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A special issue of Compounds (ISSN 2673-6918).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 19340

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Dr. Victoria V. Volkis

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Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD 21853, USA
Interests: phytochemistry; materials science; applications in agriculture and food; antifouling; resin extraction
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Dear Colleagues,

Nature stands out as a significant source of bioactive compounds, serving as a cornerstone for numerous breakthroughs in fields like chemistry, materials science, environmental sustainability, and industry. From ancient herbal medicines to innovative applications in synthetic chemistry, compounds sourced from nature continue to pave the way for advancements in research and development. With the ongoing progress in extraction, characterization, and modification techniques, the potential to utilize these compounds across various applications has grown immensely, offering sustainable and cutting-edge solutions.

The Special Issue "Compounds–Derived from Nature" aims to delve into the discovery, analysis, and applications of natural compounds across multiple scientific disciplines. By integrating chemistry, biotechnology, and applied sciences, this Special Issue underscores the transformative role of natural compounds in both foundational research and industrial applications.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Nutrients and phytochemicals derived from nature;
Growing plants to boost their phytochemical content;
Superfruits and high-value specialty crops and their phytochemicals;
Food application of phytochemicals derived from nature;
Non-food-related applications of phytochemicals derived from nature;
Medical benefits of phytochemicals derived from nature;
Methods to derive phytochemicals from nature;
Methods of analysis of phytochemicals derived from nature.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Victoria V. Volkis
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Compounds is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

natural compounds
phytochemistry
extraction techniques
processing
functional food
technical applications
antifouling
cosmetics
pharmaceuticals
environmental protection
materials science
radical scavenging
nutraceuticals
sustainable technology

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1919 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Anti-Aging Potential of Passiflora edulis By-Product Fractions: A Comparative Study Integrating Metabolomic Profiling and Molecular Docking

by Siripat Chaichit, Nichcha Nitthikan, Kanokwan Kiattisin and Supat Jiranusornkul

Compounds 2026, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6020032 - 12 Jun 2026

Abstract

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) processing generates by-products rich in bioactive secondary metabolites; however, comparative characterization across fruit fractions remains limited. This study evaluated pulp (PPE), pulp-seed (PSC), and seed (PSE) extracts for extraction yield, metabolite composition, antioxidant and anti-aging activities, and collagen-stimulatory activity in human skin fibroblasts. Extraction yields followed the order PPE > PSE > PSC. Untargeted LC–QTOF/MS profiling revealed distinct phytochemical patterns, with piceatannol enriched in PSE and trans-ferulic acid broadly abundant across all fractions. PSE showed the strongest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays, and both PSE and PSC inhibited collagenase and hyaluronidase, while PPE showed negligible activity. All extracts were non-cytotoxic up to 0.1 mg/mL. At this concentration, PSC enhanced type I collagen production by 8.07 ± 2.24%, significantly exceeding PSE (2.26 ± 1.33%), while piceatannol stimulated collagen synthesis by 11.34 ± 1.50%, comparable to L-ascorbic acid (13.90 ± 1.16%). Molecular docking suggested that piceatannol and trans-ferulic acid may contribute to the observed anti-aging effects by interacting favorably with collagenase and hyaluronidase. These findings demonstrate that passion fruit by-product fractions exhibit complementary bioactivity profiles, with PSE favoring antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects and PSC enhancing collagen biosynthesis, as natural anti-aging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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20 pages, 10988 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Antifouling Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Juvenile Ginger, Holy Basil, and Aronia mitschurinii

by Ezra E. Cable, Keith Bratley, Ryan Buzzetto-More, Bokary Sylla, Sara Lahoff, William L. Weaver and Victoria V. Volkis

Compounds 2026, 6(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010020 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 703

Abstract

Biofouling, the formation of a biofilm on submerged surfaces, is a widespread problem affecting all of the maritime industries and ecosystems. Historically, antifouling solutions have included toxic compounds, such as heavy metals and tributyl tin. Recently, less-toxic antifouling paints have been explored, including paints made from antioxidant-rich plants, and a study measured the effectiveness of polymer blends containing Aronia mitschurinii extracts. This new study will compare those results with polymer blends made from extracts of juvenile ginger and holy basil, two plants rich in antioxidants and essential oils. Extracts were assessed for antioxidant and essential oil content. Then, slides coated with a polymer-extract blend were exposed to freshwater and saltwater for three weeks and assessed by contrast microscopy. For freshwater and saltwater analysis, holy basil extracts had a minimum precipitation count of 3.40 ± 0.4 and 22.4 ± 6.0 for non-stained slides and 58.3 ± 7.3 and 9.3 ± 1.0 for stained. Ginger extracts had a minimum precipitation count of 3.9 ± 0.8 and 87.1 ± 17.3 for non-stained slides, and 5.4 ± 1.8 and 9.5 ± 0.3 for stained slides. All minimum precipitation counts for ginger and holy basil were less than those measured by controls and Aronia mitschurinii, showcasing the antifouling potential of ginger and holy basil extracts at a compatible but slightly lower level, but one that is much higher than was reported for other plant materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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20 pages, 615 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasound Co-Extraction Strategies to Obtain Carbohydrates and Protein from Macroalgae Gracilaria birdiae

