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Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive...
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Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 6529

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Kefeng Zhai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biological and Food Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
Interests: natural products; antioxidation; functional food; human health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant food-derived bioactive components are a class of substances widely found in plant foods, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, nysin, sterols, and volatile oils. Their high safety, availability, and potential health benefits (including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities) have attracted the interest of scientists involved in multidisciplinary research over the past few decades. Therefore, the potential functional properties of plant food-derived bioactive components represent a promising area of knowledge. In addition, it is vital that we explore new plant food source compounds and further elucidate their structural/functional relationships and the interaction between their composition and nutritional function.

Based on the information presented above, we invite authors to submit review articles, comments, opinions, and original research articles on the preparation, structural characterization, and in vitro or in vivo evidence of the nutritional and sensory properties of plant food-derived bioactive components. We also welcome works analyzing the mechanisms of action of plant food-derived bioactive components based on big data, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics models, which may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for their health benefits within the realm of food science.

Prof. Dr. Kefeng Zhai
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Foods 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 2900 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

  • immunomodulatory activity
  • anti-diabetic activity
  • lipid-lowering activity
  • anti-tumor activity
  • antioxidant activity
  • anti-inflammatory activity
  • antibacterial activity
  • alkaloids
  • flavonoids
  • nysin
  • sterols
  • volatile oils

