Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 13625

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Leontina Grigore-Gurgu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunărea de Jos University of Galati, Domnească Street 111, 800201 Galati, Romania
Interests: listeria monocytogenes; probiotics; fermented foods and beverages; food by-products; enzymes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Elena Enachi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
Interests: high performance liquid chromatography; biologically active compounds; enzymology; proteins purification; pharmaceuticals; biomolecules
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Iuliana Aprodu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111 Domnească Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Interests: food product engineering; food proteins; functional food; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Taking into consideration the demographic aging tendency of the population, the occurrence of various oxidative stress diseases has risen significatively. Nowadays, one of the highlighted solutions is represented by bioactive compounds that have emerged as key components, being closely related to health benefits and disease prevention. Several epidemiological studies, practically, indicate that the use or a high consumption of foods or ingredients, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, deploy a positive and beneficial effect on the human health, and could decrease the risk of many stress-, metabolic-, functional decline-related diseases.

This Special Issue targets, but is not limited to, the following:

The extraction, purification, identification, and structural elucidation of newly bioactive compounds from various sources.
The characterization of newly developed bioactive ingredients that can be used for the food industry or for the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on the beneficial and functional effects exerted on the human health.
The investigation of the metabolic pathways and the bioactivities of these molecules or active ingredients, including new metabolomics approaches.

So, we would like to cordially invite our esteemed colleagues to submit both original research and review articles that cover the topics mentioned above.

Dr. Leontina Grigore-Gurgu
Dr. Elena Enachi
Prof. Dr. Iuliana Aprodu
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 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. 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

biologically active compounds
functional food ingredients
metabolic pathways
health benefits
antimicrobial activity
probiotics
chromatographic analysis
enzymes applied in food industry

Related Special Issue

Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health, 2nd Edition in Molecules

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 2977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by Dietary Antioxidants in THP-1 Macrophages and Sera from Patients with Breast Cancer

by Tiziana Latronico, Tania Petraglia, Carmela Sileo, Domenico Bilancia, Rocco Rossano and Grazia Maria Liuzzi

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081718 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 453

Abstract

Polyphenols, the main antioxidants of diet, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. Here, we compared the effects of four polyphenolic compounds on ROS production and on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which represent important pathogenetic factors of breast cancer. THP-1 differentiated macrophages were activated by LPS and simultaneously treated with different doses of a green tea extract (GTE), resveratrol (RSV), curcumin (CRC) and an olive fruit extract (oliplus). By using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, we found that all of the tested compounds showed antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, GTE, RSV and CRC were able to counteract ROS production induced by H₂O₂ in THP-1 cells. As assessed by a zymographic analysis of THP-1 supernatants and by an “in-gel zymography” of a pool of sera from patients with breast cancer, the antioxidant compounds used in this study inhibited both the activity and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through different mechanisms related to their structures and to their ability to scavenge ROS. The results of this study suggest that the used antioxidants could be promising agents for the prevention and complementary treatment of breast cancer and other diseases in which MMPs play a pivotal role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genistein Prevents Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Induced by Methylglyoxal in Endothelial Cells

by Maria Liccardo, Luigi Sapio, Shana Perrella, Ivana Sirangelo and Clara Iannuzzi

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081712 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 398

Abstract

Glycolytic overload promotes accumulation of the highly reactive dicarbonyl compounds, resulting in harmful conditions called dicarbonyl stress. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl species and its accumulation plays a crucial pathophysiological role in diabetes and its vascular complications. MG cytotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a key event underlying the intracellular signaling pathways leading to inflammation and apoptosis. The identification of compounds able to inhibit ROS signaling pathways and counteract the MG-induced toxicity is a crucial step for developing new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of diabetic vascular complications. In this study, the effect of genistein, a natural soybean isoflavone, has been evaluated on MG-induced cytotoxicity in human endothelial cells. Our results show that genistein is able to counteract the MG-induced apoptosis by restraining ROS production, thus inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathways and caspase-3 activation. These findings identify a beneficial role for genistein, providing new insights for its potential clinical applications in preserving endothelial function in diabetic vascular complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Corn Peptides with Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activating Activity Absorbed by Caco-2 Cell Monolayers

by Zhe Wang, Guanlong Li and Xiaolan Liu

Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071523 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 718

