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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition

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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: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 6944

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Dr. Aleksandra Sentkowska

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Srodowiskowe Laboratorium Ciezkich Jonow, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: selenium; speciation; HILIC; polyphenols
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Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive compounds of plant origin possess valuable properties and have been employed in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, there is significant interest in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals containing plant extracts. Despite scientific developments, many people still reach for traditional treatment methods before going to the doctor. This has prompted scientists to professionally study the properties of materials of plant origin. Therefore, knowledge regarding the content of certain compounds in plants, the study of their antioxidant and biological properties, and their potential use in medicine remains pertinent.

This Special Issue welcomes potential authors to contribute original articles, short communications, and review articles that focus on natural plant bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and others), the methods used to extract and isolate these compounds from the plant material, and their antioxidant and biological activity. We also welcome the submission of research concerning the potential application of bioactive compounds.

Dr. Aleksandra Sentkowska
Guest Editor

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
natural plant products
antioxidant activity
extraction methods
polyphenols
flavonoids

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1888 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Gaseous Ozone to Enhance Quality and Microbiological Safety of Strawberries

by Miłosz Zardzewiały, Oskar Basara, Ireneusz Kapusta, Maciej Balawejder and Józef Gorzelany

Molecules 2026, 31(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31010042 - 22 Dec 2025

Viewed by 404

Abstract

Ozonation represents one of the most promising non-thermal methods for enhancing the quality and storage safety of fresh fruits. In this study, the effects of gaseous ozone fumigation at different concentrations (10 and 50 ppm) and exposure times (10 and 20 min) on selected physicochemical and microbiological properties of strawberries during 7-day refrigerated storage were evaluated. Water content, mechanical properties, the profile and content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, vitamin C), and antioxidant activity, as well as microbial counts and the dynamics of CO₂ and ethylene production, were assessed. The results demonstrated that ozonation reduced water loss and slowed metabolic processes and fruit ripening, as indicated by lower CO₂ and ethylene levels compared to the control. The application of ozone, particularly at the higher dose (50 ppm), contributed to maintaining higher vitamin C content and antioxidant activity and significantly reduced the number of mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, and molds, achieving reductions of approximately 1.86 log and 0.97 log on Day 7 compared with the untreated control, respectively. No adverse effects of ozonation on the mechanical properties of the fruit were observed. The findings confirm the relevance of gaseous ozone as a quality-enhancing elicitor and an effective tool for reducing microbiological contamination of fresh strawberries without compromising their properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 3585 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Extraction Method on the Content of Bioactive Compounds and the Biological Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts

by Romuald Gwiazdowski, Krzysztof Juś, Krzysztof Kubiak, Róża Biegańska-Marecik, Agnieszka Waśkiewicz and Daniela Gwiazdowska

Molecules 2025, 30(24), 4736; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30244736 - 11 Dec 2025

Viewed by 554

Abstract

Ensuring food safety and consumer health are crucial elements of sustainable food safety management, requiring the use of substances that inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms at various stages of production. The negative impact of many of these on human health and the environment has led to increased interest in alternative solutions, such as plant extracts. The aim of this study was to determine the biological activity of extracts obtained from Nigella sativa seeds using various methods, including Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using hexane and methanol and supercritical CO₂ extraction (SFE) assisted with methanol. The content of polyphenolic compounds, their composition, and biological activity depended on the extraction method and solvent type. All extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Priestia megaterium, and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), yeasts (Candida albicans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and filamentous fungi (Alternaria brassicicola, Pythium sp., Fusarium culmorum, and F. graminearum). The MIC values were in the range of <0.125 to 2 mg/mL for bacteria and 1 to 8 mg/mL for fungi, depending on the extract. Microscopic observations performed using optical and fluorescence microscopy showed changes in the viability and morphology of the fungal cells. TPC values ranged from 9.877 mg/g in hexane extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction to 39.064 mg/g in extract obtained by Soxhlet method with methanol. No negative effects of the extracts on wheat seed germination were observed. Analysis of the composition of polyphenolic compounds revealed the presence of vanillic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric, catechin, and epicatechin acids in all extracts. The extracts obtained with methanol, both by the Soxhlet method and by ultrasound-assisted extraction, also contained gallic acid, myricetin, luteolin, apigenin, and sinapic acid. In all extracts, thymoquinone ranged from 8.344 mg/g to 63.125 mg/g of extract, which was detected with the highest concentration in hexane extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2706 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Green Leaves and Rhizomes of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile on LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

by Giulia Abruscato, Daniela Ganci, Federica Bellistrì, Roberto Chiarelli, Manuela Mauro, Aiti Vizzini, Vincenzo Arizza, Mirella Vazzana and Claudio Luparello

Molecules 2025, 30(24), 4685; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30244685 - 7 Dec 2025

Viewed by 399

Abstract

The marine angiosperm Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile, 1813 is a rich source of phytotherapeutic compounds whose potential applications for human health remain largely uninvestigated. Here, we determined the differential impact of aqueous extracts from P. oceanica’s green leaves (GLE) and rhizomes (RE) on the inflammation-related mRNA expressions and protein levels, nitric oxide (NO) release, and endocytic activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. We also examined the influence of the extracts in modulating the activation of components of intracellular signaling pathways. Co-treatments of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in the presence of either GLE or RE resulted in a reduction in NO production, associated with a down-regulation of Nos2 expression, reduced levels of COX-2 and TNFα proteins, and a decrease in Nfkb1 expression and NF-κB activation. No effect was exerted on the release of IL-6. Moreover, co-exposures to LPS and the extracts led to an elevation in pJNK and pAKT levels alongside a reduction in pERK. In contrast to GLE, RE specifically lowered IL-1β production, induced a more robust increase in IL-10, positively influenced the endocytic function of RAW 264.7 cells, and drastically up-regulated the phosphorylation of p38. The data obtained indicate that GLE and RE exhibit considerable promise as prospective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2129 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on Antioxidant Potential of Schinus terebinthifolius Extracts Prepared by Conventional Extraction, Accelerated Solvent Extraction, and Pulsed Electric Field Method

by Tanakarn Chaithep, Anurak Muangsanguan, Juan M. Castagnini, Francisco J. Marti-Quijal, Korawan Sringarm, Chaiwat Arjin, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Francisco J. Barba and Warintorn Ruksiriwanich

Molecules 2025, 30(17), 3589; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173589 - 2 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1666

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin aging and related disorders. This study comparatively evaluated the bioefficacy of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaf extracts prepared using three extraction techniques: conventional extraction (CE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction, with 50% (v/v) ethanol and water as green solvents. Among all tested conditions, the CE-derived extract (C-4), obtained with 50% (v/v) ethanol for 120 min, exhibited the highest extraction yield (29.7%). It also showed the highest total phenolic (668.56 ± 11.52 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry material (DM)) and flavonoid content (2629.92 ± 112.61 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DM), and potent antioxidant activity against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (12,645.50 ± 60.31 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DM) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC: 7180.27 ± 101.79 µM TE/100 g DM). Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical profile rich in polyphenols, including gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Cellular assays in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced HaCaT keratinocytes demonstrated that C-4 extract significantly enhanced cell viability and upregulated endogenous antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)), with effects comparable to established antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ascorbic acid. These findings highlight the influence of extraction parameters on phytochemical yield and biological activity, supporting the potential application of CE-derived S. terebinthifolius extracts as effective, sustainable ingredients for cosmeceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress-mediated skin aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 2039 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Elicitation of an Antigen-Specific Antibody Immune Response Using a Nanoparticulate Adjuvant Derived from Saponaria officinalis

by Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Madina Alexyuk, Pavel Alexyuk, Elmira Omirtayeva, Irina Zaitseva, Yergali Moldakhanov, Elmira Anarkulova and Vladimir Berezin

Molecules 2025, 30(16), 3328; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30163328 - 9 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1119

Abstract

The use of vaccines incorporating subunit proteins and viral components has significantly increased in recent decades, emphasizing the need for more effective and modular adjuvants. This study examined saponins from Saponaria officinalis, regarded as one of the most promising plant sources for developing an adjuvant platform using nanocomplex formation. A nanoparticle adjuvant containing saponins from Saponaria officinalis can be used to stimulate a humoral immune response; this ability was demonstrated using a model that included various viral proteins. The humoral immune response enhanced by saponin-containing adjuvants can increase from four to sixteen times, depending on the type of antigen used. Additionally, this response surpasses that triggered by antigens paired with aluminum hydroxide and is comparable to responses induced by adjuvants that contain Quil A. The further investigation of these platforms may yield a broader range of immunostimulants that can enhance vaccine effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gallic, Aconitic, and Crocetin Acids as Potential TNF Modulators: An Integrated Study Combining Molecular Docking, Dynamics Simulations, ADMET Profiling, and Gene Expression Analysis

by Adolat Manakbayeva, Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Timur Kerimov, Igor Yershov, Pavel Alexyuk, Madina Alexyuk, Vladimir Berezin and Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3175; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153175 - 29 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1012

Abstract

Organic acids, as natural metabolites, play crucial roles in human metabolism and health. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a pivotal mediator in immune regulation and inflammation, is a key therapeutic target. We evaluated ten organic acids as TNF modulators using in silico molecular docking, followed by detailed ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for three lead candidates: gallic, aconitic, and crocetin acids. Their effects on TNF gene expression were then assessed in vivo using a mouse leukocyte model. The in silico results indicated that crocetin had the highest TNF binding affinity (−5.6 to −4.6 kcal/mol), while gallic acid formed the most stable protein-ligand complex during MD simulations, and aconitic acid established hydrogen bond interactions. ADMET analysis suggested potential pharmacokinetic limitations, including low permeability. Contrasting its high predicted binding affinity, in vivo gene expression analysis revealed that crocetin stimulated TNF synthesis, whereas gallic and aconitic acids acted as inhibitors. This research explores organic acids as potential TNF modulators, highlighting their complex interactions and providing a foundation for developing these compounds as anti-inflammatory agents targeting TNF-mediated diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Is There Any Correlation Between Green Synthesis Parameters and the Properties of Obtained Selenium Nanoparticles?

by Aleksandra Sentkowska, Julia Folcik, Jakub Szmytke and Anna Grudniak

Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132865 - 5 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show enormous potential in biomedical applications. In recent years, green methods of their synthesis have become very popular. In this work, the influence of green synthesis conditions on the properties of the obtained nanoparticles was investigated. For this purpose, extracts of eight medicinal herbs were used, and the reaction was carried out with changing ratios of reagents and variable temperature. All obtained SeNPs were characterized by high stability, which is confirmed by the negative values of their zeta potential ranging from −11.8 to −29.4 mV. The highest correlation coefficient was determined between the size of the obtained SeNPs and the ratio of reagents used for the synthesis (the correlation coefficient is 0.681 for the synthesis carried out at room temperature and 0.914 for elevated temperature). In each case, the smallest nanoparticles were obtained from the synthesis carried out in a 1:1 reagent ratio. It was assessed that sometimes it is difficult to determine correlations between the results collected for all syntheses; therefore, the same correlations determined for specific herbs were also analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 2nd Edition)

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