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2558 KB  
Article
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Tupistra chinensis Baker Total Saponins
by Yajing Pu, Lin Li, Ru Wang, Qiuyi Qin, Jingwen Xu, Limin Xiang, Xiangjiu He and Yihai Wang
Foods 2025, 14(17), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14172964 - 25 Aug 2025
Abstract
Tupistra chinensis Baker, traditionally used in southern China as a folk remedy for sore throat and pharyngitis, has long been consumed as a medicinal tea. Steroidal saponins are considered the major bioactive constituents of its rhizome, yet systematic studies on their extraction and [...] Read more.
Tupistra chinensis Baker, traditionally used in southern China as a folk remedy for sore throat and pharyngitis, has long been consumed as a medicinal tea. Steroidal saponins are considered the major bioactive constituents of its rhizome, yet systematic studies on their extraction and biological effects remain scarce. In this study, total steroidal saponins from T. chinensis (TCS) were prepared through optimized extraction and enrichment processes. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions, and subsequent purification with D-101 resin increased the saponin content to 67.3%. The anti-inflammatory activity of TCS was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, TCS significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and downregulated the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, partly through suppression of NF-κB activation. In a rat model of acute pharyngitis, TCS alleviated pathological symptoms, preserved mucosal integrity, and reduced NF-κB expression. These findings demonstrate that TCS possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of functional foods or natural therapeutics aimed at pharyngitis management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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0 pages, 8865 KB  
Article
Grape Pomace Polyphenol Extract Alleviates Obesity in Mice and Improves Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids
by Yulei Han, Chenlu Yang, Xuelin Tian, Xueqing Shi, Hua Wang and Hua Li
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162823 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
With the development of people’s diets and working patterns, obesity is an increasingly serious health threat faced globally. Grape pomace is an important by-product generated during the wine production process which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols show promising potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and [...] Read more.
With the development of people’s diets and working patterns, obesity is an increasingly serious health threat faced globally. Grape pomace is an important by-product generated during the wine production process which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols show promising potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory applications. Nevertheless, the effects of grape pomace polyphenols on obesity alleviation and their underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The results of this study indicate that grape pomace polyphenols exhibit a preventive effect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD), ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis, and improved gut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. The present study employed comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to characterize gut microbial profiles in each experimental group, including: alpha and beta diversity analyses, phylum- and genus-level relative abundance analyses, Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), and Pearson correlation analysis between gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids. Both grape seeds extract (GSE) and grape peel extract (GPE) reduced the elevated F/B ratio caused by HFD, raised the abundance of probiotics such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bifidobacterium, and Blautia, and mitigated the increase of pathogenic bacteria Fusobacteria and Eschericha-Shigella caused by HFD. Moreover, Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Alistipes, and Dubosiella may be regulated by GSE and GPE to produce SCFAs, alleviating obesity and metabolic disorders. In conclusion, our results suggest that GSE and GPE show remarkable efficacy in ameliorating obesity and modulating gut microbiota in mice, providing evidence to support the utilization of grape pomace as a metabolic regulator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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20 pages, 3519 KB  
Article
Hylocereus polyrhizus Pulp Residues Polysaccharide Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Modulating Intestinal Mucus Secretion and Glycosylation
by Guanghui Li, Kit-Leong Cheong, Yunhua He, Ahluk Liew, Jiaxuan Huang, Chen Huang, Saiyi Zhong and Malairaj Sathuvan
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152708 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Although Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp residues polysaccharides (HPPP) have shown potential in improving metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier function, the mechanism by which they exert their effects through regulating O-glycosylation modifications in the mucus layer remains unclear. Therefore, this study established a HFD-induced obese [...] Read more.
Although Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp residues polysaccharides (HPPP) have shown potential in improving metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier function, the mechanism by which they exert their effects through regulating O-glycosylation modifications in the mucus layer remains unclear. Therefore, this study established a HFD-induced obese colitis mouse model (n = 5 per group) and combined nano-capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) technology to quantitatively analyze the dynamic changes in O-glycosylation. Additionally, through quantitative O-glycosylation proteomics and whole-proteome analysis, we identified 155 specifically altered O-glycosylation sites in colon tissue, with the glycosylation modification level of the MUC2 core protein increased by approximately 2.1-fold. The results indicate that HPPP alleviates colonic mucosal damage by regulating interactions between mucus O-glycosylation. Overall, we demonstrated that HPPP increases HFD-induced O-glycosylation sites, improves intestinal mucosal structure in obese mice, and provides protective effects against obesity-induced intestinal mucosal damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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24 pages, 6803 KB  
Article
Dianthus superbus L. (QM) Extract-Assisted Silver Nanoparticle Gelatin Films with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties for Fresh Fruit Preservation
by Chenwei Zhang, Yao Li, Yue Huo, Hongtao Wang and Dandan Wang
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132327 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 397
Abstract
We synthesized QM-AgNPs (Dianthus superbus L.-AgNPs, Qu Mai-AgNPs) by an economical and environmentally friendly method using Dianthus superbus L. extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The resulting QM-AgNPs were comprehensively characterized and evaluated for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities. Herein, [...] Read more.
