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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 20118

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Prof. Dr. Pyrzyńska Krystyna

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Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: preconcentration; separation; selenium; polyphenols; antioxidant activity

Dr. Aleksandra Sentkowska

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Srodowiskowe Laboratorium Ciezkich Jonow, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: selenium; speciation; HILIC; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Violeta Ivanova-Petropulos

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Faculty of Agriculture, University “Goce Delčev”, Shtip, North Macedonia
Interests: wine chemistry; polyphenols; sensory analysis; winemaking; metabolites; HPLC; GC

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive compounds of plant origin are valuable for their properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Nowadays, interest in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals containing plant extracts is enormous. Despite the development of science, many people still reach for traditional methods of treatment before going to the doctor. This also creates great potential for scientists who professionally study the properties of materials of plant origin. Knowledge about the content of certain compounds in plants, the study of their antioxidant and biological properties, as well as their potential use in medicine, remains pertinent.

This Special Issue welcomes potential authors to contribute and share their original articles, short communications, and review articles focusing on the natural plant bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and others), methods of their extraction and isolation from the plant material, and studies of their antioxidant and biological activity. Research on the potential application of bioactive compounds are is welcome.

Prof. Dr. Pyrzyńska Krystyna
Dr. Aleksandra Sentkowska
Prof. Dr. Violeta Ivanova-Petropulos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
natural plant products
antioxidant activity
extraction methods
polyphenols
flavonoids

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Effects of Essential Oils from the Peels of Citrus Cultivars

by Jiyoon Yang and Mi-Jin Park

Molecules 2025, 30(4), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30040833 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Essential oils from citrus cultivars are widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, and they have been extensively studied in the last decades. This study investigates the antioxidant activities of essential oils from 21 citrus cultivars and the active antioxidant constituents of the oils. Essential oils are extracted from the peels of citrus cultivars via hydrodistillation, and their chemical compositions are analyzed by gas-chromatography–mass-spectroscopy. The antioxidant activities of the citrus cultivars are determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. Based on the results, the major constituent of the oils is d-limonene (50.88–97.19%). The essential oil from Citrus junos shows the highest phenolic content (360.04 ± 24.75 mg GAE/100 g), followed by that from Citrus × latifolia (339.42 ± 31.14 mg GAE/100 g), [(Citrus unshiu × Citrus sinensis) × Citrus reticulata] × Citrus reticulata (327.05 ± 14.29 mg GAE/100 g), and [(Citrus unshiu × Citrus sinensis) × Citrus reticulata] × Citrus reticulata (322.92 ± 21.43 mg GAE/100 g). The essential oil from [(Citrus unshiu × Citrus sinensis) × Citrus reticulata] × Citrus reticulata shows the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, with an EC₅₀ of 86.17 ± 4.87 and 0.16 ± 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The essential oil from Citrus reticulata and [(Citrus unshiu × Citrus sinensis) × Citrus reticulata] × Citrus reticulata shows the highest ferric-reducing activities (2302.55 ± 237.26 and 2213.12 ± 35.54 mg/100 g, respectively). These results indicate that the essential oil from [(Citrus unshiu × Citrus sinensis) × Citrus reticulata] × Citrus reticulata has a higher antioxidation effect than that from other cultivars. By comparing the chemical compositions of the essential oils, 12 compounds are selected as the major contributors to the antioxidant activities of the oils, and α-phellandrene and α-terpinene are the most active constituents of the oils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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22 pages, 2080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sweet Clover (Melilotus spp.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds

by Patrycja Sowa-Borowiec, Maria Czernicka, Wacław Jarecki and Małgorzata Dżugan

Molecules 2025, 30(3), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030526 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 908

Abstract

Sweet clover, particularly white sweet clover (Melilotus albus), is an underexplored plant that has gained attention in recent years. This study compared the bioactive compounds content in the flowers, leaves, and stems of Melilotus albus Medic. to the well-known health-promoting Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. Both fresh and dried plant materials were analysed, with chromatographic assessments preceded by the optimisation of the extraction method (using 50% aqueous ethanol–water and the plant sample ground in a mortar, followed by 30 min of ultrasound-assisted extraction). Flower and leaf extracts were also evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity using FRAP and DPPH· assays. Both plant species were rich in phenolic compounds, including coumarins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. HPLC-PDA analysis revealed similar profiles for both species, with quantitative differences in individual compound fractions. The highest coumarin content was found in the fresh flowers, followed by the leaves and stems. No significant species-specific differences in the coumarin content were observed. However, the flowers of M. albus were a richer source of flavonoids, with the highest hyperoside content. The flavonoid profile in the leaf extracts was similar to that of the flowers, but the content was about four times lower in the leaves and even lower than in the stems. Interestingly, the leaf extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the flower extracts. The presented findings suggest that white sweet clover is an equally valuable source of health-promoting compounds as yellow sweet clover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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12 pages, 8285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prenylated Dihydroflavonol from Sophora flavescens Regulate the Polarization and Phagocytosis of Macrophages In Vitro

by Lu Su, Kairui Rao, Lizhong Wang, Li Pu, Zhijun Zhang, Hongmei Li, Rongtao Li and Dan Liu

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4741; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194741 - 7 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1380

Abstract

As an important member of innate immunity, macrophages show remarkable plasticity and heterogeneity, and play an important role in immune regulation, tissue development, homeostasis of the internal environment and injury repair. However, the excessive activation of macrophages is closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The prenylated flavonoid structure is one of the characteristic structures isolated from Sophora flavescens, with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergy and other effects. In this study, the effects of (2R)-3β,7,4′-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-prenylflavanone (TMP), a prenylated dihydroflavonol, on the polarization and phagocytosis of macrophages were systematically studied. In LPS-induced M1-type macrophages, TMP dose-dependently inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS and the secretion of NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, showing an inhibitory effect on M1 polarization. Further experiments revealed that it was related to the inhibition of TLR4-related AKT/mTOR, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways; in IL-4-induced M2-type macrophages, TMP down-regulated the expression of M2-related Arg1, IL-10, TGF-β, CD206 and CD163, as well as the phosphorylation levels of AKT1 and STAT6. For macrophages in a physiological state, it was very important for cells to return from a stress state to a phenotypic stability in the M0 state. These results indicated that TMP negatively regulated the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages, and made them tend to M0 homeostasis, which might provide new theoretical and data support for explaining the anti-inflammatory immunoregulatory activity of Sophora flavescens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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17 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractionation of Carlina acaulis L. Root Methanolic Extract as a Promising Path towards New Formulations against Bacillus cereus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

by Sylwia Wnorowska, Agnieszka Grzegorczyk, Jacek Kurzepa, Filippo Maggi and Maciej Strzemski

Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1939; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091939 - 24 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

The root of Carlina acaulis L. has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties. In this study, the fractionation of methanol extract from the root was conducted. Four fractions (A, B, C, and D) were obtained and tested against a range of bacteria and fungi. The results showed promising antibacterial activity, especially against Bacillus cereus, where the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be equal to 0.08 mg/mL and 0.16 mg/mL for heptane (fraction B) and ethyl acetate (fraction C), respectively. In the case of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300 strain, the same fractions yielded higher MIC values (2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively). This was accompanied by a lack of apparent cytotoxicity to normal human BJ foreskin fibroblasts, enterocytes derived from CaCo2 cells, and zebrafish embryos. Further analyses revealed the presence of bioactive chlorogenic acids in the fractionated extract, especially in the ethyl acetate fraction (C). These findings support the traditional use of the root from C. acaulis and pave the way for the development of new formulations for treating bacterial infections. This was further evaluated in a proof-of-concept experiment where fraction C was used in the ointment formulation, which maintained high antimicrobial activity against MRSA and displayed low toxicity towards cultured fibroblasts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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20 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing New Sport Supplements Based on Aronia melanocarpa and Bee Pollen to Enhance Antioxidant Capacity and Nutritional Value

by Adrian Tirla, Adrian Vasile Timar, Anca Becze, Adriana Ramona Memete, Simona Ioana Vicas, Mihaela Simona Popoviciu and Simona Cavalu

Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6944; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196944 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

With a high number of athletes using sport supplements targeting different results, the need for complex, natural and effective formulations represents an actual reality, while nutrition dosing regimens aiming to sustain the health and performance of athletes are always challenging. In this context, the main goal of this study was to elaborate a novel and complex nutraceutical supplement based on multiple bioactive compounds extracted from Aronia melanocarpa and bee pollen, aiming to support physiological adaptations and to minimize the stress generated by intense physical activity in the case of professional or amateur athletes. Our proposed formulations are based on different combinations of Aronia and bee pollen (A1:P1, A1:P2 and A2:P1), offering personalized supplements designed to fulfill the individual requirements of different categories of athletes. The approximate composition, fatty acid profile, identification and quantification of individual polyphenols, along with the antioxidant capacity of raw biological materials and different formulations, was performed using spectrophotometric methods, GS-MS and HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI+. In terms of antioxidant capacity, our formulations based on different ratios of bee pollen and Aronia were able to act as complex and powerful antioxidant products, highlighted by the synergic or additional effect of the combinations. Overall, the most powerful synergism was obtained for the A1:P2 formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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11 pages, 2398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methanol Extracts from Cirsium japonicum DC. var. australe Kitam. and Their Active Components Reduce Intracellular Oxidative Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

by Pei-Ling Yen, Ting-An Lin, Wei Lin Chuah, Chih-Yi Chang, Yen-Hsueh Tseng, Chia-Yin Huang, Jeng-Chuann Yang, Fu-Lan Hsu and Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao

Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6923; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196923 - 3 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

Cirsium japonicum DC. var. australe Kitam. has been used as an herbal remedy and often involves using the whole plant or roots. However, the bioactivities of different parts of the plant have been far less explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidative ability of methanol extracts from the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of the Cirsium plant and their possible active components against juglone-induced oxidative stress in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that the highest dry weight (12.3 g per plant) was observed in leaves, which was followed by stems (8.0 g). The methanol extract yields from the flowers, leaves, and roots were all similar (13.0–13.8%), while the yield from stems was the lowest (8.6%). The analysis of the silymarin contents in the extracts indicated that the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots contained silychristin and taxifolin; however, silydianin was only found in the leaves, stems, and roots. The flower, leaf, and stem extracts, at a concentration of 10 mg/L, significantly reduced juglone-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans, which was potentially due to the presence of silychristin and taxifolin. Overall, C. japonicum DC. var. australe Kitam. contains a significant amount of silymarin and exhibits in vivo antioxidative activity, suggesting that the prospects for the plant in terms of health supplements or as a source of silymarin are promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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Review

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26 pages, 1958 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemical Insights and Therapeutic Potential of Chamaenerion angustifolium and Chamaenerion latifolium

by Akmaral Kozhantayeva, Zhanar Iskakova, Manshuk Ibrayeva, Ardak Sapiyeva, Moldir Arkharbekova and Yerbolat Tashenov

Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051186 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 638

Abstract

The Chamaenerion genus, particularly Chamaenerion angustifolium and Chamaenerion latifolium, is recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and extensive medicinal properties. These species are abundant in polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to their potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of their phytochemical constituents, with an emphasis on how processing methods, including fermentation, influence bioactivity. Notably, fermentation enhances the levels of key bioactive compounds, such as oenothein B, gallic acid, and ellagic acid, thereby increasing their pharmacological potential. Additionally, this review evaluates the biological activities of Chamaenerion species in relation to their chemical composition, while also considering the limitations of current studies, such as the lack of in vivo or clinical trials. The literature for this review was sourced from scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, covering research from 2010 to 2024. Future studies should focus on optimizing extraction methods, elucidating synergistic bioactivities, and conducting in-depth clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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14 pages, 704 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spent Coffee Grounds as a Source of Chlorogenic Acid

by Krystyna Pyrzynska

Molecules 2025, 30(3), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030613 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Spent coffee grounds generated from the brewing of coffee cherries are rich in chlorogenic acids that are associated, to a certain extent, with a delay in the development of various chronic diseases and age-related disorders. These natural antioxidants are applied in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. This brief overview describes recently proposed procedures for the extraction and recovery of chlorogenic acids from spent coffee grounds, which is a low-cost and easily accessible by-product. Solvent selection and temperature control seem to be the main factors due to the thermolabile nature of these compounds. Advanced extraction technologies are generally faster and enhance extraction efficiency. Procedures for the valorization of coffee waste are the goal of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy that seeks to increase their added benefits and reduce environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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14 pages, 1347 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Composition and Biochemical Properties of Strophantus (Apocynaceae), with a Focus on S. sarmentosus

by Simone König

Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122847 - 14 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1689

Abstract

The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. S. sarmentosus, in particular, is used for the treatment of, e.g., joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, head lice, diarrhea, snake bite, and eye conditions. Despite its widespread use, dedicated research characterizing its bioactive plant components is scarce. Investigations have focused mainly on its cardenolides because of their cardioactivity and historical use as cardiotonic. There are also studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. This review summarizes the present knowledge surrounding the biochemical and analytical research on Strophantus, in general, and S. sarmentosus, in particular, and describes the current state of the field based on the available scientific literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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17 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessReview

Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm.): Ethnomedicinal, Nutraceutical, and Pharmacological Aspects

by Ananda Lamichhane, Gopal Lamichhane and Hari Prasad Devkota

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 6071; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28166071 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4994

Abstract

Yellow Himalayan raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm., Rosaceae) is a native species of the Indian subcontinent, Southern China, and the Philippines, which has been historically used as a traditional medicine and food. All of the parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorder, and as an anti-infective agent. The scientific evaluation revealed a richness of macronutrients, micronutrients, and minerals in the fruits, indicating its potential use as a nutraceutical. Furthermore, this plant has been found to be rich in various secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and terpenoids. Ascorbic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and catechin are some of the compounds found in this plant, which have been widely discussed for their health benefits. Furthermore, various extracts and compounds obtained from R. ellipticus have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, and anti-infective activities investigated through different study models. These findings in the literature have validated some of the widespread uses of the fruits in folk medicinal systems and the consumption of this nutritious wild fruit by local communities. In conclusion, R. ellipticus holds strong potential for its development as a nutraceutical. It can also improve the nutritional status of villagers and uplift the economy if properly utilized and marketed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants)

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