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Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 36491

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stefano Castellani

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Guest Editor

Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
Interests: drug delivery using nanoparticles in vitro; cell imaging; cellular models of inflammation; natural antioxidants for airway epithelium; chronic respiratory diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Massimo Conese

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Guest Editor

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
Interests: nose-to-brain delivery; applications of nanoparticles to drug delivery; Parkinson’s disease; mucopenetration; mesenchymal stem cells; exosomes; airway diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant-derived phenolic compounds, a large group of water-soluble metabolites, have protective roles against a variety of environmental stresses by scavenging free radicals during oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds vary from low molecular weight monomers to high molecular weight molecules and can be widely found in fruits, seeds, flowers, and leafs. The most important classes of phenolic compounds are flavonoids (i.e. catechin,epicatechin) quinones, stilbenes (i.e. resveratrol) and essential oils (i.e. thymol, carvacrol). Monomers of (+)-catechins and the isomer (−)-epicatechins polymerize to form condensed tannins called proanthocyanidins. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are considered as beneficial molecole for prevention and treatment of several diseases, since it has been shown that they have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. They have also proved effective as cardioprotective agents by inhibiting the LDL oxidation involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, these active molecules have also evidenced efficacy in improving diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or nephropathy. Plant-derived phenolic compounds have shown anticancer properties by slowing tumor development through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Phenolic compounds have been found to present strong antimicrobial agents, i.e. they provide antiadhesive actions against bacteria in urinary and dental infections. Finally, these compounds can increase migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and enhance wound healing as well o control the functions and behavior of MSCs during immunomodulation. This Special Issue will contain contributions concerning different aspects of the use of phenolic plant-derived molecules for prevention and therapy of several diseases, in order to understand the mechanisms involved in their protective role, their bioavailability and their metabolism in human tissue. Moreover the use of different strategies for extraction, synthesis and delivery of these compounds,will be covered.

Prof. Dr. Stefano Castellani
Prof. Dr. Massimo Conese
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Phenolic compounds
Extraction
Synthesis
Oxidative stress
Inflammation
Cancer
Neurodegenerative diseases
Cardiovascular diseases
Diabetes
Mesenchymal stem cells
Drug delivery

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Properties, Bioactive Compounds Contents, and Chemical Characterization of Two Wild Edible Mushroom Species from Morocco: Paralepista flaccida (Sowerby) Vizzini and Lepista nuda (Bull.) Cooke

by El Hadi Erbiai, Abdelfettah Maouni, Luís Pinto da Silva, Rabah Saidi, Mounir Legssyer, Zouhaire Lamrani and Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031123 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1860

Abstract

Mushrooms have been consumed for centuries and have recently gained more popularity as an important source of nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds. As part of the valorization of mushroom species in northern Morocco, the current study aimed to investigate the chemical compositions and antioxidant properties of two wild edible mushrooms, Paralepista flaccida and Lepista nuda. Herein, the bioactive compounds were determined using spectrophotometer methods, and results showed that the value of total phenolic content (TPC) was found to be higher in P. flaccida (32.86 ± 0.52 mg) than in L. nuda (25.52 ± 0.56 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/mg of dry methanolic extract (dme)). On the other hand, the value of total flavonoid content (TFC) was greater in L. nuda than in P. flaccida, with values of 19.02 ± 0.80 and 10.34 ± 0.60 mg of (+)-catechin equivalents (CEs)/g dme, respectively. Moreover, the ascorbic acid, tannin, and carotenoids content was moderate, with a non-significant difference between the two samples. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis allowed the identification and quantification of thirteen individual phenolic compounds in both P. flaccida and L. nuda, whereas p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was recognized as the major compound detected, with values of 138.50 ± 1.58 and 587.90 ± 4.89 µg/g of dry weight (dw), respectively. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of methanolic extracts of P. flaccida and L. nuda revealed the presence of sixty-one and sixty-six biomolecules, respectively. These biomolecules can mainly be divided into four main groups, namely sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and organic acids. Moreover, glycerol (12.42%) and mannitol (10.39%) were observed to be the main chemical compositions of P. flaccida, while L. nuda was predominated by linolelaidic acid (21.13%) and leucine (9.05%). L. nuda showed a strong antioxidant property, evaluated by DPPH (half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) 1.18–0.98 mg/mL); β-carotene bleaching (EC₅₀ 0.22–0.39 mg/mL); and reducing power methods (EC₅₀ 0.63–0.48 mg/mL), respectively. These findings suggested that both mushrooms are potential sources of various biomolecules, many of which possess important biological activities which are interesting for the foods and pharmaceuticals industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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16 pages, 3846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Semisynthetic Catechin on Phosphatidylglycerol Membranes: A Mixed Experimental and Simulation Study

by Elisa Aranda, José A. Teruel, Antonio Ortiz, María Dolores Pérez-Cárceles, José N. Rodríguez-López and Francisco J. Aranda

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010422 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1256

Abstract

Catechins have been shown to display a great variety of biological activities, prominent among them are their chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic properties against several types of cancer. The amphiphilic nature of catechins points to the membrane as a potential target for their actions. 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoate of catechin (TMBC) is a modified structural analog of catechin that shows significant antiproliferative activity against melanoma and breast cancer cells. Phosphatidylglycerol is an anionic membrane phospholipid with important physical and biochemical characteristics that make it biologically relevant. In addition, phosphatidylglycerol is a preeminent component of bacterial membranes. Using biomimetic membranes, we examined the effects of TMBC on the structural and dynamic properties of phosphatidylglycerol bilayers by means of biophysical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, together with an analysis through molecular dynamics simulation. We found that TMBC perturbs the thermotropic gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition and promotes immiscibility in both phospholipid phases. The modified catechin decreases the thickness of the bilayer and is able to form hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups of the phospholipid. Experimental data support the simulated data that locate TMBC as mostly forming clusters in the middle region of each monolayer approaching the carbonyl moiety of the phospholipid. The presence of TMBC modifies the structural and dynamic properties of the phosphatidylglycerol bilayer. The decrease in membrane thickness and the change of the hydrogen bonding pattern in the interfacial region of the bilayer elicited by the catechin might contribute to the alteration of the events taking place in the membrane and might help to understand the mechanism of action of the diverse effects displayed by catechins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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15 pages, 1547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition Profiling and Antifungal Activity of Saffron Petal Extract

by Nadia Naim, Marie-Laure Fauconnier, Nabil Ennahli, Abdessalem Tahiri, Mohammed Baala, Ilham Madani, Said Ennahli and Rachid Lahlali

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248742 - 09 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

Numerous fungal plant pathogens can infect fresh fruits and vegetables during transit and storage conditions. The resulting infections were mainly controlled by synthetic fungicides, but their application has many drawbacks associated with the threatened environment and human health. Therefore, the use of natural plants with antimicrobial potential could be a promising alternative to overcome the side effects of fungicides. In this regard, this study aimed at evaluating the antifungal activity potential of saffron petal extract (SPE) against three mains important fungal pathogens: Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium digitatum and Botritys cinerea, which cause rot decay on the tomato, orange and apple fruits, respectively. In addition, the organic composition of SPE was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy and its biochemical, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were carried out. The obtained results highlighted an increased inhibition rate of the mycelial growth and spore germination of the three pathogenic fungi with increasing SPE concentrations. The mycelial growth and spore germination were completely inhibited at 10% of the SPE for Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium digitatum and at 5% for B. cinerea. Interestingly, the in vivo test showed the complete suppression of Rhizopus rot by the SPE at 10%, and a significant reduction of the severity of grey mold disease (37.19%) and green mold, when applied at 5 and 10%, respectively. The FT-IR spectra showed characteristic peaks and a variety of functional groups, which confirmed that SPE contains phenolic and flavonoid components. In addition, The average value of the total phenolic content, flavonoid content and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) were 3.09 ± 0.012 mg GAE/g DW, 0.92 ± 0.004 mg QE/g DW and 235.15 ± 2.12 µg/mL, respectively. A volatile analysis showed that the most dominant component in the saffron petal is 2(5H)-Furanone (92.10%). Taken together, it was concluded that SPE could be used as an alternative to antioxidant and antifungal compounds for the control of postharvest diseases in fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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14 pages, 2436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HPLC Analysis and the Antioxidant and Preventive Actions of Opuntia stricta Juice Extract against Hepato-Nephrotoxicity and Testicular Injury Induced by Cadmium Exposure

by Xiaoli Zhu and Khaled Athmouni

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4972; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154972 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Opuntia stricta is a rich source of phenolic compounds. This species generally has strong antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds isolated from Opuntia stricta, including its radical scavenging activities and preventive action against Cd-induced oxidative stress in rats. To assess the protection of prickly pear juice extract (PPJE) against Cd-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity and testicular damage, male albino rats received PPJE (250 mg kg⁻¹) and/or Cd (1 mg kg⁻¹) by oral administration and injection, respectively, for five consecutive weeks. The preventive action of PPJE was estimated using biochemical markers of kidney and liver tissues, antioxidant status, and histological examinations. In the present study, the lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls, antioxidant status, and metallothionein levels were determined in different tissues. The chromatographic analysis indicated that PPJE extract is very rich in phenolic compounds such as verbascoside, catechin hydrate, and oleuropein. Our results showed that PPJE-treated rats had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Cd levels in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, the administration of PPJE induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid peroxidation of 30.5, 54.54, and 40.8 in the liver, kidney, and testicle, respectively, and an increase in antioxidant status in these tissues. Additionally, PPJE showed a strong ability to protect renal, hepatic, and testicular architectures against Cd exposure. This study revealed that PPJE protects against the toxic effects of Cd, possibly through its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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21 pages, 4040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Administering Antioxidant Grape Seed-Derived Polyphenol Compounds: A Potential Application in Aquaculture

by Adriana Trapani, María Ángeles Esteban, Francesca Curci, Daniela Erminia Manno, Antonio Serra, Giuseppe Fracchiolla, Cristóbal Espinosa-Ruiz, Stefano Castellani and Massimo Conese

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020344 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2357

Abstract

The supply of nutrients, such as antioxidant agents, to fish cells still represents a challenge in aquaculture. In this context, we investigated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) composed of a combination of Gelucire^® 50/13 and Precirol^® ATO5 to administer a grape seed extract (GSE) mixture containing several antioxidant compounds. The combination of the two lipids for the SLN formation resulted in colloids exhibiting mean particle sizes in the range 139–283 nm and zeta potential values in the range +25.6–43.4 mV. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction evidenced structural differences between the free GSE and GSE-loaded SLN, leading to the conclusion that GSE alters the structure of the lipid nanocarriers. From a biological viewpoint, cell lines from gilthead seabream and European sea bass were exposed to different concentrations of GSE-SLN for 24 h. In general, at appropriate concentrations, GSE-SLN increased the viability of the fish cells. Furthermore, regarding the gene expression in those cells, the expression of antioxidant genes was upregulated, whereas the expression of hsp70 and other genes related to the cytoskeleton was downregulated. Hence, an SLN formulation containing Gelucire^® 50/13/Precirol^® ATO5 and GSE may represent a compelling platform for improving the viability and antioxidant properties of fish cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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21 pages, 7626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Resveratrol Treatment on Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Alterations of Bcl-2 Family Members

by Katarzyna Ratajczak, Natalia Glatzel-Plucińska, Katarzyna Ratajczak-Wielgomas, Katarzyna Nowińska and Sylwia Borska

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6560; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216560 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Pancreatic cancers are among of the most lethal types of neoplasms, and are mostly detected at an advanced stage. Conventional treatment methods such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy often do not bring the desired therapeutic effects. For this reason, natural compounds are increasingly being used as adjuvants in cancer therapy. Polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol, are of particular interest. The aim of this study is to analyze the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic mechanisms of resveratrol on human pancreatic cells. The study was carried out on three human pancreatic cancer cell lines: EPP85-181P, EPP85-181RNOV (mitoxantrone-resistant cells) and AsPC-1, as well as the normal pancreatic cell line H6c7. The cytotoxicity of resveratrol in the tested cell lines was assessed by the colorimetric method (MTT) and the flow cytometry method. Three selected concentrations of the compound (25, 50 and 100 µM) were tested in the experiments during a 48-h incubation. TUNEL and Comet assays, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, real-time PCR and Western Blot analyses were used to evaluate the pleiotropic effect of resveratrol. The results indicate that resveratrol is likely to be anticarcinogenic by inhibiting human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. In addition, it affects the levels of Bcl-2 pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. However, it should be emphasized that the activity of resveratrol was specific for each of the tested cell lines, and the most statistically significant changes were observed in the mitoxantrone-resistant cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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13 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Apoptotic Effect of the Small Molecule Procyanidin B1 in Early Mouse Embryonic Development Produced by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

by Wei Gao, Tingting Yu, Guomeng Li, Wei Shu, Yongxun Jin, Mingjun Zhang and Xianfeng Yu

Molecules 2021, 26(20), 6150; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26206150 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1857

Abstract

As an antioxidant, procyanidin B1(PB1) can improve the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos; PB1 reduces the level of oxidative stress (OS) during the in vitro development of SCNT embryos by decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the level of glutathione (GSH) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Metabolite hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) produces OS. Catalase (CAT) can degrade hydrogen peroxide so that it produces less toxic water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂) in order to reduce the harm caused by H₂O₂. Therefore, we tested the CAT level in the in vitro development of SCNT embryos; it was found that PB1 can increase the expression of CAT, indicating that PB1 can offset the harm caused by oxidative stress by increasing the level of CAT. Moreover, if H₂O₂ accumulates excessively, it produces radical-(HO-) through Fe^2+/3+ and damage to DNA. The damage caused to the DNA is mainly repaired by the protein encoded by the DNA damage repair gene. Therefore, we tested the expression of the DNA damage repair gene, OGG1. It was found that PB1 can increase the expression of OGG1 and increase the expression of protein. Through the above test, we proved that PB1 can improve the repairability of DNA damage. DNA damage can lead to cell apoptosis; therefore, we also tested the level of apoptosis of blastocysts, and we found that PB1 reduced the level of apoptosis. In summary, our results show that PB1 reduces the accumulation of H₂O₂ by decreasing the level of OS during the in vitro development of SCNT embryos and improves the repairability of DNA damage to reduce cell apoptosis. Our results have important significance for the improvement of the development of SCNT embryos in vitro and provide important reference significance for diseases that can be treated using SCNT technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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13 pages, 2035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin Mitigate Copper Neurotoxicity by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Akt/GSK-3β Signaling

by Wedad S. Sarawi, Ahlam M. Alhusaini, Laila M. Fadda, Hatun A. Alomar, Awatif B. Albaker, Amjad S. Aljrboa, Areej M. Alotaibi, Iman H. Hasan and Ayman M. Mahmoud

Molecules 2021, 26(18), 5591; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185591 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2509

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is essential for multiple biochemical processes, and copper sulphate (CuSO₄) is a pesticide used for repelling pests. Accidental or intentional intoxication can induce multiorgan toxicity and could be fatal. Curcumin (CUR) is a potent antioxidant, but its poor systemic bioavailability is the main drawback in its therapeutic uses. This study investigated the protective effect of CUR and N-CUR on CuSO₄-induced cerebral oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats, pointing to the possible involvement of Akt/GSK-3β. Rats received 100 mg/kg CuSO₄ and were concurrently treated with CUR or N-CUR for 7 days. Cu-administered rats exhibited a remarkable increase in cerebral malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 associated with decreased GSH, SOD, and catalase. Cu provoked DNA fragmentation, upregulated BAX, caspase-3, and p53, and decreased BCL-2 in the brain of rats. N-CUR and CUR ameliorated MDA, NF-κB p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, downregulated pro-apoptotic genes, upregulated BCL-2, and enhanced antioxidants and DNA integrity. In addition, both N-CUR and CUR increased AKT Ser473 and GSK-3β Ser9 phosphorylation in the brain of Cu-administered rats. In conclusion, N-CUR and CUR prevent Cu neurotoxicity by attenuating oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and apoptosis and upregulating AKT/GSK-3β signaling. The neuroprotective effect of N-CUR was more potent than CUR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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14 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats

by Mongi Saoudi, Riadh Badraoui, Ahlem Chira, Mohd Saeed, Nouha Bouali, Salem Elkahoui, Jahoor M. Alam, Choumous Kallel and Abdelfattah El Feki

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164875 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7015 | Correction

Abstract

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug “Cytolcentella^® cream”. Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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Review

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50 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemicals Derived from Agricultural Residues and Their Valuable Properties and Applications

by Marta Oleszek, Iwona Kowalska, Terenzio Bertuzzi and Wiesław Oleszek

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010342 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3024

Abstract

Billions of tons of agro-industrial residues are produced worldwide. This is associated with the risk of pollution as well as management and economic problems. Simultaneously, non-edible portions of many crops are rich in bioactive compounds with valuable properties. For this reason, developing various methods for utilizing agro-industrial residues as a source of high-value by-products is very important. The main objective of the paper is a review of the newest studies on biologically active compounds included in non-edible parts of crops with the highest amount of waste generated annually in the world. The review also provides the newest data on the chemical and biological properties, as well as the potential application of phytochemicals from such waste. The review shows that, in 2020, there were above 6 billion tonnes of residues only from the most popular crops. The greatest amount is generated during sugar, oil, and flour production. All described residues contain valuable phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial and very often anti-cancer activity. Many studies show interesting applications, mainly in pharmaceuticals and food production, but also in agriculture and wastewater remediation, as well as metal and steel industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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12 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyphenolic Flavonoid Compound Quercetin Effects in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes

by Cristiane Okuda Torello, Marisa Claudia Alvarez and Sara T. Olalla Saad

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5781; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195781 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

Flavonoids are ubiquitous groups of polyphenolic compounds present in most natural products and plants. These substances have been shown to have promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties with multiple target interactions and multiple pathway regulations against various human cancers. Polyphenolic flavonoid compounds can block the initiation or reverse the promotion stage of multistep carcinogenesis. Quercetin is one of the most abundant flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables and has been shown to have multiple properties capable of reducing cell growth in cancer cells. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) therapy remains a challenge for hematologists worldwide, and the outcomes for patients with both disorders continue to be poor. This scenario indicates the increasing demand for innovative drugs and rational combinative therapies. Herein, we discuss the multitarget effects of the flavonoid quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonol, on AML and MDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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14 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessReview

Caffeic Acid on Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

by Nellysha Namela Muhammad Abdul Kadar, Fairus Ahmad, Seong Lin Teoh and Mohamad Fairuz Yahaya

Molecules 2021, 26(18), 5490; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185490 - 09 Sep 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5400

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors that may lead to a more sinister disease. Raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia in the form of elevated triglycerides and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, raised fasting glucose, and central obesity are the risk factors that could lead to full-blown diabetes, heart disease, and many others. With increasing sedentary lifestyles, coupled with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers of people affected with MetS will be expected to grow in the coming years. While keeping these factors checked with the polypharmacy available currently, there is no single strategy that can halt or minimize the effect of MetS to patients. This opens the door for a more natural way of controlling the disease. Caffeic acid (CA) is a phytonutrient belonging to the flavonoids that can be found in abundance in plants, fruits, and vegetables. CA possesses a wide range of beneficial properties from antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antianxiolytic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review discusses the current discovery of the effect of CA against MetS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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Other

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2 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Saoudi et al. The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats. Molecules 2021, 26, 4875

by Mongi Saoudi, Riadh Badraoui, Ahlem Chira, Mohd Saeed, Nouha Bouali, Salem Elkahoui, Jahoor M. Alam, Choumous Kallel and Abdelfattah El Feki

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5332; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165332 - 22 Aug 2022

Viewed by 868

Abstract

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application)

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