We synthesized QM-AgNPs (Dianthus superbus L.-AgNPs, Qu Mai-AgNPs) by an economical and environmentally friendly method using Dianthus superbus L. extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The resulting QM-AgNPs were comprehensively characterized and evaluated for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities. Herein, TEM analysis revealed that the QM-AgNPs were predominantly spherical, polydisperse, and exhibited a core particle size ranging from 11 to 18 nm. In contrast, DLS analysis showed a larger hydrodynamic diameter (primarily 60–87 nm), reflecting the hydrated shell and surface biomolecular corona. The crystalline nature of QM-AgNPs was confirmed by XRD and SAED spectra while FTIR spectroscopy indicated the presence of functional groups from the plant extract that may contribute to nanoparticle stabilization. Functional assessments demonstrated that QM-AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with efficient DPPH radical scavenging, and selective cytotoxicity against A549 cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Moreover, QM-AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), likely due to membrane disruption and the leakage of intracellular contents. To explore practical applications, we developed a GEL@AgNPs coating system for the postharvest preservation of grapes. As a result, the reduced weight loss and decay rate suggest a potential role for QM-AgNPs in extending fruit freshness. Comprehensive shelf-life studies are planned to further substantiate the potential of QM-AgNPs as an effective material for active food packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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20 pages, 4034 KB  
Article
Immunomodulation of Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides In Vivo Based on Microbiome and Metabolomics Approaches
by Yixuan Wu, Jie Sun, Wenjie Xie, Simin Xue, Xinli Li, Jianming Guo, Jinjun Shan, Guoping Peng and Yunfeng Zheng
Foods 2025, 14(5), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050874 - 4 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452
Abstract
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is a medicinal herb that can be added to food to provide therapeutic effects and reduce the burden of medications. Herein, the immunomodulatory effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPs) were verified and illustrated by intervening immunocompromised rats treated with different doses [...] Read more.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is a medicinal herb that can be added to food to provide therapeutic effects and reduce the burden of medications. Herein, the immunomodulatory effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPs) were verified and illustrated by intervening immunocompromised rats treated with different doses of GPs, which were reflected for adjusting the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota and altering the metabolic profile. The immunomodulatory effects of GPs were exerted by regulating the intestinal microenvironment. In particular, GPs could promote the growth of probiotic bacteria Allobaculum, norank__o_Clostridia_UCG-014, Dubosiella, and g__norank_o___RF39 and curb the growth of harmful bacteria Enterococcus. The results showed that GPs had a prebiotic effect, which contributed to improving the intestinal environment and maintaining intestinal health. In addition, the content of beneficial differential metabolites was up-regulated, especially short-chain fatty acids, with alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine biosynthesis; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism being the most enriched pathways. These metabolic pathways imply the metabolic process of GPs, and the metabolic pathways and differential effector metabolites of it are focused. Overall, the purpose of this article lies in providing support for the application of GPs for regulating immune function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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21 pages, 5084 KB  
Article
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen Flavonoid Ameliorates Hypothalamic Metabolism and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice
by Yan Yan, Ni Zhao, Jiaying Liu, Shengmei Zhang, Yinjie Zhang, Xuemei Qin, Kefeng Zhai and Chenhui Du
Foods 2025, 14(5), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050828 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1419
Abstract
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), a homology of medicine and a type of seed, has been widely used to improve sleep quality. The present study aimed to assess the effects of ZSS flavonoid (ZSSF) extracted and isolated from ZSS on gut microbiota and hypothalamus [...] Read more.
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), a homology of medicine and a type of seed, has been widely used to improve sleep quality. The present study aimed to assess the effects of ZSS flavonoid (ZSSF) extracted and isolated from ZSS on gut microbiota and hypothalamus metabolomic profiles in a chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced anxiety mouse model. ZSSF was prepared using microporous resin chromatography, and seven compounds were determined by UPLC-MS. ZSSF treatment dramatically reduced anxiety-like behaviors, exerted sedative–hypnotic effects, increased hippocampal 5-HT and 5-HTP, and enhanced intestinal barrier function through inhibiting colon ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin expression and reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels. Compared with the CRS group, the diversity of gut microbiota in ZSSF-group mice was increased, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes, and it was accompanied by an increase in fecal SCFAs. Hypothalamus metabolomics and lipidomics were performed to achieve 25 differential metabolites and 44 lipids, respectively. Serum metabolomics showed a total of 13 metabolites associated with anxiety were remarkably regulated by ZSSF. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) showed that glycerophospholipids (GPs) as well as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and L-tryptophan in peripheral and central parts were significant metabolites, which contributed to the pharmacological action of ZSSF. The mRNA expression of TPH2 and DDC key enzymes associated with tryptophan metabolism were upregulated, and PLA2G12A, LACT, and PLA2G6 key enzymes associated with GP metabolism were downregulated in ZSSF compared with CRS. Briefly, ZSSF improved tryptophan and GP metabolism and regulated the gut microbiome. This study may lay a theoretical basis for potentially developing ZSSF as a natural functional food ingredient for the improvement of anxiety and sleep disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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Review

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22 pages, 1183 KB  
Review
Exploring the Impact of Olive-Derived Bioactive Components on Gut Microbiota: Implications for Digestive Health
by Manuel Garrido-Romero, Marina Díez-Municio and Francisco Javier Moreno
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142413 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1982
Abstract
Recent advances highlight the crucial role of the gut microbiota in human health and disease, with dietary components emerging as powerful modulators of microbial communities. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of olive-derived bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein or [...] Read more.
Recent advances highlight the crucial role of the gut microbiota in human health and disease, with dietary components emerging as powerful modulators of microbial communities. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of olive-derived bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein or tyrosol), triterpenes and other phytochemicals on gut microbiota composition and function. These compounds have been shown to enhance beneficial bacterial populations such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, reduce potentially pathogenic taxa, and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids and other health microbial metabolites, reinforcing intestinal barrier integrity. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies also reveal the potential of olive bioactives to ameliorate metabolic, inflammatory, and neurocognitive disorders through gut-microbiota-brain axis modulation. Despite promising results, key challenges remain, including interindividual microbiota variability, lack of standardized intervention protocols, and limited human clinical trials. Addressing these gaps through robust translational research could pave the way for microbiota-targeted, personalized nutritional strategies based on olive-derived compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components)
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