Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.6
4.6
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition
molecules-logo
Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 9955

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Valeria Guarrasi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
Interests: food science; natural polyphenols; antioxidant action; nutraceutical properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Amenta Margherita

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, CREA, Rome, Italy
Interests: bioactive compounds; polyphenols; vegetable extracts; food byproducts; nutraceutical activity; innovative extraction techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague，

In recent years, the extractive production of natural products in the food industry, especially from different food byproducts, has seen significant development, and there has also been great progress in the separation and purification techniques of natural products. Natural products include compositions inside plants, animals, insects, and marine organisms—mainly proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, a variety of enzymes, fat, oil, monosaccharide, vitamin, alkaloids, volatile oil, flavones, organic acids, terpenoids, antibiotics, and other natural chemical compositions. Therefore, natural products have become the source of active compounds (i.e., compounds with beneficial effects on human health, such as foodborne pathogen protection, etc.), and the extraction of natural products is particularly important in multidisciplinary studies.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect recent advances in extraction (conventional, emerging, and innovative methodologies) and analysis of natural products, including their sources, properties, and methods that have been developed to improve the extraction of compounds focusing on applications, scale-up, and process commercialization.

Dr. Valeria Guarrasi
Dr. Amenta Margherita
Guest Editors

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. Molecules 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 2700 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 products
  • extraction methodologies: green impacts and sustainability 
  • separation and purification techniques 
  • agri-food byproducts 
  • natural bioactive compounds 
  • food ingredients 
  • industrial application