by Rhonyele Maciel da Silva, Rita Sannara Bandeira do Nascimento, Fabiano André Narciso Fernandes, Thaiz Batista Azevedo Rangel Miguel, Emilio de Castro Miguel, Pedro Henrique Campelo, Glácio Souza Araújo and Sueli Rodrigues

Compounds 2026, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010017 - 12 Feb 2026

Viewed by 903

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable, functional food ingredients has increased interest in algae, particularly for their bioactive compounds. Gracilaria birdiae is mainly used for agar production, but its protein potential is underexplored. Conventional extraction methods require high temperatures and long durations, whereas emerging technologies, such as ultrasound (US), could be more efficient alternatives when combined with other strategies. This study is the first to evaluate the co-extraction of carbohydrates and proteins from G. birdiae using US combined with different extraction methods. The proximate composition of the algae was as follows: 63.97% carbohydrates, 5.20% proteins, and 19.65% lipids. Ethanol pretreatment did not improve US co-extraction but enabled phycobiliprotein recovery. Higher US power (500 W, 373 W·cm⁻²) and biomass concentration enhanced recovery, achieving up to 64.43 mg/g of carbohydrates and 10.28 mg/g of proteins. Sequential extraction using hot water and US at 60 °C produced 97.51 and 74.70 mg/g of carbohydrates and 5.67 and 5.08 mg/g of proteins, respectively. Acid treatment combined with US 60 °C achieved the highest recovery of 396.15 mg/g carbohydrate (1% v/v H₂SO₄) and 38.49 mg/g of protein (7% v/v H₂SO₄). Alkali extraction yielded lower amounts: 190.51 mg/g of carbohydrates and 33.20 mg/g of protein using 5% w/v NaOH. Microscopy revealed that the chemical treatments fully disrupted the cell wall, promoting compound release. Thus, combining the US with chemical extraction effectively enhances carbohydrates and protein recovery from G. birdiae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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21 pages, 3753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Gellan Gum Microspheres for the Controlled Release of Antioxidants from Vaccinium myrtillus Extract

by Norma Mallegni, Niccoletta Barbani, Silvia Tampucci, Chiara Salvini, Miriam Cappello, Serena Coiai, Elisa Passaglia and Caterina Cristallini

Compounds 2026, 6(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010016 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 909

Abstract

In this work, gellan gum microspheres (G–MPs) were developed as delivery systems for blueberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) (BEX), a source of natural antioxidants rich in anthocyanins (ATCs) and phenolic compounds (PHCs). Gellan gum, an anionic polysaccharide produced via fermentation by Sphingomonas elodea, was selected for its biocompatibility and gelling properties. BEX was obtained using a mild citric acid–based extraction method to preserve antioxidant capacity and was characterized for its total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content before loading. The extract was loaded into gellan gum microspheres via absorption (G–MPs–BEX). The resulting microspheres exhibited a spherical and porous morphology that favoured both encapsulation and controlled release. FT–IR analysis confirmed the absorption of the extract within the polymer network and revealed hydrogen bonding interactions between the matrix and active compounds. Despite these interactions, microspheres retained a high swelling capacity and enabled rapid release, with maximum release of polyphenols and anthocyanins within 30 min at pH 5.5. The antioxidant activity of BEX, assessed via DPPH assay, remained stable during storage (up to 60 days) and after incorporation into the microspheres. Overall, this study demonstrates that G–MPs can efficiently absorb, stabilize, and release natural antioxidant compounds, supporting their potential use in biomedical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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17 pages, 10864 KB

Open AccessArticle

Powder Properties of Spray-Dried Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Quince) Seed Mucilage: A Novel Natural Biopolymer with Functional Excipient Characteristics

by Yana Gvozdeva

Compounds 2026, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010001 - 29 Dec 2025

