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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 23450

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Dr. Bruno Tirillini

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Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Interests: phytochemistry; pharmaceutical botany

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to a new Special Issue of Applied Sciences, Section: Food Science and Technology, which is dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants—in particular, to their use in foods. This Special Issue is titled “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition”

Traditionally medicinal plants are plants that have healing powers and aromatic plants that are used in various product sectors for the volatile components contained in them. This "didactic" distinction no longer exists today; medicinal plants can be used as aromatic plants and vice versa. In this new era of the study of traditional plants, the scientific approach is to study each plant as an entity regardless of traditional classifications and to try to understand what its biological activities are through its phytocomplex.

In this perspective, we would like to collect scientific work dealing with plants that can be used as food or supplements highlighting their biological as well as nutritional activities.

Given the great field of action of medicinal and aromatic plants, including fungi, this Issue aims to focus on knowledge of the biological and nutritional activities of plants that can be used in human nutrition.

All papers dealing with biological and pharmacological activities, product chemistry, analytical studies, and biochemical investigations are welcome. Manuscripts dealing with formulation and delivery systems of medicinal and aromatic plants will also be considered.

Dr. Bruno Tirillini
Guest Editor

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Keywords

aromatic plant
food
analytical
biological activities
biochemical activities
pharmacological activities
phytochemistry
Medicinal

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition

by Bruno Tirillini

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011152 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 717

Abstract

Since the dawn of humankind, people have always turned to the natural world to meet their varied needs [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 2362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Uroprotective Efficacy of Total Ginsenosides in Chinese Ginseng on Chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide

by Yung-Hsiang Chen, Wen-Chi Chen, Szu-Ju Chen, Shih-Jing Wang, Po-Len Liu, Ming-Yen Tsai, Chun-Ting Liu, Der-Cherng Chen and Huey-Yi Chen

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7828; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157828 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a recognizable complication of cyclophosphamide (CYP) attributable to its lively metabolite acrolein, which produces urothelial injury. The study intended to examine the uroprotective efficacy of total ginsenosides in Chinese ginseng (TGCG) in CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. In total, 24 virgin female rats were randomized into four groups as follows: group 1 (control group; injected with normal saline), group 2 (injected with CYP plus a placebo with normal saline), group 3 (given CYP and TGCG (200 mg/kg)), and group 4 (given CYP and 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium (Mesna, 30 mg/kg)). An evaluation by cystometry was conducted. Values of the voiding interval were assessed in anesthetized rats and histological examinations of the bladders were measured. In the cystometry analysis, the voiding interval was significantly reduced in the CYP group. TGCG and Mesna significantly increased in the voiding interval values, individually. Bladder edema and urothelial injury were examined after contact with CYP. Contrasted to the group given CYP, CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, TGCG significantly increased the urothelial thickness, and significantly reduced scores of mucosal break and submucosal edema in the bladder. In conclusion, these findings mean that the treatment with TGCG in CYP rats can avoid hemorrhagic cystitis. TGCG decreases urothelial injury. TGCG may participate as the chief character of uroprotection in CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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12 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Assessment of Antiproliferative Activity and Cytotoxicity Modulation of Capsicum chinense By-Product Extracts

by Lilian Dolores Chel-Guerrero, Matteo Scampicchio, Giovanna Ferrentino, Ingrid Mayanín Rodríguez-Buenfil and Mabel Fragoso-Serrano

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5818; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125818 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

Capsicum chinense J., also known locally as habanero pepper, is a medicinal herb known for its pharmacological properties. Its properties are attributed to the capsaicinoids and polyphenols found in its fruit and polyphenols in its by-products. The anticancer potential of C. chinense by-products remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative activity and modulation of the cytotoxicity of extracts obtained from C. chinense by-products of plants grown on black and red soils of Yucatan, Mexico. Dry by-product extracts were obtained using maceration, a Soxhlet, and supercritical fluid extraction. In vitro antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity modulation were evaluated by the sulforhodamine B method. The extract of leaves of plants grown on black soil obtained by maceration displayed selective high cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells, IC₅₀ HCT–15 = 16.23 ± 2.89 µg mL⁻¹. The leaf and stem extracts of plants grown on red soil obtained by maceration potentiated the vinblastine’s effect against parental breast cancer cells, MCF–7/Sens, with a reversion factor of 362.50-fold. Additionally, the extract of stems from plants grown on black soil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and all the by-product extracts from plants grown on black soil obtained through maceration increased the effect of vinblastine against MCF–7/Vin⁺ with a reversion factor from 5.06- to 7.78-fold. These results highlight the anticancer potential of C. chinense by-products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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15 pages, 32749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Phytochemical Analysis, Microbial Evaluation and Molecular Interaction of Major Compounds of Centaurea bruguieriana Using HPLC-Spectrophotometric Analysis and Molecular Docking

by Omar M. Noman, Rashed N. Herqash, Abdelaaty A. Shahat, Syed Rizwan Ahamad, Hamza Mechchate, Abdulaziz N. Almoqbil and Ali S. Alqahtani

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3227; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073227 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

Centaurea is one of the most important genera within the family Asteraceae. An investigation of the phytochemical composition of Centaurea bruguieriana using Gas-Chromatography coupled to Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration method (MIC) and validated by molecular docking for the major compounds of the most active fraction (1,10-di-epi-cubenol and methyl 8-oxooctanoate) of C. bruguieriana against three bacterial receptors (TyrRS, DNA gyrase, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)). Evaluation of antioxidant activity was conducted using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify and quantify the contents of major compounds from ethyl acetate fraction (luteolin 7-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and isorhamnetin). The antimicrobial activity test showed that the chloroform fraction was more active against all microbial strains. The results of the molecular docking of two major compounds from chloroform fraction showed that good affinities were made between 1,10-di-epi-cubenol and the three selected receptors (TyrRs: −6.0 Kcal/mol against −8.2 Kcal/mol obtained with clorobiocin (standard); DNA gyrase: −6.6 Kcal/mol against −9.1 Kcal/mole obtained with clorobiocin; DHFR: −7.4 Kcal/mol against −6.3 Kcal/mol obtained with SCHEMBL2181345 Standard). Antioxidant evaluation showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active fraction in DPPH (IC₅₀ 49.4 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ 52.8 µg/mL) models. HPLC results showed the contents of luteolin 7-O-glucoside (7.4 µg/mg), and chlorogenic acid (3.2 µg/mg). Our study demonstrated that C. bruguierana is a promising source of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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14 pages, 2847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Hexane-Extracted Plectranthus amboinicus Leaf Essential Oil: Maximizing Contents on Harvested Plant Materials

by Nur Suhanawati Ashaari, Nurul Elyani Mohamad, Amirul Hafizin Afzinizam, Mohd-Hairul Ab. Rahim, Kok Song Lai and Janna Ong Abdullah

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10838; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210838 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4876

Abstract

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, also known locally as “Bangun-bangun”, is an aromatic medicinal herb known for its therapeutic and nutritional properties attributed to its terpenoid-rich phytochemicals. Information to assist in initiating appropriate harvesting time to maximize the yield of targeted chemicals in harvested plant tissues remains an issue that is seldom highlighted. This study reports on the essential oil distribution in P. amboinicus leaves, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in addition to GC-MS analysis of hexane extracts of the leaf samples collected at various times throughout the day. The influence of environmental factors on γ-terpinene, p-cymene, carvacrol, and thymoquinone are also discussed. Oil Red O staining showed the highest oil deposition at 2 p.m., which was consistent with the phenolic and flavonoid contents of this plant. GC-MS analysis of the leaf extract showed carvacrol (47.00–60.00%), γ-terpinene (8.00–10.00%), caryophyllene (~6.00%), p-cymene (4.90–6.50%), trans-α-bergamotene (4.70–5.00%), and thymoquinone (3.30–5.60%) were the major components of this plant. Interestingly, thymoquinone, a phytochemical associated with Nigella sativa, was also detected in this hexane-extracted sample with maximum accumulation during midday and a decrease at night, which could be due to the lower temperature and dimmer light conditions. The chemical polymorphism in the oil content indicated that environmental factors such as light exposure and temperature should be considered during harvesting to ensure consistent quality of the phytochemicals extracted from the plant materials. This study indicates that oversight in selecting plant materials might compromise the yield of quality phytochemicals extracted from harvested tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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10 pages, 589 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Volatile Organic Compounds of the Glandular Trichomes of Ocimum basilicum and Artifacts during the Distillation of the Leaves

by Bruno Tirillini and Filippo Maggi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7312; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167312 - 9 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

Focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOC) of Ocimum basilicum, this study aims to determine the chemical composition of VOC in secretory trichomes and compare it with that of essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of leaves. The technique of extracting the content of glandular trichomes refers to the microneedle shuttle analysis. Hydrodistillation of fresh leaves was done with a Clevenger distiller (EO). The chemical compositions were determined by GC/FID and GC/MS. The head of the capitate trichomes does not contain volatile compounds. Fifty volatile compounds were detected in the EO, and twenty-four volatile compounds were detected in the VOC; the main components were eugenol (from 15.47 ± 1.05% to 41.89 ± 2.83%) and linalool (from 32.05 ± 2.57% to 28.99 ± 2.32%), respectively. During the distillation of the basil leaves 26 artifacts are formed. The composition of the essential oil of O. basilicum therefore depends not only on the plant but also on the method used to obtain it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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12 pages, 1917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Understanding the Anticancer Properties in Human Prostate and Breast Cancer Cell Lines of Chemically Characterized Methanol Extract from Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut

by Loubna El Fakir, Kaoutar Bouothmany, Amal Alotaibi, Mohammed Bourhia, Riaz Ullah, Saira Zahoor, Mohamed El Mzibri, Said Gmouh, Tajelmolk Alaoui, Abdelhamid Zaid and Laila Benbacer

