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Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical and Molecular Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 6053

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Prof. Dr. Francisco Cruz-Sosa

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Departmento of Biotechnology, Metropolitan Autonomous University Iztapalapa Campus, Av. Ferrocarril de San Rafael Atlixco 186 México City 09310 México
Interests: Plant cell cultures, Secondary metabolites, Biological activity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are an abundant source of specialized metabolites that play roles in plant growth and survival. The effects of secondary metabolites on the interactions between plants with microorganisms or other organisms are relevant for obtaining compounds with biological activity. Scientific advances in the isolation, obtaining, identification, and evaluation of the biological activities of secondary metabolites are one way to determine their applications. This Special Issue on “Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications” aims to evaluate the current state of the art in the study of secondary metabolites and their application due to their biological activity.

We invite authors to submit original research articles and review articles covering (but not limited to) the following topics: the biological activity of plant extracts and their applications and the biological activity of extracts from plant cell cultures and their applications.

Prof. Dr. Francisco Cruz-Sosa
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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

biological activity
bioactive compounds
plant cell cultures
plant extracts
secondary metabolites

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 874 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploratory Analytical Characterization of Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity in Three Lavender Genotypes

by Mihaela Bogdan, Mihai Octavian Botea, Manuela Bianca Pașca, Mirela Delia Țiț, Anamaria Lavinia Purza, Tiberiu Sebastian Nemeth, Manuel Alexandru Gîtea, Gabriela S. Bungau and Daniela Gîtea

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(15), 7854; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16157854 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 291

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of dried inflorescence extracts prepared from three commercially cultivated lavender materials: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Moldoveanca 4’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Sevtopolis’, and Lavandula × intermedia ‘George 90’. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI⁺ analysis, fourteen phenolic compounds predominantly belonging to the hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavone classes were tentatively annotated, and their levels were estimated as class-equivalent concentrations. Descriptive quantitative differences were observed among the three extracts for all fourteen compounds. The chromatographic sum of their class-equivalent concentrations showed the highest value in ‘Sevtopolis’ (1064.44 ± 1.03 µg/mL), followed by ‘George 90’ (924.03 ± 1.13 µg/mL) and ‘Moldoveanca 4’ (825.87 ± 2.3 µg/mL). The ‘Sevtopolis’ extract also showed the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity, followed by ‘George 90’ and ‘Moldoveanca 4’. Taken together, these findings provide a preliminary analytical characterization of three specific lavender extracts and describe sample-specific phenolic and DPPH patterns under the conditions employed, without supporting genotype-level inference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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17 pages, 11631 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Targets the Allosteric Activation Site of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT): Structural Basis and Consequences for NAD⁺ Metabolism in Aging

by Alessandro Medoro, Sergio Davinelli, Tassadaq Hussain Jafar, Truong Tan Trung, Ciro Costagliola, Gemma Caterina Maria Rossi and Giovanni Scapagnini

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6695; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136695 - 4 Jul 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 489

Abstract

NAD⁺ depletion is a defining feature of the aging cell, driven by a progressive decline in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) activity, the rate-limiting enzyme of the NAD⁺ salvage pathway. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a plant-derived redox-active quinone cofactor, elevates intracellular NAD⁺ by a mechanism that remains incompletely understood. We employed an integrated in silico approach combining molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to evaluate whether PQQ directly targets NAMPT. Docking against the NAMPT crystal structure (PDB: 7ENQ) yielded a binding free energy of −9.4 kcal/mol, with PQQ positioned in the allosteric activation site and forming hydrogen bonds at His191, Asp219, and Val242 together with π–π stacking at Tyr188, extending a known synthetic activator pharmacophore to a dietary ligand class. MM-GBSA analysis yielded binding free energy = −31.2 kcal/mol, confirming dominant electrostatic and van der Waals stabilization. In silico alanine mutagenesis of Tyr188 and Val242 reduced binding affinity to −7.2 and −7.0 kcal/mol respectively, with complete loss of allosteric-site contacts, validating the proposed mechanism computationally. DFT analysis revealed a HOMO–LUMO gap of 3.20 eV and electrophilicity index ω = 8.91 eV, consistent with non-covalent binding to nucleophilic residues. MD simulation confirmed retention of PQQ within the allosteric site over 100 ns. These data provide a structural and electronic framework for the NAD⁺-boosting activity of PQQ and a rationale for experimental validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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12 pages, 1310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Residues of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Tea Infusions/Water Extracts as a Valuable Source of Tocotrienols: An Extraction Study

by Inga Mišina, Ingus Perkons, Aleksander Siger, Arianne Soliven and Paweł Górnaś

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042047 - 15 Feb 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3125

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum L., commonly known as St. John’s wort, is a widely distributed herbaceous plant utilized in traditional and phytomedicinal applications, particularly for its hydrophilic bioactive compounds. It is often used for treating early depressive states. In this study, we focused on reporting the tocotrienols—lipophilic phytochemicals with health-promoting properties—in St. John’s wort. H. perforatum flowerheads predominantly contained tocotrienols compared with tocopherols (54 and 30 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). The major tocotrienols (T3) were δ-T3 and α-T3 (34.0 and 17.6 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). Tocopherols and tocotrienols are lipophilic phytochemicals that cannot be present in St. John’s wort water extracts (tea infusions), but they can be recovered from the remaining residues of H. perforatum tea infusions by using hydroethanolic solutions. A 50.0% (v/v) hydroethanolic solution was not effective in the recovery of tocochromanols. The greatest increase in the extractability of tocochromanols was observed for 70.0–80.0% (v/v) hydroethanolic extracts, while increasing the ethanol concentration from 90.0% to 96.2% (v/v) only slightly improved extractability (not statistically significant). For each ethanol concentration, the recovery was proportionally higher for tocotrienols than for tocopherols. Residues of H. perforatum tea infusions can be proposed as valuable by-products rich in tocotrienols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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Review

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19 pages, 2308 KB

Open AccessReview

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. in Traditional and Contemporary Medicine: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Molecular Mechanisms

by Kamil Bukowiec, Mateusz Sroka, Agata Pałkiewicz, Bartłomiej Warzecha, Agnieszka Stasik, Piotr Szpak and Julita Kulbacka

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(16), 8161; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16168161 - 16 Aug 2026

Viewed by 226

Abstract

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. is a widely distributed aromatic plant that has been utilized in traditional medicine for an extended period. It is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in modern phytotherapy. The ethnopharmacological uses of this species include treatment of respiratory tract infections, digestive disorders, and analgesia. The plant’s multifaceted biological activity is attributed to the presence of monoterpenes, such as citronellol and geraniol, as well as non-volatile polyphenolic fractions and organic acids. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of PGEO (P. graveolens essential oil) in mitigating inflammation, a phenomenon attributable to the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as the inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins (PGs), and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated against pathogens such as MRSA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, whilst myricetin derivatives have been shown to enable the effective eradication of bacterial biofilms. It is also noteworthy that the oil’s components can reduce ACE2 receptor expression, indicating their potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Active compounds, such as geraniol, have been shown to modulate metabolic processes through interaction with LXR and FXR nuclear receptors. In addition, these compounds have been observed to exhibit spasmolytic effects within the gastrointestinal tract by blocking calcium channels. The influence on the HPA axis and the GABAergic system provides a scientific rationale for the plant’s traditional use in reducing stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, variations in chemical composition, determined by geographical origin, and an insufficient number of rigorous clinical data hinder the full medical implementation of this plant. It is imperative that further standardization of extracts and their verification in clinical trials is undertaken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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31 pages, 1202 KB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemical Diversity, Bioactivity and Bioeconomic Potential of Selected Woody Flora from the Karditsa Region (Central Greece): A Comprehensive Review

by Christos Chiolos, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Ekaterini Koura, Alexandros Papachatzis and Stavros I. Lalas

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(15), 7833; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16157833 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 247

Abstract

The Karditsa region of Central Greece hosts a rich diversity of woody plant species that represent valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with significant ecological, nutritional, and industrial importance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the region, namely Rosa canina, Cornus mas, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus spinosa, and Satureja montana. Particular emphasis is placed on the occurrence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils, which are responsible for a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Current extraction technologies and analytical approaches used for the recovery and characterization of these bioactive compounds are also discussed, highlighting recent advances in green and sustainable extraction methods. Furthermore, the potential applications of these plant-derived metabolites in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other bio-based products are critically evaluated. Finally, the review discusses the importance of conserving regional plant biodiversity while promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources through environmentally responsible valorization strategies. By integrating available phytochemical, biological, and applied research, this review provides an updated synthesis of the scientific evidence and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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Other

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21 pages, 544 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Consumption and Human Immune Function: A Systematic Review of Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

by Do Tung Dac, Nguyen Van Quan, Tran Dang Xuan and J. Luis Espinoza

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(15), 7515; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16157515 - 28 Jul 2026

Viewed by 329

Abstract

Background: Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is widely consumed around the world, particularly in East Asia, and has traditionally been used to support cardiovascular and metabolic health. Rich in catechins—most notably epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)—green tea is recognized for its potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, evidence from human studies remains inconsistent, and the distinction between functional immune outcomes and systemic inflammatory markers has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to the most recent date. Eligible studies included human investigations evaluating green tea or catechin intake and reporting either immune response outcomes (e.g., natural killer cell activity, T cell responses) or systemic inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, cytokines). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized interventional studies, and observational analyses were included. Data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity. Results: Nineteen studies (≈6800 participants) were included, comprising 12 RCTs, three non-randomized interventions, and five observational studies. Eight studies assessed immune responses and consistently demonstrated enhanced immune activity, including increased natural killer cell function and augmented γδ T cell responses. Eleven studies evaluated inflammatory markers and showed heterogeneous results: several trials reported reductions in C-reactive protein and related biomarkers, particularly in high-risk populations, whereas others found no significant changes in cytokines such as interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-α. Observational studies generally reported inverse associations between tea consumption and inflammation. Green tea was well tolerated across studies. Conclusions: Green tea consumption appears to enhance functional immune responses while exerting modest, context-dependent anti-inflammatory effects. These findings support a dual immunomodulatory role and highlight the importance of distinguishing between immune function and systemic inflammation in nutritional research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts and Their Applications)

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