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

28 pages, 1496 KB  
Article
From Biomass to Efficient Lipid Recovery: Choline-Based Ionic Liquids and Microwave Extraction of Chlorella vulgaris
by Daniela A. S. Agostinho, Andreia F. M. Santos, José M. S. S. Esperança, Patrícia M. Reis, Ana Rita C. Duarte and Márcia G. Ventura
Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4611; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234611 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
The sustainable extraction of microalgal lipids represents a critical step toward the valorization of biomass for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and biofuel applications. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction approach using a biocompatible ionic liquid (IL), [N1 1 2OH 2OH][C6H11 [...] Read more.
The sustainable extraction of microalgal lipids represents a critical step toward the valorization of biomass for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and biofuel applications. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction approach using a biocompatible ionic liquid (IL), [N1 1 2OH 2OH][C6H11O2], was investigated for lipid recovery from Chlorella vulgaris. Conventional methods (Soxhlet, Folch, and Bligh & Dyer) were first evaluated for benchmarking. Optimization of microwave power, extraction time, and algae-to-IL mass ratio demonstrated that a 1:8 (m/m) ratio under 5 min and 750 W microwave pretreatment achieved the highest lipid yield, with 10.61 ± 0.39% lipids recovered from the supernatant alone. Subsequent extraction of the pretreated biomass using an environmentally benign solvent mixture (ethyl acetate/ethanol, 1:1 v/v) raised the total lipid recovery to 14.29 ± 0.75%, surpassing Soxhlet extraction with chloroform/methanol (13.04 ± 0.16%). Importantly, the IL was efficiently recovered (≈85%) and reused without significant loss of performance or structural integrity, as confirmed by NMR, DSC, and FTIR analyses. The combined process yielded up to 42.56 ± 0.64 mg FAMEs/g algae, comparable to conventional Soxhlet extraction but with superior environmental compatibility. The relative distribution of FAMEs (in weight percent, wt%) was as follows: C16:2 trans 6.05%, C16:3 trans 13.99%, C16:1 cis 1.85%, C16:1 trans 0.82%, C16:0 16.72%, C18:2 cis 13.74%, C18:3 trans + C18:1 cis + C18:2 trans 26.91%, C18:1 trans 1.67% and C18:0 3.61%. These findings demonstrate that microwave-assisted extraction with choline-based ILs offers an efficient, recyclable, and greener alternative for lipid and fatty acid recovery from microalgae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 6250 KB  
Article
Influence of Brewing Methods on the Bioactive and Mineral Composition of Coffee Beverages
by Monika Sijko-Szpańska, Iwona Mystkowska and Aleksandra Dmitrowicz
Molecules 2025, 30(20), 4080; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30204080 - 14 Oct 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2399
Abstract
The chemical profile of coffee depends on numerous factors, the complexity of which makes it difficult to clearly assess their influence. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the impact of selected coffee brewing methods (Espresso, Simple Infusion, French Press, V60), [...] Read more.
The chemical profile of coffee depends on numerous factors, the complexity of which makes it difficult to clearly assess their influence. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the impact of selected coffee brewing methods (Espresso, Simple Infusion, French Press, V60), taking into account the coffee species (Arabica, Robusta, Blends), the degree of roasting (light, medium, dark) and the geographical origin (single-origin and multi-origin) on the chemical composition of the brew. Eighteen different types of coffee, which differ in the aforementioned characteristics, were analyzed. The caffeine content (using high-performance liquid chromatography), the total phenolic content (TPC; using a spectrophotometric method), and selected minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc; using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry) were analyzed. The analysis showed that both the brewing method and the species had a significant influence on the chemical profile of the resulting brews, while the degree of roasting and the origin showed no significant influence. The Espresso method showed the highest caffeine, TPC, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus content, the V60 method—calcium, iron, and sodium, and the French Press and Simple Infusion methods showed intermediate values. Robusta coffee contained more caffeine and TPC, Arabica contained more magnesium, and Blend showed medium values for both species. The results obtained may have practical implications for both consumers and the coffee industry, supporting informed decision-making and the refinement of brewing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1928 KB  
Article
Hibiscus moscheutos L. Flower Petals Extract Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Antimicrobial, Biofilm Formation, Autoaggregation, Prebiotic, Genotoxicity, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
by Patryk Kowalczyk, Elżbieta Klewicka, Joanna Milala, Lidia Piekarska-Radzik, Elżbieta Karlińska, Michał Sójka and Robert Klewicki
Molecules 2025, 30(17), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173569 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2283
Abstract
The flowers of Hibiscus moscheutos L. are among the largest within the genus, and the plant contains numerous nutrients and phytochemicals that perform various structural and regulatory functions in the human body upon consumption. However, these properties remain insufficiently explored. In this study, [...] Read more.
The flowers of Hibiscus moscheutos L. are among the largest within the genus, and the plant contains numerous nutrients and phytochemicals that perform various structural and regulatory functions in the human body upon consumption. However, these properties remain insufficiently explored. In this study, the phenolic composition and in vitro biological activity of an ethanolic extract from H. moscheutos petals were investigated. The total phenolic content was 219.52 mg/g (HPLC method), including phenolic acids (5.17 mg/g), flavanols (59.18 mg/g), flavonols (93.09 mg/g), and anthocyanins (62.08 mg/g). Many species of the genus Staphylococcus, as well as two probiotic strains of Lacticaseibacillus spp., were sensitive to the extract’s effects (100 mg/mL), which appeared to be strain-dependent. The MIC values for Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 6.25 to 100.00 mg/mL, while for the two probiotic strains, they were 12.50 and 100.00 mg/mL, respectively. The extract did not show prebiotic activity. Nevertheless, it enhanced the biofilm-forming ability of both probiotic and pathogenic microbiota on abiotic (polystyrene) and biotic (mucin and gelatin) surfaces. The stimulation of Staphylococcus spp. biofilms is considered undesirable and may justify limiting the use of the extract, for example, in pharmaceutical or medical applications. At concentrations above 25 mg/mL, the extract reduced bacterial autoaggregation. It also exhibited low genotoxicity in the Ames test and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to sodium diclofenac. Hibiscus petal extracts might represent a promising source of bioactive compounds for novel pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food applications; however, their potential requires further in-depth investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 895 KB  
Article
A Phytochemical and Biological Characterization of Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus Cultivar “Carciofo di Procida”, a Traditional Italian Agri-Food Product (PAT) of the Campania Region
by Giuseppina Tommonaro, Giulia De Simone, Carmine Iodice, Marco Allarà and Adele Cutignano
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153285 - 5 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics [...] Read more.
The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

38 pages, 2596 KB  
Review
Mulberry Leaf-Derived Bioactive Constituents on Diabetes: Structure, Extraction, Quality Analysis, and Hypoglycemic Mechanisms
by Siyue Zhou, Yidong Xu, Yehao Lin, Junyu Liu, Min Zhang, Joseph Buhagiar and Haixia Chen
Molecules 2026, 31(2), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020367 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1316
Abstract
(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with a rising global prevalence. Mulberry leaf (ML), a traditional medicinal and edible plant, possesses notable hypoglycemic effects and has a long history of usage. This review aims to systematically consolidate the research progress [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with a rising global prevalence. Mulberry leaf (ML), a traditional medicinal and edible plant, possesses notable hypoglycemic effects and has a long history of usage. This review aims to systematically consolidate the research progress on the hypoglycemic constituents derived from ML, including their chemical structure, extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and hypoglycemic mechanisms. (2) Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science and PubMed databases to find relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. (3) Results: This review evaluates both conventional and modern techniques such as water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), highlighting their advantages and limitations when applied on ML. Additionally, this review examines the analytical techniques applied in the quality control of ML and its constituents. This is complemented by a summary of hypoglycemic mechanisms, focusing on the inhibition of oxidative stress, amelioration of insulin resistance, regulation of related enzyme activity, and modulation of gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: ML demonstrates considerable potential for treating diabetes. However, further studies are needed for new drug discovery based on new ML-derived bioactive constituents, highly efficient extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop