Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts and Their Pharmacological Applications

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 December 2024 | Viewed by 816

Special Issue Editors


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Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăștur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: carotenoids; anthocyanins; tocopherols; antioxidant methods; enzymes

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Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: oxidative stress; in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity; antioxidant enzymes; natural antioxidants
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Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: biochemistry and molecular biology; cell biology; veterinary sciences; antioxidants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The exploration of the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts has generated a lot of interest in medicine. Specifically, the possible medicinal benefits provided by these extracts have been evaluated, especially in combating microbial infections linked to oxidative stress.

Plant extracts contain antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, preventing damage to cells and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, plant-derived antimicrobials possess inhibitory effects against a variety of diseases, opening up exciting possibilities for the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Polyphenols are a diverse group of natural compounds found abundantly in plants. Flavonoids, a type of polyphenol, are abundant in fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine. They possess strong antioxidant properties and are believed to contribute to the health benefits associated with plant-based diets. Flavonoids can help protect cells from damage, support the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Some flavonoids also exhibit antibacterial properties, helping to combat infections. Anthocyanins represent a type of polyphenol responsible for the vibrant red, purple, and blue colors in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They are potent antioxidants and have been linked to numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory effects. Some plant polyphenols, including anthocyanins, have been found to possess antibacterial properties.

Carotenoids are natural pigments found in various fruits, vegetables, and plants and possess important biological activities. They have been studied for their antibacterial effects against various pathogens and can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, potentially by disrupting bacterial membranes or interfering with essential bacterial processes. This antibacterial activity makes carotenoids promising candidates for natural antimicrobial agents. Plant extracts rich in carotenoids are thus valuable in both traditional and modern medicine. They can be used in various forms such as dietary supplements and topical creams or incorporated into food products to provide health benefits. Furthermore, their natural origin and relatively low toxicity compared to synthetic compounds make them attractive for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Plant extracts containing a combination of carotenoids along with other phytochemicals (like flavonoids and phenolics) may exhibit enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant effects. These compounds can work synergistically, boosting each other's efficacy. Incorporating plant extracts rich in these compounds into the diet or using them in topical applications could potentially offer natural alternatives for promoting health and combating bacterial infections. However, it is essential to note that more studies are needed to fully understand the effectiveness and optimal use of these plant-derived compounds for antibacterial and antioxidant purposes.

For this Special Issue of Antioxidants, we invite authors to submit their most recent studies or reviews on the effects of plant extracts which contain significant antibacterial and antioxidant components. We are also interested in publications that emphasize pharmaceutical applications. Research articles may also contain both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Bunea
Prof. Dr. Sanda Andrei
Prof. Dr. Mihai Cosmin Cenariu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plant extracts
  • polyphenols
  • carotenoids
  • antioxidants
  • antimicrobials
  • oxidative stress
  • microbial infections
  • herbal remedies
  • synergistic effects
  • therapeutic efficacy
  • safety profiles
  • natural alternatives

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 1756 KiB  
Article
Optimization and Bioactive Evaluation of Bifurcaria bifurcata Antioxidant-Rich Extracts for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications
by Aurora Silva, Maria Carpena, Lucia Cassani, Clara Grosso, Paula Garcia-Oliveira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Maria Fatima Barroso and Miguel A. Prieto
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101189 - 30 Sep 2024
Abstract
In recent years, consumers have been increasingly interested in natural, healthier, functional foods, with a focus on sea-based products such as algae. Bifurcaria bifurcata (BB) is a macroalga that belongs to the Phaeophyceae class. These brown algae are recognized as the source of [...] Read more.
In recent years, consumers have been increasingly interested in natural, healthier, functional foods, with a focus on sea-based products such as algae. Bifurcaria bifurcata (BB) is a macroalga that belongs to the Phaeophyceae class. These brown algae are recognized as the source of bioactive molecules of great interest to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The present work applied response surface methodology to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of the poorly studied algae. The optimization variables were time, pressure, and solvent composition (ethanol/water) and the response parameters selected were yield, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the antioxidant profile by evaluating DPPH•+, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and β-carotene discoloration capacity. The results obtained reveal remarkable bioactivity of the crude extract of BB with positive results as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the BB extract’s capacity to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegenerative diseases and its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation activity open the possibility of future food or pharmaceutical applications. Full article
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