Abstract

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays a pivotal role in constraining alcohol metabolism. Assessing the ADH-activating activity in vitro can provide insight into the capacity to accelerate ethanol metabolism in vivo. In this study, ADH-activating peptides were prepared from corn protein meal (CGM) using enzymatic hydrolysis, and these peptides were subsequently identified following simulated gastrointestinal digestion and their absorption through the Caco-2 cell monolayer membrane. The current investigation revealed that corn protein hydrolysate hydrolyzed using alcalase exhibited the highest ADH activation capability, maintaining an ADH activation rate of 52.93 ± 2.07% following simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. After absorption through the Caco-2 cell monolayer membrane, ADH-activating peptides were identified. Among them, SSNCQPF, TGCPVLQ, and QPQQPW were validated to possess strong ADH activation activity, with EC₅₀ values of 1.35 ± 0.22 mM, 2.26 ± 0.16 mM, and 2.73 ± 0.13 mM, respectively. Molecular Docking revealed that the activation of ADH occurred via the formation of a stable complex between the peptide and the active center of ADH by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The results of this study also suggest that corn protein hydrolysate could be a novel functional dietary element that helps protects the liver from damage caused by alcohol and aids in alcohol metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concentrations, Sources and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Chinese Herbal Medicines

by Deyan Cao, Zhu Zhu, Siyuan Zhao, Xi Zhang, Jianzai Lin, Junji Wang, Qinghong Zeng and Meilin Zhu

Molecules 2024, 29(5), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29050972 - 22 Feb 2024

Viewed by 567

Abstract

The determination and evaluation of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seven Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) were conducted through a rapid and straightforward extraction and purification method, coupled with GC-MS. A sample-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment technique, incorporating isotopic internal standards, was employed for detecting various medicinal parts of CHMs. The assay exhibited linearity within the range of 5 to 500 ng/mL, with linear coefficients (R²) for PAHs exceeding 0.999. The recoveries of spiked standards ranged from 63.37% to 133.12%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 0.75% to 14.54%. The total PAH content varied from 176.906 to 1414.087 μg/kg. Among the 16 PAHs, phenanthrene (Phe) was consistently detected at the highest levels (47.045–168.640 μg/kg). Characteristic ratio analysis indicated that oil, coal, and biomass combustion were the primary sources of PAHs in CHMs. The health risk associated with CHMs was assessed using the lifetime carcinogenic risk approach, revealing potential health risks from the consumption of honeysuckle, while the health risks of consuming Lycium chinense berries were deemed negligible. For the other five CHMs (glycyrrhizae, Coix lacryma, ginseng, lotus seed, seed of Sterculia lychnophora), the health risk from consumption fell within acceptable ranges. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses utilizing Monte Carlo exposure assessment methods identified PAH levels in CHMs as health risk sensitizers. It is crucial to recognize that the consumption of herbal medicines is not a continuous process but entails potential health risks. Hence, the monitoring and risk assessment of PAH residues in CHMs demand careful attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Assessment of the Antioxidant Properties of the Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L. Moench) Grown with Various Mulch Materials

by Celestina Adebimpe Ojo, Kinga Dziadek, Urszula Sadowska, Joanna Skoczylas and Aneta Kopeć

Molecules 2024, 29(5), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29050971 - 22 Feb 2024

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Antioxidants are added to foods to decrease the adverse effect of reactive species that create undesirable compounds that destroy essential nutrients and, therefore, lower the nutritional, chemical and physical properties of foods. This study was carried out to determine the antioxidant properties of flowers and plant stems with leaves of Echinacea purpurea grown with mulches of different colours and thicknesses. Coneflowers were grown in the Experimental Station of the Agricultural University in Kraków, Poland. The mulching materials used were black, green and brown colours of 100 g/m² and 80 g/m² density. In plant material, e.g., flowers or plant stems plus leaves the proximate analysis, the total polyphenol content and the ability to scavenge free radicals (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) were determined. The results show that flower samples had a higher content of compound proteins, ash and phenolic compounds. The mulching colour and density did not affect the proximate analysis of the E. purpurea plant. Based on the result of this study, E. purpurea is a potential source of natural antioxidants and can be used to improve the antioxidant activity of various food products as well as in cosmetics within the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Antibacterial and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activity of Isolated Nerolidol, Farnesol, and α-Bisabolol Sesquiterpenes and Their Liposomal Nanoformulations

by Jorge Ederson Gonçalves Santana, Cícera Datiane de Morais Oliveira-Tintino, Gabriel Gonçalves Alencar, Gustavo Miguel Siqueira, Daniel Sampaio Alves, Talysson Felismino Moura, Saulo Relison Tintino, Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes, João Pedro Viana Rodrigues, Vanessa Barbosa Pinheiro Gonçalves, Roberto Nicolete, Talha Bin Emran, Clara Mariana Gonçalves Lima, Sheikh F. Ahmad, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho and Teresinha Gonçalves da Silva

Molecules 2023, 28(22), 7649; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28227649 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1059

Abstract

The efflux systems are considered important mechanisms of bacterial resistance due to their ability to extrude various antibiotics. Several naturally occurring compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, have demonstrated antibacterial activity and the ability to inhibit efflux pumps in resistant strains. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the antibacterial and inhibitory activity of the efflux systems NorA, Tet(K), MsrA, and MepA by sesquiterpenes nerolidol, farnesol, and α-bisabolol, used either individually or in liposomal nanoformulation, against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. The methodology consisted of in vitro testing of the ability of sesquiterpenes to reduce the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and enhance the action of antibiotics and ethidium bromide (EtBr) in broth microdilution assays. The following strains were used: S. aureus 1199B carrying the NorA efflux pump, resistant to norfloxacin; IS-58 strain carrying Tet(K), resistant to tetracyclines; RN4220 carrying MsrA, conferring resistance to erythromycin. For the EtBr fluorescence measurement test, K2068 carrying MepA was used. It was observed the individual sesquiterpenes exhibited better antibacterial activity as well as efflux pump inhibition. Farnesol showed the lowest MIC of 16.5 µg/mL against the S. aureus RN4220 strain. Isolated nerolidol stood out for reducing the MIC of EtBr to 5 µg/mL in the 1199B strain, yielding better results than the positive control CCCP, indicating strong evidence of NorA inhibition. The liposome formulations did not show promising results, except for liposome/farnesol, which reduced the MIC of EtBr against 1199B and RN4220. Further research is needed to evaluate the mechanisms of action involved in the inhibition of resistance mechanisms by the tested compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Benefits, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Attributes of Selected Cold-Pressed Oils

by Dobrochna Rabiej-Kozioł, Monika Momot-Ruppert, Barbara Stawicka and Aleksandra Szydłowska-Czerniak

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5484; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145484 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

The consumption of cold-pressed oils (CPOs) has continuously increased due to their health-promoting compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), tocopherols, sterols, and polyphenols. This study focused on the estimation and comparison of the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of six CPOs: linseed oil (CPLO), pumpkin oil (CPPO), milk thistle oil (CPMTO), rapeseed oil (CPRO), camelina oil (CPCO), and sunflower oil (CPSO), which are the most popular in the Polish market. These oils were analysed for their fatty acid composition (FAC), their tocopherol, sterol, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), water, and volatile matter (WVM) contents, as well as their antioxidant activity (AA) and oxidative stability parameters. Moreover, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was performed to obtain detailed information on the sensory profiles and quantitative data on the CPOs’ attributes that affected consumer acceptability and purchase intent. All of the analysed CPOs were rich in PUFA (27.94–68.42%). They were characterised by the different total amounts of health-beneficial compounds, such as tocopherols (TTC = 44.04–76.98 mg/100 g), sterols (TSC = 300–684 mg/100 g), and polyphenols (TPC = 2.93–8.32 mg GA/100 g). Additionally, their AA was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, with results ranging between 185.36–396.63, 958.59–1638.58, and 61.93–119.21 µmol TE/100 g, respectively. However, the deterioration parameters of CPOs, such as peroxide values (PV = 0.24–4.61 meq O₂/kg), p-anisidine values (pAnV = 0.39–4.77), acid values (AV = 0.31–2.82 mg KOH/g), and impurity amounts (Σ4PAHs = 1.16–8.76 μg/kg and WVM = 0.020–0.090%), did not exceed the level recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The obtained results indicated that all of the investigated CPOs are valuable sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micronized Powder of Raspberry Pomace as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

by Renata Różyło, Ryszard Amarowicz, Michał Adam Janiak, Marek Domin, Sławomir Gawłowski, Ryszard Kulig, Grzegorz Łysiak, Klaudia Rząd and Arkadiusz Matwijczuk

