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Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications

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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 2024) | Viewed by 23812

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Dr. Ângelo Luís

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CICS-UBI Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: plant extracts; essential oils; polyphenols; antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; functional films
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Dear Colleagues,

Plants are known sources of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, nitrogen-containing compounds, organosulfur compounds, phenolics, etc. A wide spectrum of bioactivities are exhibited by these compounds, such as anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc. The extraction of bioactive compounds from plants requires appropriate methods and techniques that provide bioactive-ingredients-rich extracts and fractions. The extraction procedures therefore play a critical role in the yield, the nature of the phytochemical content, and in the potential application of the extracted compounds.

This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality research papers and reviews dealing with the extraction of phytochemicals and with their application in novel and innovative products, with a particular focus on new extraction strategies and advances in the characterization of the extracts. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that assess the current trends and suggest future directions on phytochemicals extraction, bioactivities and their potential applications will be also welcomed.

Dr. Ângelo Luís
Guest Editor

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Keywords

phytochemicals extraction
bioactivities
characterization of the extracts
potential applications

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) Extracts Inhibit the Growth of Fungal Isolates Associated with American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)

by Ying Gao, Ethan Swiggart, Kaela Wolkiewicz, Prabha Liyanapathiranage, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Farhat A. Avin, Eleanor F. P. Lopez, Rebecca T. Jordan, Joshua Kellogg and Eric P. Burkhart

Molecules 2024, 29(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030556 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

American ginseng, a highly valuable crop in North America, is susceptible to various diseases caused by fungal pathogens, including Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., and Pestalotiopsis spp. The development of alternative control strategies that use botanicals to control fungal pathogens in American ginseng is desired as it provides multiple benefits. In this study, we isolated and identified three fungal isolates, Alternaria panax, Fusarium sporotrichioides, and Pestalotiopsis nanjingensis, from diseased American ginseng plants. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the roots and leaves of goldenseal were prepared, and the major alkaloid constituents were assessed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Next, the antifungal effects of goldenseal extracts were tested against these three fungal pathogens. Goldenseal root ethanolic extracts exhibited the most potent inhibition against fungal growth, while goldenseal root aqueous extracts and leaf ethanolic extracts showed only moderate inhibition. At 2% (m/v) concentration, goldenseal root ethanolic extracts showed an inhibition rate of 86.0%, 94.9%, and 39.1% against A. panax, F. sporotrichioides, and P. nanjingensis, respectively. The effect of goldenseal root ethanolic extracts on the mycelial morphology of fungal isolates was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mycelia of the pathogens treated with the goldenseal root ethanolic extract displayed considerable morphological alterations. This study suggests that goldenseal extracts have the potential to be used as a botanical fungicide to control plant fungal diseases caused by A. panax, F. sporotrichioides, or P. nanjingensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Content Analysis of Two Species Belonging to the Lamiaceae Family: Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, and Antibacterial Activities

by Ashwell R. Ndhlala, Mesut Işık, Arzu Kavaz Yüksel and Emrah Dikici

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020480 - 18 Jan 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2037

Abstract

The Lamiaceae family are utilized as ornamental, medicinal, and food supplements throughout the world. The current study focuses on a comparative analysis of the phenolic compositions and bioactivities (including antioxidant, anticholinergic, and antibacterial activities) of ethanolic extracts derived from the aerial parts of the two species (Lavandula stoechas L. and Thymus sipyleus Boiss). The presence of phenolic compounds and phytochemicals in the plant extracts was identified using the LC-MS/MS technique. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that vanillic acid (125,596.66 µg/L) was the most abundant phytochemical in L. stoechas. Kaempferol (8550.52 µg/L) was the most abundant substance in Thymus sipyleus. The assessment of the antioxidant efficacy of the species extracts was conducted using the DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), ABTS (2.2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), Fe³⁺–Fe²⁺ reducing, and CUPRAC (Cu²⁺–Cu⁺ reducing) assays. The anticholinergic activity of the samples was determined using the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay. The results of antioxidant activity were higher in the T. sipyleus than in the L. stoechas ethanol extracts. The extracts of L. stoechas exhibited radical scavenging activity ranging from 15 to 18%, while T. sipyleus had activity effects ranging from 34% to 38%. The AChE inhibition potential for L. stoechas and T. sipyleus extracts as IC₅₀ values were 0.221 ± 0.01 mg/mL and 0.067 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial effects of the ethanolic extracts of these species against pathogenic bacteria isolates were determined using the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) method. These findings indicated that the extracts from L. stoechas and T. sipyleus possess the potential to be natural antioxidants in the realm of food preservation. Additionally, their antioxidant, anticholinergic, and antimicrobial properties suggest potential therapeutic utility in the management of certain diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

