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Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources

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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: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 10567

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Dr. Rosalva Mora-Escobedo

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Instituto Politécnico Nacional–ENCB, U.P.A.L.M., San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de Mexico 07738, Mexico
Interests: aloe vera; polysaccharides; antioxidant capacity; functional food; Biomacromolecules of plant origin; bioactive peptides; evaluation of antioxidant activity

Dr. Cristian Jiménez Martínez

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Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu Esq. Manuel Stampa, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de Mexico C.P. 11340, Mexico
Interests: antioxidant activity; plant biotechnology; food science; proteins; bioactivity; phenolic compounds; antioxidants; seeds; anthocyanins

Dr. Mercedes Martín Pedrosa

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Departmento Tecnología de Alimentos, INIA-CSIC, Ctra. de La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: bioactive compounds; novel food product legume-based; processed legumes; animal and human nutrition
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Dear Colleagues,

As is known, biofunctional metabolites with biological activity are widely distributed in plants. Increasing numbers of researchers have reported results confirming that plant metabolites have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and other biological activities that contribute to good health and fight against diseases. Therefore, biofunctional plant metabolites are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, especially post-COVID-19.

In this Special Issue, researchers are invited to contribute original research and review articles that cover all topics related to the extraction, chemical analysis, and assessment of the biological activity of plant metabolites. Potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following: the biological activity of plant metabolites; the biological activity of plant extracts; plants as active ingredients in cosmetics; plants as dietary nutrients; the effects of different environments on the chemical composition of plant metabolites.

Dr. Rosalva Mora-Escobedo
Dr. Cristian Jiménez Martínez
Dr. Mercedes Martín Pedrosa
Guest Editors

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Keywords

plant metabolites
biological activity
medicinal plants
functional plants
plant extracts

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 2314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Untargeted NMR Study of Metabolic Changes in Processing Tomato Treated with Trichoderma atroviride Under Open-Field Conditions and Exposed to Heatwave Temperatures

by Lorenzo Pin, Anatoly Petrovich Sobolev, Giulio Testone, Giuseppe Scioli, Flavia Pinzari, Francesco Magnanimi, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli and Donato Giannino

Molecules 2025, 30(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010097 - 29 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Rising temperatures due to climate change may affect the quality of open-field cultivated processing tomatoes by altering the nutrient content. Bioinoculants are growing in popularity as a nature-based strategy to mitigate these environmental stresses. Untargeted quantitative NMR spectroscopy was leveraged to characterize the metabolome of tomato fruits exposed to abiotic stress during the year 2022, which was marked by unexpected high temperatures and low rainfall compared to the year 2021 with average conditions. This study was conducted at growing sites in Tarquinia and Viterbo, comparing untreated plants to ones treated with a Trichoderma-based bioinoculant. The hotter year affected the water-soluble fraction (28 compounds), causing an increase in amino acids, citrate, and formate contents while decreasing carbohydrates together with a significant drop in β-sitosterol + campesterol in the organic fraction (11 compounds). The site mainly affected the linolenic acid levels, which were more abundant in Tarquinia than Viterbo in the hotter year, whereas ascorbate and myo-inositol were higher in Tarquinia in both years. The year × site interaction significantly affected the content of several amino acids, glucose, sucrose, and trigonelline. The bioinoculant effect was significant only for sucrose, while its interactions with the other factors showed little to no significance across all the measured metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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20 pages, 2644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selected Metabolites of Biofunctional Importance from Edible Fruits of Forest Shrubs

by Anna Przybylska-Balcerek and Kinga Stuper-Szablewska

Molecules 2025, 30(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010073 - 28 Dec 2024

Viewed by 639

Abstract

This study focused on determining the content of bioactive compounds in selected fruits of wild shrubs. The plants selected for the study were from the Rosaceae and Adoxaceae families. Particular attention should be paid to the fruits of plants commonly growing in Poland (temperate climate), such as Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus, and Sambucus nigra. The study aimed to deepen the knowledge of the content of selected secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and their antioxidant properties, as well as natural dyes. During this study, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the quantitative profile of the above-mentioned secondary metabolites of wild plant fruits. The quantitative profile of 16 phenolic acids, 9 flavonoids, 5 organic acids, 13 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 natural dyes was determined. Based on the studies, it was noted that the qualitative and quantitative profile of the bioactive compounds differs not only depending on the species but also on the location where the plant grows. A statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the content of phenols and flavonoids in fruits collected from different locations. Interestingly, differences were also observed within the species, probably depending on the geographical location and composition of the soil in which the plants were grown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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18 pages, 3589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addressing the Evolution of Cardenolide Formation in Iridoid-Synthesizing Plants: Site-Directed Mutagenesis of PRISEs (Progesterone-5β-Reductase/Iridoid Synthase-like Enzymes) of Plantago Species

by Maja Dorfner, Jan Klein, Katharina Senkleiter, Harald Lanig, Wolfgang Kreis and Jennifer Munkert

Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5788; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235788 - 7 Dec 2024

Viewed by 855

Abstract

Enzymes capable of processing a variety of compounds enable plants to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. PRISEs (progesterone-5β-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes), examples of such substrate-promiscuous enzymes, are involved in iridoid and cardenolide pathways and demonstrate notable substrate promiscuity by reducing the activated C=C double bonds of plant-borne and exogenous 1,4-enones. In this study, we identified PRISE genes in Plantago media (PmdP5βR1) and Plantago lanceolata (PlP5βR1), and the corresponding enzymes were determined to share a sequence identity of 95%. Despite the high sequence identity, recombinant expressed PmdP5βR1 was 70 times more efficient than PlP5βR1 for converting progesterone. In order to investigate the underlying reasons for this significant discrepancy, we focused on specific residues located near the substrate-binding pocket and adjacent to the conserved phenylalanine “clamp”. This clamp describes two phenylalanines influencing substrate preferences by facilitating the binding of smaller substrates, such as 2-cyclohexen-1-one, while hindering larger ones, such as progesterone. Using structural analysis based on templates PDB ID: 5MLH and 6GSD from PRISE of Plantago major, along with in silico docking, we identified positions 156 and 346 as hot spots. In PlP5βR1 amino acid residues, A156 and F346 seem to be responsible for the diminished ability to reduce progesterone. Moreover, the double mutant PlP5βR_F156L_A346L, which contains the corresponding amino acids from PmdP5βR1, showed a 15-fold increase in progesterone 5β-reduction. Notably, this modification did not significantly alter the enzyme’s ability to convert other substrates, such as 8-oxogeranial, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, and methyl vinyl ketone. Hence, a rational enzyme design by reducing the number of hotspots selectively, specifically improved the substrate preference of PlP5βR1 for progesterone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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17 pages, 732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Acute Toxicity of Caco Seed (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) in Murine Models

by Abel Arce-Ortiz, Cristian Jiménez-Martínez, Gabriel Alfonso Gutiérrez-Rebolledo, Luis Jorge Corzo-Ríos, Zendy Evelyn Olivo-Vidal, Rosalva Mora-Escobedo, Yair Cruz-Narváez and Xariss M. Sánchez-Chino

Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3243; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143243 - 9 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1780

Abstract

Chysobalanus icaco L. (C. icaco) is a plant that is native to tropical America and Africa. It is also found in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is used as food and to treat certain diseases. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical analysis of an aqueous extract of C. icaco seed (AECS), including its total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins (CT). It also aimed to examine the antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential of the AECS in vitro, as well as its toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. Antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential was examined by inhibiting DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The acute toxicity test involved a single administration of different doses of the AECS (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight). Finally, a single administration at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the AECS was used in the carrageenan-induced model of subplantar acute edema. The results showed that the AECS contained 124.14 ± 0.32 mg GAE, 1.65 ± 0.02 mg EQ, and 0.910 ± 0.01 mg of catechin equivalents/g dried extract (mg EC/g de extract) for TPC, TFC and CT, respectively. In the antioxidant potential assays, the values of the median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of the AECS were determined with DPPH (0.050 mg/mL), ABTS (0.074 mg/mL), and FRAP (0.49 mg/mL). Acute toxicity testing of the AECS revealed no lethality, with a median lethal dose (LD₅₀) value of >2 g/kg by the intragastric route. Finally, for inhibition of acute edema, the AECS decreased inflammation by 55%, similar to indomethacin (59%, p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that C. icaco seed could be considered a source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes due to its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity derived from TPC, with no lethal effect from a single intragastric administration in mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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23 pages, 1219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health-Related Composition and Bioactivity of an Agave Sap/Prickly Pear Juice Beverage

by Luisa Fernanda Duque-Buitrago, Iraham Enrique Solórzano-Lugo, Marcela González-Vázquez, Cristian Jiménez-Martínez, María Antonia Hernández-Aguirre, Perla Osorio-Díaz, Georgina Calderón-Domínguez, Verónica Loera-Castañeda and Rosalva Mora-Escobedo

Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122742 - 8 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1265

Abstract

In this study, a beverage made from a combination of Agave sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm³ to 15.67 cm³. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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14 pages, 2491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Red Sorghum-Derived Deoxyanthocyanidins and Their O-β-D-Glucosides on E-Cadherin Promoter Activity in PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

by Nathalie Mora, Maxence Rosa, Mohamed Touaibia and Luc J. Martin

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081891 - 21 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1966

Abstract

Although much less common than anthocyanins, 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins (3-DAs) and their glucosides can be found in cereals such as red sorghum. It is speculated that their bioavailability is higher than that of anthocyanins. Thus far, little is known regarding the therapeutic effects of 3-DAs and their O-β-D-glucosides on cancer, including prostate cancer. Thus, we evaluated their potential to decrease cell viability, to modulate the activity of transcription factors such as NFκB, CREB, and SOX, and to regulate the expression of the gene CDH1, encoding E-Cadherin. We found that 4′,7-dihydroxyflavylium chloride (P7) and the natural apigeninidin can reduce cell viability, whereas 4′,7-dihydroxyflavylium chloride (P7) and 4′-hydroxy-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxyflavylium chloride (P3) increase the activities of NFkB, CREB, and SOX transcription factors, leading to the upregulation of CDH1 promoter activity in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Thus, these compounds may contribute to the inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells and prevent the metastatic activity of more aggressive forms of androgen-resistant prostate cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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18 pages, 19695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of the Microbial Transformation Products of Secoisolariciresinol Using an Untargeted Metabolomics Approach and Evaluation of the Osteogenic Activities of the Metabolites

by Wen-Xuan Yu, Hok-Him Tang, Jun-Jie Ye, Hui-Hui Xiao, Chung-Yan Lam, Tim-Fat Shum, Zhi-Kang Sun, Yuan-Zhen Li, Xin-Yu Zang, Wen-Chao Du, Jian-Ping Zhang, Tsz-Hung Kong, Li-Ping Zhou, Jia-Chi Chiou, Chun-Fai Kung, Kam-Wah Mok, Jing Hu and Man-Sau Wong

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155742 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) is one of the major lignans occurring in various grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the biotransformation of dietary lignans into enterolignans, which might exhibit more potent bioactivities than the precursor lignans. This study aimed to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the microbial metabolites of SECO and to develop efficient lead compounds from the metabolites for the treatment of osteoporosis. SECO was fermented with human gut microbiota in anaerobic or micro-aerobic environments at different time points. Samples derived from microbial transformation were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics approach for metabolite identification. Nine metabolites were identified and synthesized. Their effects on cell viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and gene expression were examined. The results showed that five of the microbial metabolites exerted potential osteogenic effects similar to those of SECO or better. The results suggested that the enterolignans might account for the osteoporotic effects of SECO in vivo. Thus, the presence of the gut microbiota could offer a good way to form diverse enterolignans with bone-protective effects. The current study improves our understanding of the microbial transformation products of SECO and provides new approaches for new candidate identification in the treatment of osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)

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