated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover phenolic compounds from Ugni molinae Turcz. (murta), a Chilean fruit with recognized ethnopharmacological and antioxidant value. Seven choline chloride-based NaDESs (M1–M7) were assessed and compared with conventional methanol: formic acid extraction (M8). The choline chloride: 1,2-propanediol system (1:2, M2) achieved the highest recovery of total phenolics (64.87 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (35.38 mg QE/g), together with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 1.05 µg/mL; ORAC: 40,291 µmol TE/g). When comparing the different NaDES formulations (M1–M8), M8 displayed superior FRAP and ORAC values, although its phenolic and flavonoid yields were lower, reflecting differences in solvent selectivity. HPLC-DAD analysis further revealed that NaDES, particularly M5 (choline chloride: oxalic acid, 1:1), favored the extraction of flavonoid and anthocyanin-type compounds. Multivariate and PCA analyses showed distinct chemical profiles in NaDES extracts, forming two clusters apart from M8. Pearson correlation analysis linked antioxidant capacity with major flavonoids. Overall, NaDES combined with UAE represents an efficient, green strategy for selectively recovering bioactives, supporting applications in foods, nutraceuticals, and health products from Chilean native fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 5594 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Vivo Neuroprotective Effect of Parastrephia quadrangularis in a Drosophila Parkinson’s Disease Model

by Branco Cárdenas, Ayza Cuevas, Duxan Arancibia, Lucas Urrutia, Pedro Zamorano, Adrián Paredes and Rafaella V. Zárate

Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101226 - 12 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4334

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OxS) is a central factor in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and coumarins, counteract reactive species and modulate key intracellular survival pathways, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Parastrephia quadrangularis (Pq), a plant from the [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress (OxS) is a central factor in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and coumarins, counteract reactive species and modulate key intracellular survival pathways, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Parastrephia quadrangularis (Pq), a plant from the Atacama Desert traditionally used by Andean communities, contains phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its neuroprotective potential remains unexplored. Here, a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of Pq and four subfractions (MeOH, EtOAc, DCM, and n-hex) were obtained and assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity, with HAE selected for its consistent activity. In SH-SY5Y cells, HAE-Pq lowered basal reactive oxygen species and attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced OxS. The UHPLC-MS analysis of HAE-Pq unveiled a high abundance of flavonoids, followed by coumarins and phenolic acids, and identified 16 additional metabolites, including jaceidin as the most abundant. In vivo assays using a Drosophila genetic PD model induced by overexpression of human α-synuclein, showed that HAE-Pq was non-toxic and non-aversive and that it delayed the onset of motor defects by one week in female flies. This study provides the first evidence of the neuroprotective potential of Pq, supporting its value as a source of bioactive metabolites relevant to NDs and reinforcing its ethnopharmacological validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 968 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Characterization of Bioactive Properties in Extracts from Different Chilean Hop Ecotypes (Humulus lupulus L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activities

by María C. Betancur, Fernando Salazar, Michael Araya, Anita Behn, Jéssica López, Ana Quesille-Villalobos, José M. Villatoro, Jacqueline Poblete and Angara Zambrano

Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101224 - 11 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Chilean hop (Humulus lupulus L.) ecotypes are an under-explored resource with high bioactive potential, offering promising applications in food preservation and health promotion. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of methanolic extracts [...] Read more.

Chilean hop (Humulus lupulus L.) ecotypes are an under-explored resource with high bioactive potential, offering promising applications in food preservation and health promotion. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of methanolic extracts from three native ecotypes—Ranco, La Unión, and Valdivia—to identify their potential as sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds. Each ecotype exhibited a distinct composition of bioactive compounds; Valdivia stood out for its pronounced levels of α- and β-acids and xanthohumol. Antioxidant capacity, assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, was strong across extracts, with Valdivia showing the highest values in all the tests carried out. The extracts inhibited multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, notably Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in H1299 and MCF-7 cell lines, with the La Unión extract particularly active against H1299. Overall, these findings position Chilean hop ecotypes as promising sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 1147 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential of Low-Temperature Vacuum Drying to Improve the Bioactive Compound Content and Health-Promoting Properties of Chilean Wild Murta

by Antonio Vega-Galvez, Alexis Pasten, Elsa Uribe, Nicol Mejias, Isadora Corco, Jacqueline Poblete, Jaime Ortiz-Viedma, Gabriela Valenzuela-Barra, Javier Acevedo-Hernández and Tamar Toledo

Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101201 - 3 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1531

Abstract

For the first time, the effect of low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD) on wild murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) was evaluated, in comparison with freeze-drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD), to assess their capacity to preserve bioactive compounds and associated bioactivities. Murta was dried [...] Read more.

For the first time, the effect of low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD) on wild murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) was evaluated, in comparison with freeze-drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD), to assess their capacity to preserve bioactive compounds and associated bioactivities. Murta was dried using LTVD at 20, 30, and 40 °C under a constant vacuum of 10 mbar, where FD and VD at 60 °C (VD 60) were included as comparative methods. The content of fatty acids and tocols, along with the retention of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, were systematically analyzed. LTVD- and VD-dried murta exhibited higher polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratios (>9.0) and markedly greater tocol contents, whereas FD maintained a more balanced ratio (<5.0) but with lower tocol levels. While FD was most effective in preserving catechin, higher levels of other phenolic compounds were observed in samples dried by LTVD at 20 and 40 °C, as well as VD 60, possibly due to the release of bound forms during processing. The drying method significantly influenced murta bioactivity. LTVD 30 preserved the highest antioxidant capacity, while topical anti-inflammatory effects on skin lesions varied by pathway, with LTVD 40 being the most effective in the TPA model and FD in the AA model. These effects were evaluated only using a topical inflammation model in BALB/c mice of both sexes; dietary effects were not assessed in this study. Regarding other bioactivities, VD 60 extracts excelled in both cytotoxic and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, whereas FD extracts were the most effective against AGS cells and LTVD 20 against α-glucosidase. In conclusion, LTVD emerges as a promising alternative to FD and VD, showing potential to preserve bioactive compounds and key bioactivities of wild murta, although further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1176 KB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Microsorum scolopendria (Burm.f.) Copel. Leaf and Rhizome Extracts on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

by Cristóbal Balada, Valentina Díaz, Mónica Castro, Macarena Echeverría-Bugueño, María José Marchant and Leda Guzmán

Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101194 - 30 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

Microsorum scolopendria (Burm.f.) Copel. is a traditional medicinal fern with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of leaf (HH) and rhizome (RH) extracts of MS on oxidative stress and inflammation in human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cells [...] Read more.

Microsorum scolopendria (Burm.f.) Copel. is a traditional medicinal fern with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of leaf (HH) and rhizome (RH) extracts of MS on oxidative stress and inflammation in human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cells infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that both extracts were safe up to 100 µg/mL, although RH exhibited a slight reduction in viability (≈20%) at 63 µg/mL. In infection assays, pretreatment with HH and RH extracts (63–100 µg/mL) for 3 h significantly reduced ROS levels by up to 45% compared with infected controls, while LDH release decreased by ~30%, indicating protection against membrane damage. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, both extracts showed selective inhibition of COX-2 over COX-1, with RH inhibiting COX-2 by 62% and HH by 55% at 100 µg/mL, whereas COX-1 inhibition remained below 20%. These results highlight differential biological performance between leaf and rhizome extracts, with RH showing slightly higher anti-inflammatory activity but also a modest cytotoxic effect at intermediate concentrations. Overall, MS extracts demonstrated protective effects against oxidative and inflammatory damage induced by bacterial infection, supporting their potential as safe natural therapeutic agents for managing infection-associated skin stress and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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36 pages, 4124 KB

Open AccessArticle

Past and Present of the Antioxidant Studies in Chile: A Bibliometric Study from 2000 to 2024

by Marcos Lorca, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, Alison Acosta, David Cabezas, Katy Díaz, Jaime Mella, Gianfranco Sabadini, Guido Salazar-Sepúlveda, Nicolás Contreras-Barraza and Marco Mellado

Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080985 - 11 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3332

Abstract

Since 2000, antioxidant research in Chile has shown steady growth, from the chemical sciences to their application in biomedical sciences, functional foods, reproduction, and environmental studies. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of Chilean scientific output in the field of antioxidants from 2000 [...] Read more.

Since 2000, antioxidant research in Chile has shown steady growth, from the chemical sciences to their application in biomedical sciences, functional foods, reproduction, and environmental studies. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of Chilean scientific output in the field of antioxidants from 2000 to 2024, organized into five-year intervals. A total of 3190 research articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database were analyzed. Bibliometric indicators—including Price’s, Bradford’s, and Zipf’s laws—were applied to assess literature growth, authorship concentration, journal dispersion, and keyword evolution. Key findings include (i) high productivity from institutions such as the Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, and Universidad de Concepción; (ii) the identification of leading authors such as Dr. Antonio Vega-Gálvez, Dr. Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschman, and Dr. Mario J. Simirgiotis; and (iii) the consolidation of three main research areas: biomedical applications (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases), food science and technology (e.g., antioxidant properties, and agro-industrial waste revalorization), and ethnopharmacology (e.g., native plant use). This study made it possible to map the state of the art of antioxidant research in Chile and identify key players and research lines, consolidating a comprehensive vision of scientific development in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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Review