26 pages, 2637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, and Antidiabetic Activities and Chemical Composition of Salvia balansae

by Amırat Mokhtar, Tabak Souhila, Bouriah Nacéra, Benabdallah Amina, Mohammed I. Alghonaim, Mehmet Öztürk, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Mohamed Djamel Miara, Fehmi Boufahja and Hamdi Bendif

Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7801; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237801 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

Context: Salvia balansae de Noé (S. balansae) (Lamiaceae) is known to be an important plant used in folk medicine as an herbal remedy in Algeria. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibitory activities, and antimicrobial activities of S. balansae extracts. Materials and methods: A methanolic extract and a petroleum ether extract from the aerial parts of the plant were assessed for their chemical composition. HPLC-MS and HPLC-DAD assessed the content of phenols, GC-MS the fatty acid composition, and ICP-MS the mineral profiles of the plant. Additionally, we evaluated the bioactivities of S. balansae extracts by the DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays, including the antioxidant potential against AChE, BChE, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase for enzyme inhibition. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the methanolic extract were determined by the disc diffusion test against several strains of bacteria and yeasts. Results: Our findings revealed that the aerial parts of S. balansae were rich in phytochemical components and contained large amounts of minerals. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of 12 compounds in three major classes, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid, and phenolic acid derivatives, with 0.61, 0.45, and 0.29 mg/g of extract, respectively. Nine phenolic constituents were quantified by HPLC-MS analysis; catechin (72.5%) was the main compound, followed by myricetin (21.7%). The fatty acid composition of the S. balansae petroleum ether extract by GC-MS analysis was quantified. Seventeen compounds, including palmitic acid, were identified as the major fatty acids. The antioxidant activity of the S. balansae extracts was measured by three different methods: the methanol extract provided better results than the petroleum ether extract, and interesting values were noted for the DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays of 242.7 ± 7.44, 124.1 ± 9.70, and 222.9 ± 6.05 µg/mL, respectively. The enzyme inhibition activity of the plant could not be determined. The antimicrobial results of the methanolic extract obtained from the disc diffusion method, followed by measurements of MIC, MBC, and MFC against several bacteria and yeasts, indicated that S. balansae exhibited noticeable antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Conclusions: These results provided new data about the main phenolic compounds and biological activities of extracts of the aerial parts of S. balansae, which might be an alternative source for synthetic bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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12 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Extract and Isolated Compounds

by Jinfeng Yang, Joo Seok Kim, Yong Soo Kwon, Eun Soo Seong and Myong Jo Kim

Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7354; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217354 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative activities of Eclipta prostrata extracts. Two flavonoids, 3′-O-methylorobol and apigenin 7-sulfate, were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of E. prostrata. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the E. prostrata extracts, as well as their overall antioxidant activities as measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power assays, were investigated. The E. prostrata EtOAc extract exhibited significantly greater antioxidant activities in both assays and higher phenol and flavonoid contents than the other extracts. The potential antiproliferative properties of the E. prostrata extracts and isolated compounds were investigated in vitro against the AGS, A549, and HT-29 cancer cell lines and the normal human HEK-293 cell line using the MTT assay. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining analysis and quantitative real-time PCR were used to assess AGS cell apoptosis. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the EtOAc extract of E. prostrata reduced AGS cell viability and proliferation by inducing apoptosis through the alteration of gene expression in the apoptotic cascade. These results highlight E. prostrata as a promising source of anticancer compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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13 pages, 2880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knotwood and Branchwood Polyphenolic Extractives of Silver Fir, Spruce and Douglas Fir and Their Antioxidant, Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties

by Pauline Gérardin, David Hentges, Philippe Gérardin, Pierre Vinchelin, Stéphane Dumarçay, Coralie Audoin and Christine Gérardin-Charbonnier

Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6391; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176391 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1922

Abstract

The extractive contents of three softwood species largely used in the wood industry, namely Abies alba (Silver fir), Picea abies (spruce) and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), have been determined quantitatively for knots and at different points chosen along their branches, before analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The results indicated that branchwood samples located in close proximity to the stem present high contents of extractives similar to those recorded for the knots. HPLC analysis showed quite similar chemical compositions, indicating that first cm of the branches could be considered as an additional source of knotwood. The antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of knot’s extractives have been investigated with the dual objective of better understanding the role of high levels of secondary metabolites present in the knot and evaluating their potential for biorefinery applications. The antioxidant activity study showed that crude extracts of Douglas fir knotwood presented higher radical scavenging activity levels than the extracts of Silver fir and spruce, which presented more or less the same activities. Silver fir and spruce knotwood extracts presented higher antibacterial activity levels than the Douglas fir knotwood extracts did, while Douglas fir knotwood extracts presented more fungal growth inhibition than the spruce and fir knotwood extracts did. The structure–activity relationships indicate that radical scavenging and antifungal activities are associated with a higher relative quantity of flavonoids in the crude extracts, while higher relative quantities of lignans are associated with antibacterial activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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13 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Profiles, Antihyperglycemic, Anti-Diabetic, and Antioxidant Properties of Egyptian Sonchus oleraceus Leaves Extract: An In Vivo Study

by Nesrein S. Salim, Mohamed Abdel-Alim, Huda E. M. Said and Mohamed F. Foda

Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6389; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176389 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2182

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the phenolic and antioxidant properties of Egyptian Sonchus oleraceus leaves extract (SOE) while comparing the antihyperglycemic efficacy of SOE with that of conventional medicines (glibenclamide) in vivo as a substitution for insulin-deficient patients. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in SOE contributed around 127.66 ± 0.56 mg GAE/gm as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 74.80 ± 0.55 mg QE/gm as quercetin equivalent (QE). SOE also showed significant DPPH scavenging activity at 43.46%. The presence of five phenolic and six flavonoid compounds in SOE was discovered by HPLC analysis. For the in vivo assay, 42 rats were distributed into six groups (7 Wister albino rats each). The standard control group was fed a basal diet. While the 35 rats were induced with a single dose of 100 mg kg⁻¹ body weight (b.w.) alloxan, then treated orally with glibenclamide (GLI) at 10 mg kg⁻¹, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg⁻¹ SOE (positive control group) for 56 days of routine gastric oral gavages and compared to the effects of GLI, the treatment of SOE 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ in diabetic rats for two months dramatically decreased blood glucose, total lipid, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels and improving liver and kidney functions. The histological assay revealed that the SOE 300 mg kg⁻¹ treatment significantly improved the pancreas tissues, implying the potential application of Egyptian SOE as a diabetes treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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18 pages, 4420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Structural Characteristics Analysis of a Vigna unguiculata Polysaccharide VUP80-3 and Its Protective Effect on GES-1 Cells In Vitro

by Yijun Fan, Erya Xu, Jie Ma, Xuebing Li, Yuanyuan Liu, Linlong Xu and Aoxue Luo

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5566; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145566 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1746

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the main edible legume vegetables in China, and it can improve spleen and stomach function. A polysaccharide component (VUP80-3) has been isolated from V. unguiculata in this study. The average molecular weight of VUP80-3 is 6.43 × 10⁴ Da, and the main monosaccharide group is glucose. The mass ratio of monosaccharide groups in the polysaccharide was glucose:galactose:arabinose:rhamnose:xylose:mannose:fucose = 152.36:24.50:16.53:8.13:1.26:0.97:0.82. NMR analysis showed that VUP80-3 has →4)-α-D-Galp (1→ and →4)-α-D-Glcp(1→ main chain and →3,4)-β-D-Glcp(1→, →4,6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ branch chains, and the terminal sugar is α-D-Glcp(1→. Biological activity test results showed that VUP80-3 at 1000 μg·mL⁻¹ significantly increased the activity of ethanol injured GES-1 cells (p < 0.01) and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ethanol injured GES-1 cells and inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α,) in GES-1 cells. This compound also reduced the apoptosis rate (p < 0.05), thereby significantly reducing the oxidative damage caused by ethanol in GES-1 cells. Therefore, VUP80-3 is a potential drug to protect the gastric mucosa from damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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11 pages, 3452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng from Burkina Faso, and Effects against Prostate and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

by Bagora Bayala, Laetizia Liz Coulibaly, Florencia Djigma, Julio Bunay, Albert Yonli, Lassina Traore, Silvère Baron, Gilles Figueredo, Jacques Simpore and Jean-Marc A. Lobaccaro

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4561; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114561 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the essential oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (C. schoenanthus) from Burkina Faso in terms of cytotoxic activity against LNCaP cells, derived from prostate cancer, and HeLa cells, derived from cervical cancer. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in vitro. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Thirty-seven compounds were identified, the major compounds being piperitone (49.9%), δ-2-carene (24.02%), elemol (5.79%) and limonene (4.31%). EO exhibited a poor antioxidant activity, as shown by the inhibition of DPPH radicals (IC₅₀ = 1730 ± 80 µg/mL) and ABTS^+. (IC₅₀ = 2890 ± 26.9 µg/mL). Conversely, EO decreased the proliferation of LNCaP and HeLa cells with respective IC50 values of 135.53 ± 5.27 µg/mL and 146.17 ± 11 µg/mL. EO also prevented LNCaP cell migration and led to the arrest of their cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Altogether, this work points out for the first time that EO of C. schoenanthus from Burkina Faso could be an effective natural anticancer agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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Review

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21 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessReview

Walnut By-Products and Elderberry Extracts—Sustainable Alternatives for Human and Plant Health

by Anca Sandu-Bălan (Tăbăcariu), Irina-Loredana Ifrim, Oana-Irina Patriciu, Ioana-Adriana Ștefănescu and Adriana-Luminița Fînaru

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020498 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

A current alternative for sustainable development through green chemistry is the replacement of synthetic compounds with natural ones through the superior capitalization of natural resources, with numerous applications in different fields. The benefits of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have been known since ancient times, due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, tannins, steroids, anthocyanins, etc. These active compounds have multiple biological activities for human health, including benefits that are antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, etc. Like other medicinal plants, the walnut and the elderberry possess important phytosanitary properties (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) and their extracts can also be used as environmentally safe biopesticides, with the result that they constitute a viable and cheap alternative to environmentally harmful synthetic products. During recent years, walnut by-products and elderberries have attracted the attention of researchers, and investigations have focused on the species’ valuable constituents and active properties. Comparing the information from the literature regarding the phytochemical profile and biological activities, it is highlighted that, apart from the predominant specific compounds, the walnut and the elderberry have common bioactive compounds, which come from six classes (phenols and derivatives, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids), and act on the same microorganisms. From this perspective, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the bioactive compounds present in the different constitutive parts of walnut by-products and elderberries, which present a specific or common activity related to human health and the protection of agricultural crops in the context of sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Bioactivities and Applications)

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