Viewed by 899

Abstract

Background: Powdered mucilages are increasingly being used as natural excipients in pharmaceutical formulations, functioning as binders, disintegrants, thickeners, suspending agents, and film formers. Their swelling, viscosity-enhancing, and biocompatible properties also make them useful in controlled-release systems and tablet production. This study aimed to produce spray-dried Cydonia oblonga (CO) mucilage, examine how drying parameters influence yield, and determine its physicochemical and rheological characteristics to evaluate its suitability for pharmaceutical applications. Methods: Powdered CO mucilage was obtained by spray drying. The obtained powders were characterized on yield, particle size and morphology, moisture content, loss on drying, flow properties and swelling index. Results: The obtained powders show yields of 10.6–16.4%, particle sizes of 4.5–5.39 μm, and moisture contents of 2–3%. Their flowability is limited despite satisfactory angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and Carr index values, yet all powders exhibit excellent swelling properties. Conclusions: Model CM6 of the obtained powdered CO seeds hydrocolloid stands out as the best spray-dried hydrocolloid, combining high drying efficiency, low residual moisture, uniform particle formation, and excellent swelling capacity despite its limited flowability. These properties make it a strong candidate for use as a biopolymer or excipient in pharmaceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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16 pages, 1237 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Chemical Composition to Biological Activity: Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Comparison of Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum

by Mariana Panţuroiu, Mona Luciana Gălăţanu, Carmen Elisabeta Manea, Mariana Popescu, Roxana Colette Sandulovici and Emilia Pănuş

Compounds 2025, 5(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040050 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum (syn. Matricaria inodora) are two closely related species in the Asteraceae family that are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance. However, they differ significantly in their chemical composition and biological activities. This study offers comparative characterisation through microscopy, phytochemical profiling, and biological assays. Microscopic observations revealed distinct morphological differences in the structure of the receptacle and the size of the pollen grains between the two species. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometry, while essential oils were extracted through hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). M. chamomilla was found to have a higher phenol content (20.48 mg GAE/g DW), whereas T. inodorum showed a greater flavonoid concentration (15.93 mg RE/g DW). The essential oils from each species displayed different chemical composition: M. chamomilla was dominated by bisabolol oxides and chamazulene, while T. inodorum primarily contained β-farnesene and cis-lachnophyllum ester. The antioxidant activity of both species was evaluated using the DPPH assay and found to be moderate compared to standard antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ < 5 µg/mL). The IC₅₀ values for M. chamomilla ranged from 17.7 to 21.5 µg/mL, while for T. inodorum, they ranged from 8.4 to 10.2 µg/mL. In antimicrobial tests, the essential oil of T. inodorum inhibited both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while M. chamomilla was only active against C. albicans. These findings highlight important morphological and chemical markers that differentiate the two species and affirm T. inodorum as a promising source of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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15 pages, 640 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Seed Oil from Amomyrtus luma

by Claudia Giovagnoli-Vicuña, Rafael Viteri, Javiera Aparicio, Issis Quispe-Fuentes and Ady Giordano

Compounds 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5030031 - 11 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1425

Abstract

Amomyrtus luma (A. luma), a native Chilean tree species, produces fruits containing 1–3 non-edible seeds, which are typically discarded as waste during processing. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and bioactive properties of A. luma seed oil obtained through maceration, ultrasound extraction, and Soxhlet extraction, using hexane as the extraction solvent. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC–FID), revealing that linoleic acid was the most abundant (79.79–80.09%), followed by oleic acid (8.89–9.18%) and palmitic acid (7.29–7.40%), with no significant differences (p < 0.05) among extraction methods. However, extraction conditions significantly influenced the concentration of bioactive compounds, including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity, as determined through DPPH and FRAP assays. A strong correlation was observed between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, particularly in maceration and ultrasound extraction, whereas Soxhlet extraction favored tocopherols and carotenoids due to the thermal degradation of polyphenols. Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest oil recovery, while ultrasound extraction preserved the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. No antimicrobial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings underscore the key role of extraction methods in determining the nutritional and functional quality of A. luma seed oil. Given its high unsaturated fatty acid content and bioactive potential, A. luma seed oil represents a promising ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, while contributing to waste valorization and sustainable resource utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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23 pages, 5186 KB

Open AccessReview

Endoperoxides: Highly Oxygenated Terpenoids with Anticancer and Antiprotozoal Activities

by Valery M. Dembitsky and Alexander O. Terent’ev

Compounds 2026, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010007 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Endoperoxides constitute a distinctive class of highly oxygenated terpenoids defined by the presence of a cyclic peroxide (–O–O–) bond, a structural motif responsible for their pronounced chemical reactivity and diverse biological effects. Naturally occurring endoperoxide-containing terpenoids are broadly distributed across terrestrial and marine taxa, including higher plants, algae, fungi, and bryophytes, where they are believed to participate in chemical defense and ecological interactions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of naturally occurring endoperoxide terpenoids, focusing on their natural sources, structural diversity, and reported biological activities. Particular emphasis is placed on compounds exhibiting antiprotozoal and antitumor activities, exemplified by artemisinin and its derivatives, which remain cornerstone agents in antimalarial therapy and continue to attract interest for their anticancer potential. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, supported by computational prediction using the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) platform, is employed to examine correlations between peroxide-containing frameworks and biological function. Comparative assessment of experimental data and predicted activity profiles identifies key structural features associated with antiprotozoal, antineoplastic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, this review highlights endoperoxides as a valuable and chemically distinctive class of bioactive natural products and discusses their promise and limitations as leads for further pharmacological development, particularly in light of their intrinsic reactivity and stability challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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26 pages, 1758 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

More than Heat: The Complex Nature of Pungent Capsicum spp.

by Filomena Monica Vella, Domenico Cautela and Bruna Laratta

Compounds 2025, 5(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040061 - 18 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2295

Abstract

For centuries, people have used herbs, plants, and spices as remedies for health problems or simply to ameliorate body energy or vitality because of the bioactive compounds they contain. The Capsicum genus, which includes the chili pepper, is one of the oldest crops to be domesticated and used. It is characterized by three qualities: pungency/flavor, color, and aroma. Capsaicinoids are responsible for the pungent flavor. Carotenoids and flavonoids determine the remarkable and colorful tones of chili peppers. Volatile compounds provide their characteristic aroma. This prompts consumers to purchase and utilize the numerous varieties of chili peppers, whether fresh or dried. The presence of these bioactive compounds gives chili peppers functional attributes that promote health. This paper reviews the scientific research carried out over the last 25 years on these attributes. This paper also looks at how Capsicum fruits could be used as a valuable source of nutrients from plants that have beneficial biological properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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30 pages, 1991 KB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Technologies for Extracting Antioxidant Compounds from Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: An Efficient and Sustainable Approach

by Salome Mamani Parí, Erick Saldaña, Juan D. Rios-Mera, María Fernanda Quispe Angulo and Nils Leander Huaman-Castilla

Compounds 2025, 5(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5030029 - 28 Jul 2025

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5320

Abstract

Edible mushrooms are well-known for their culinary and nutritional values. Additionally, they serve as a natural source of polyphenols, a group of bioactive compounds that significantly treat diseases associated with oxidative stress. The polyphenolic profile of mushrooms mainly consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids, whose chemical properties have attracted the attention of both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Consequently, methods for extracting polyphenols from mushrooms encompass conventional techniques (maceration and Soxhlet extraction) as well as innovative or green methods (ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction). Nonetheless, extraction with pressurized liquids and supercritical fluids is considered the most suitable method, as they function in a gentle and selective manner, preserving the integrity of the phenolic compounds. The use of mushroom-derived phenolic compounds in food and pharmaceutical formulations continues to face challenges concerning the safety of these extracts, as they might contain unwanted substances. Future applications should incorporate purification systems to yield highly pure extracts, thereby creating safe polyphenol carriers (for food and pharmaceutical products) for consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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20 pages, 3251 KB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Functionalization of Camelina, Hemp, and Rapeseed Oils for Sustainable Resin Applications: Strategies for Tailoring Structure and Performance

by Elham Nadim, Pavan Paraskar, Emma J. Murphy, Mohammadnabi Hesabi and Ian Major

Compounds 2025, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5030026 - 10 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1698

Abstract

This review examines the chemical functionalization of Camelina, hemp, and rapeseed oils for the development of sustainable bio-based resins. Key strategies, including epoxidation, acrylation, and click chemistry, are discussed in the context of tailoring molecular structure to enhance reactivity, compatibility, and material performance. Particular emphasis is placed on overcoming the inherent limitations of vegetable oil structures to enable their integration into high-performance polymer systems. The agricultural sustainability and environmental advantages of these feedstocks are also highlighted alongside the technical challenges associated with their chemical modification. Functionalized oils derived from Camelina, hemp, and rapeseed have been successfully applied in various resin systems, including protective coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, UV-curable oligomers, and polyurethane foams. These advances demonstrate their growing potential as renewable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers and underline the critical role of structure–property relationships in designing next-generation sustainable materials. Ultimately, the objective of this review is to distill the most effective functionalization pathways and design principles, thereby illustrating how Camelina, hemp, and rapeseed oils could serve as viable substitutes for petrochemical resins in future industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature)

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