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35 pages, 1246 KB

Open AccessReview

Maqui as a Chilean Functional Food: Antioxidant Bioactivity, Nutritional Value, and Health Applications

by Caterina Tiscornia, Enrique Lorca, Carolina Estremadoyro, Valeria Aicardi and Fabián Vásquez

Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020204 - 3 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1768

Abstract

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a berry native to southern Chile, recognized for its high content of phenolic compounds, particularly delphinidin-type anthocyanins, which confer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have generated growing interest as a functional food. Its scientific relevance has [...] Read more.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a berry native to southern Chile, recognized for its high content of phenolic compounds, particularly delphinidin-type anthocyanins, which confer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have generated growing interest as a functional food. Its scientific relevance has increased due to advances in understanding its biological mechanisms, including the Nrf2 signaling pathway, modulation of systemic inflammation, improvement in mitochondrial function, and potential applications in cardiometabolic, renal, and vascular health. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the available evidence on maqui in relation to its nutritional composition, bioactive profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, bioavailability, and emerging clinical applications in the prevention and/or treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases. Main findings: Maqui is rich in delphinidins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant micronutrients and modulates key oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, including Nrf2-HO-1 and NF-κB. Preclinical and early clinical evidence supports its cardiometabolic and nephroprotective effects, with improvements in glycemic control, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Conclusions: Maqui shows considerable potential as a Chilean functional food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to human health. However, robust clinical trials and formulations with enhanced bioavailability are required to consolidate its therapeutic application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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Other

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24 pages, 2493 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Clinical Evidence on the Health Effects of Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui Berry) Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Human Trials

by Patricio Arce-Johnson, Yohaily Rodríguez-Alvarez, Carolina Gabriela Vallejos Sierra, Jesús L. Romero-Romero, Luisbel González and Alain Manuel Chaple Gil

Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060654 - 22 May 2026

Viewed by 126

Abstract

Aristotelia chilensis (maqui berry) is a Chilean native fruit rich in anthocyanins with potential antioxidant, glycemic, cardiometabolic, and ocular benefits, but its clinical efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review synthesized and critically appraised human trials evaluating oral maqui supplementation in adults. Following PRISMA [...] Read more.

Aristotelia chilensis (maqui berry) is a Chilean native fruit rich in anthocyanins with potential antioxidant, glycemic, cardiometabolic, and ocular benefits, but its clinical efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review synthesized and critically appraised human trials evaluating oral maqui supplementation in adults. Following PRISMA 2020 and a PROSPERO-registered protocol, five databases were searched, and risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2/ROBINS-I and GRADE. Twelve clinical trials published between 2014 and 2023 were included. Acute studies consistently showed reduced postprandial glucose and modulation of insulin response, whereas chronic interventions showed modest and inconsistent effects on HbA1c, lipid profile, and other cardiometabolic markers. Favorable changes were also reported for oxidative stress biomarkers and autonomic parameters, although these findings were mainly based on surrogate endpoints. The most consistent evidence was observed in the ocular domain, where maqui supplementation improved tear production, dry eye symptoms, and tear inflammatory markers. The overall certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low because of methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short intervention duration. Maqui berry supplementation shows promise, particularly for acute glycemic control and ocular surface health, but larger long-term randomized trials using standardized formulations are needed before definitive clinical recommendations can be made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 979 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Bioactive Components of Parthenocissus quinquefolia with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: A Systematic Review

by Álvaro Becerra, Felipe Soto, Alejandro Vallejos, Daniela Millán, Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida, Jose E. Leon-Rojas and Manuel E. Cortés

Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020169 - 27 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Background: Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), widely distributed and used in Chile, lacks a systematic characterization of its bioactive components. This study synthesizes the evidence on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of P. quinquefolia, with emphasis on metabolites involved in redox [...] Read more.

Background: Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), widely distributed and used in Chile, lacks a systematic characterization of its bioactive components. This study synthesizes the evidence on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of P. quinquefolia, with emphasis on metabolites involved in redox regulation and inflammation. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed across four electronic databases, including original studies reporting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Results: Of 665 records identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Phytochemical analyses revealed phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids (e.g., catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, quercetin, rutin, isoquercitrin, myricetin, luteolin, naringin) and stilbenes (e.g., ε-viniferin, miyabenol C). These metabolites exhibit antioxidant activity through ROS scavenging, metal chelation, and Nrf2/ARE activation. Anti-inflammatory effects were attributed to the downregulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPK signaling, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and suppression of COX-2/iNOS expression. Conclusions: P. quinquefolia is a rich source of phenolic metabolites with robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The consistency of molecular responses across studies highlights its potential as a promising candidate for phytotherapeutic development targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Research in Chile—2nd Edition)

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