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3510; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083510 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

The current research was conducted to investigate the chemical profile, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts obtained by two different methods including maceration and Soxhlet from Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut. Antiproliferative activities were evaluated by the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in four human cancer cell lines including prostate (LnCap and 22 RV1) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7). The antioxidant power was evaluated by DPPH ((2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAPS (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) tests. The chemical composition was conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after methylation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The phytochemical analysis showed that the tested extracts possessed inserting potentially active compounds. The MTT test revealed that both extracts (maceration and Soxhlet) reduced cell viability in all cell lines tested. In breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, the IC₅₀ values obtained by maceration were 16.55 ± 0.58 and 17.95 ± 0.58 µg/mL, respectively. These values were slightly lower than those obtained with the Soxhlet extract toward MDA-MB-231 (19.93 ± 0.74 µg/mL) and MCF-7 (20.22 ± 0.89 µg/mL). Regarding prostate cancer cells 22 RV and LnCap, the IC₅₀ values obtained by maceration extract (22 RV: 11.75 ± 0.35 µg/mL; LnCap: 11.91 ± 0.54 µg/mL) were also slightly lower than those obtained with Soxhlet (22 RV: 13.47 ± 0.52 µg/mL; LnCap: 19.64 ± 1.05 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity showed that the studied extracts had considerable antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) with particular attention to the extract obtained with maceration. The Berberis hispanica Bois. and Reut. can serve society as it provides potentially bioactive compounds that may find application in the medical sector to control such diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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18 pages, 10748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thymoquinone, the Most Prominent Constituent of Nigella Sativa, Attenuates Liver Damage in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Regulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cyclooxygenase-2 Protein Expression

by Saleh A. Almatroodi, Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan, Mohammed A. Alsahli, Amjad Ali Khan and Arshad Husain Rahmani

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3223; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073223 - 3 Apr 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder that results in dysfunction and failure of various organs. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of Thymoquinone (TQ), on antidiabetic, oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (55 mg/kg b.w) diabetic rats. TQ was orally given for 8 consecutive weeks at dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. The blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function enzymes, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels were measured accordingly in control, diabetes control (DC), and TQ-treatment groups. These experiments confirmed that TQ conserves the insulin level (0.4 ng/mL vs. 0.23 ng/mL), fasting blood glucose (146 ± 7 mg/dL vs. 225 ± 5 mg/dL), and HbA1c (7.5% vs. 10.6%) quite considerably as compared to DC animals. Our results also confirmed that TQ treatment conserves the body weight and lipid profile significantly in STZ-treated animals as compared to the DC group. Moreover, the antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, GST, and CAT) levels decreased, liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6) increased by STZ treatment, that is significantly restored after TQ treatment. As compared to untreated animals, TQ restored the hepatocytes architectural changes and collagen fibers and cox-2 protein expression in liver tissues as evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining. Taken together, all these findings indicated that TQ ameliorates glucose level and lipid metabolism. It restores liver function, antioxidant enzymes, anti-inflammatory markers, and maintains hepatocytes architecture in STZ-induced diabetes mellitus rats. Here, in this study, we have demonstrated for the first time the role of TQ in the reduction of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and fibrosis formation in diabetic rats. Based on the findings, the study suggests that TQ is a novel natural drug with a wide range of clinical applications including the management of diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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Review

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14 pages, 1553 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Potential Antimutagenic Plants of Saudi Arabia

by Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq, Syed Imam Rabbani, Mohd. Imran, Amani A. Alanazi, Ghada Y. Alnusir, Abdullah A. Al-Shammari, Feras H. Alsubaie and Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8494; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188494 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3023

Abstract

Mutagenic complications can cause disease in both present as well as future generations. The disorders are caused by exogenous and endogenous agents that damage DNA beyond the normal repair mechanism. Rapid industrialization and the population explosion have contributed immensely to changes in the environment, leading to unavoidable exposure to mutagens in our daily life. As it is impossible to prevent exposure, one of the better approaches is to increase the intake of anti-mutagenic substances derived from natural resources. This review summarizes some of the important plants in Saudi Arabia that might have the potential to exhibit anti-mutagenic activity. The data for the review were retrieved from Google scholar, NCBI, PUBMED, EMBASE and the Web of Science. The information in the study has importance since one of the major reasons for mutation is viral infection. Considering the pandemic situation due to novel coronavirus and its aftermath, the native plants of Saudi Arabia could become an important source for reducing mutagenic complications associated with exogenous agents, including viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition)

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