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4871; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124871 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Red raspberries, which contain a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals that are beneficial for human health, can be utilized as a raw material in the creation of several supplements. This research suggests micronized powder of raspberry pomace production. The molecular characteristics (FTIR), sugar, and biological potential (phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) of micronized raspberry powders were investigated. FTIR spectroscopy results revealed spectral changes in the ranges with maxima at ~1720, 1635, and 1326, as well as intensity changes in practically the entire spectral range analyzed. The discrepancies clearly indicate that the micronization of the raspberry byproduct samples cleaved the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the polysaccharides present in the samples, thus increasing the respective content of simple saccharides. In comparison to the control powders, more glucose and fructose were recovered from the micronized samples of the raspberry powders. The study’s micronized powders were found to contain nine different types of phenolic compounds, including rutin, elagic acid derivatives, cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-(2-glucosylrutinoside), cyanidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-rutinoside, and elagic acid derivatives. Significantly higher concentrations of ellagic acid and ellagic acid derivatives and rutin were found in the micronized samples than in the control sample. The antioxidant potential assessed by ABTS and FRAP significantly increased following the micronization procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteases as Tools for Modulating the Antioxidant Activity and Functionality of the Spent Brewer’s Yeast Proteins

by Loredana Dumitrașcu, Andreea Lanciu Dorofte, Leontina Grigore-Gurgu and Iuliana Aprodu

Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3763; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093763 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1310

Abstract

The functionality of the peptides obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of spent brewer’s yeast was investigated. Hydrolysis was carried out for 4–67 h with bromelain, neutrase and trypsin. The resulting hydrolysates were characterized in terms of physical-chemical, antioxidant and techno-functional properties. The solid residues and soluble protein contents increased with the hydrolysis time, the highest values being measured in samples hydrolyzed with neutrase. Regardless of the hydrolysis time, the maximum degree of hydrolysis was measured in the sample hydrolyzed with neutrase, while the lowest was in the sample hydrolyzed with trypsin. The protein hydrolysate obtained with neutrase exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (116.9 ± 2.9 μM TE/g dw), followed by the sample hydrolyzed with trypsin (102.8 ± 2.7 μM TE/g dw). Upon ultrafiltration, the fraction of low molecular weight peptides (<3 kDa) released by bromelain presented the highest antioxidant activity (50.06 ± 0.39 μM TE/g dw). The enzymes influenced the foaming properties and the emulsions-forming ability of the hydrolysates. The trypsin ensured the obtaining of proteins hydrolysate with the highest foam overrun and stability. The emulsions based on hydrolysates obtained with neutrase exhibited the highest viscosity at a shear rate over 10 s⁻¹. These results indicate that the investigated proteases are suitable for modulating the overall functionality of the yeast proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential

by Ioana Mariana Haș, Bernadette-Emőke Teleky, Katalin Szabo, Elemer Simon, Floricuta Ranga, Zorița Maria Diaconeasa, Anamaria Lavinia Purza, Dan-Cristian Vodnar, Delia Mirela Tit and Maria Nițescu

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3099; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073099 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

Due to its abundance of physiologically active ingredients, one of the oldest medicinal herbs, elderberry (EB) Sambucus nigra L., is beneficial for both therapeutic and dietary purposes. This study determined the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols from freeze-dried EB powder (FDEBP), along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract. The most significant phenolic compounds in black EB are represented by anthocyanins (41.8%), predominating cyanidin-sambubiosides and cyanidin-glucosides (90.1% of the identified anthocyanins). The FRAP assay obtained the highest antioxidant activity value (185 ± 0.18 μmol Fe²⁺/g DW). The most sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of the extract was proven to be Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 mg/mL. To determine the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols, the cell growth of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and Saccharomyces boulardii) was tested. The influence on cell growth was positive for all five probiotic strains used. Overall, the most significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 1.5% FDEBP, on L. casei with a growth index (GI) of 152.44%, very closely followed by GI at 0.5% and 1% concentrations. The stability of the total phenolic compounds through simulated gastronitestinal digestion was increased (93%), and the bioaccessibility was also elevated (75%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1298 KiB

Open AccessReview

Blackthorn—A Valuable Source of Phenolic Antioxidants with Potential Health Benefits

by Oana-Raluca Negrean, Anca Corina Farcas, Oana Lelia Pop and Sonia Ancuta Socaci

Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3456; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083456 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

Prunus spinosa L. fruit, commonly known as blackthorn, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which exhibit significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Notably, flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, and rutin have been reported to have protective effects against diabetes, while other flavonoids, including myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, exhibit antihypertensive activity. Solvent extraction methods are widely used for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plant sources, owing to their simplicity, efficacy, and broad applicability. Furthermore, modern extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), have been employed to extract polyphenols from Prunus spinosa L. fruits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biologically active compounds found in blackthorn fruits, emphasizing their direct physiological effects on the human body. Additionally, the manuscript highlights the potential applications of blackthorn fruits in various industries, including the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and functional product sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI