Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

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

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2026) | Viewed by 11413

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Aleksandra Sentkowska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Srodowiskowe Laboratorium Ciezkich Jonow, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: selenium; speciation; HILIC; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

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

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

bioactive compounds
natural plant products
antioxidant activity
extraction methods
polyphenols
flavonoids

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Natural Plants, 3rd Edition in Molecules

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 1659 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organ-Specific LC–MS/MS Phenolic Profiling and Multifunctional Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Onosma sintenisii

by Zeyneb Karakus and Cengiz Sarikurkcu

Molecules 2026, 31(5), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050840 - 3 Mar 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 424

Abstract

Onosma sintenisii Hausskn. ex Bornm. is an endemic species of Türkiye whose phytochemical composition and biological activities remain insufficiently characterized at the organ level. The present study aimed to investigate organ-specific phenolic profiles and associated antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of O. sintenisii. Ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extracts obtained from flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed using validated LC–ESI–MS/MS, and their biological potential was evaluated through multiple in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation) as well as enzyme inhibition tests against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The results revealed pronounced organ-dependent variation in both phenolic composition and bioactivity. Rosmarinic acid was identified as the major phenolic compound in all organs, with the highest concentration detected in root extracts, which also exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity and the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition. Flavonoid glycosides were predominantly accumulated in aerial parts. Correlation analysis demonstrated that hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly rosmarinic acid, are the main contributors to antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects. These findings indicate that O. sintenisii, especially its roots, represents a promising natural source of multifunctional phenolic compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 10549 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antioxidant and Cellular Activities of Functionalized Spermidine by Conjugating with Ascorbic Acid in Human Skin Cells

by Ki Chang Nam, Wonchoul Park, Hyun Jin Sun and Bong Joo Park

Molecules 2026, 31(4), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040732 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 635

Abstract

Spermidine (SPMD) is essential for numerous cellular functions and crucial for sustaining diverse biological activities. However, its antioxidant capabilities are relatively weak. In this study, we overcame this limitation by examining the antioxidant and cellular effects of ascorbic acid (AA)-conjugated spermidine (AA-SPMD) in human skin keratinocyte and fibroblast cells. AA-SPMD was successfully fabricated using an optimized design and synthetic approach, and its stability, antioxidant activity, cellular responses, and collagen I production were evaluated. In addition, we assessed the protective effects of AA-SPMD from hydrogen peroxide and UVA-induced oxidative damage in human skin cells. The AA-SPMD showed high stability under rigorous conditions and exhibited strong antioxidant activity. AA-SPMD showed no cytotoxic effect even at a concentration of 1 mM. In addition, it can increase the rate of cell proliferation and migration in skin cells without reducing the inhibition of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) at concentrations of 10 μM. Moreover, AA-SPMD can increase the amount of collagen I synthesized in HDF cells, thereby influencing cell proliferation and migration. Based on our in vitro study, AA-SPMD is expected to be more effective than AA or SPMD alone, indicating its potential utility in biomedical and cosmetic applications. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Tocopherol and Tocotrienol Diversity in Cornus Species Seeds Using a Sustainable Extraction Protocol

by Danija Lazdiņa, Inga Mišina, Krists Dukurs and Paweł Górnaś

Molecules 2026, 31(3), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030519 - 2 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 455

Abstract

Although not major crops, Cornaceae species, the dogwood family, are common in most continents and used primarily as ornamental crops, though some are used for food as well. In the present study, tocochromanol–tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3)–contents were analyzed in the seeds of twenty-four Cornus species belonging to six Cornus subgenera. Given the substantial number of samples included in this study, we applied a fast extraction protocol using an ethanol and ultrasound treatment and systematically compared its performance with that of a conventional alkaline saponification method. Total tocochromanol content ranged from 0.78 to 21.63 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) seeds in C. kousa and C. controversa, respectively. The highest mean total tocochromanol content was (16.70 ± 5.28 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw), followed by C. nuttallii (12.96 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw) and C. sanguinea (9.10 ± 2.47 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw). The major tocochromanols in the seeds were γ-T3 (up to 93% in C. rugosa), α-T (up to 98% in C. mas) and γ-T (up to 60% in C. controversa). Tocochromanol composition was strongly subgenus-dependent. The applied sustainable solvent–ethanol and ultrasound-treatment approach for the extraction of tocochromanols demonstrated the suitability of this method for screening daily Cornus species seed samples and potential extraction. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 999

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1262

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 725

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)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1962

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1346

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1289

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1418

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)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

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

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI