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Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products...
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Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2025) | Viewed by 15209

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mariá Inés Isla

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Guest Editor
Bioprospecting and Plant Physiology Institute (CONICET-UNT), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Faculty of Natural Sciences, National University of Tucuman, San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina
Interests: natural products; bioactive compounds; biocompounds extraction, isolation and characterization; sustainable use of waste; food preservation; phytocosmetic product development; cosmetic product development; food products development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Iris Catiana Zampini

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán T4000, Argentina
Interests: natural products; agricultural by-products/wastes; biological activities; toxicity and genotoxicity; isolation and chemical characterization; food products development; phytocosmetic and herbal products development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. María Alejandra Moreno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioprospecting and Plant Physiology Institute (CONICET-UNT), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina
Interests: natural products; bioactive compounds; extraction, green and sustainable chemistry, isolation and characterization; sustainable use of waste; food preservation product development; food products development; phytocosmetic product development; cosmetic product development; phytotherapic product development; environmental protection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contributions made to this Special Issue should be linked to the phytochemical characterizations and biological activities/functional properties of bioactive compounds obtained from native and cultivated aromatic, medicinal, and food plants. Furthermore, bioactive compounds can be extracted from their by-products or residual biomasses. The main solvents used for the extraction of bioactive compounds should be environmentally friendly, and the used extraction methods could be conventional or unconventional. The aim of this Special Issue is to promote circular extraction processes. The topics of this Special Issue also include the applications of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients for modern medicinal drug and cosmetic product development, to improve the quality of crops, and for environmental protection. The use of total extracts or fractions obtained from plants as functional ingredients for different applications is an emerging research area that needs to be highlighted.

Therefore, for this Special Issue, we invite you to submit research and review articles relevant to the field.

The Special Issue is now open for submissions

Prof. Dr. Mariá Inés Isla
Dr. Iris Catiana Zampini
Dr. María Alejandra Moreno
Guest Editors

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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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • plant extract
  • by-products or waste
  • bioactive compounds
  • functional ingredients
  • phytotherapic products
  • phytocosmetic products
  • food products
  • food preservation products
  • environmental protection products

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 4186 KiB  
Article
Agro-Industrial Waste from Pistacia vera: Chemical Profile and Bioactive Properties
by Mauricio Piñeiro, Victoria Parera, Javier E. Ortiz, Olimpia Llalla-Cordova, Sofia Manrique, Brisa Castro, Maximiliano Ighani, Lorena C. Luna and Gabriela E. Feresin
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101420 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
In Argentina and globally, pistachio (Pistacia vera) production has significantly grown, driven by its high nutritional value and food industry demand. Its harvesting and processing generate about 40% of pistachio waste (PW), including leaves, twigs, seed coats, green, and empty kernels. [...] Read more.
In Argentina and globally, pistachio (Pistacia vera) production has significantly grown, driven by its high nutritional value and food industry demand. Its harvesting and processing generate about 40% of pistachio waste (PW), including leaves, twigs, seed coats, green, and empty kernels. Underutilized PW has led to environmental problems, including soil and water contamination by landfill accumulation. However, it could be a potential source of undiscovered bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and to evaluate the bioactive properties of PW. The dried pistachio waste (dPW) was used to prepare the pistachio waste decoction (PWD) (10% w/v). The total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (FC) were quantified, and the chemical profile was analyzed using UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita (J2), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition, antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and phytotoxicity on Allium cepa, Lactuca sativa, and Raphanus sativus were evaluated. The UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 26 compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and unsaturated fatty acids. The main compounds were gallic acid, anacardic acid, and quercetin derivatives. The TPC and FC were 212.65 mg GAE/g dPW and 0.022 mg QE/g dPW, respectively, displaying strong antioxidant activity across the assays DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. PWD exhibited nematicidal activity against M. incognita (J2) (LC50 = 0.12% at 24 h). Alterations in the cuticle were observed, including structural disorganization and detachment from internal tissues. Additionally, a remarkable cholinesterase inhibitory effect was detected at 2.0% PWD (42.65% for AChE and 58.90% for BuChE). PWD showed low phytotoxic effects across the tested species, and the germination percentage (GP) and the mean germination time (MGT) were not significantly affected (GP > 79%). These findings highlight the potential of PW as a sustainable alternative for M. incognita control, the remarkable nematicidal, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant properties, and the low phytotoxicity, supporting its use in sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 4620 KiB  
Article
Effects of Astraflavonoid A and Astraside C from the Aerial Part of Astragalus membranaceus on TNF-α-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblasts
by So-Ri Son, Kang Sub Kim, Mingoo Jun, Dae Sik Jang and Sullim Lee
Plants 2025, 14(9), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091358 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
The present study investigates the anti-skin-aging properties and bioactive compounds of the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus, which are typically discarded as agricultural waste. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified flavonoid glycosides as the major constituents of the aerial parts of A. [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the anti-skin-aging properties and bioactive compounds of the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus, which are typically discarded as agricultural waste. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified flavonoid glycosides as the major constituents of the aerial parts of A. membranaceus extract. Two principal flavonoids, astraflavonoid A (1) and astraside C (2), were isolated using repetitive chromatography. Compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated antioxidative properties, reducing reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels in human dermal fibroblasts upon stimulation with TNF-α. Specifically, astraside C (2) inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, whereas astraflavonoid A (1) did not affect their expression. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory mediators such as nuclear factor kappa B and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was increased by 1, whereas it was suppressed by 2. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking experiments confirmed that compound 2 effectively binds to COX-2. These findings suggest that the aerial parts of A. membranaceus contain bioactive flavonol glycosides with promising anti-skin-aging properties, offering valuable use as agricultural byproducts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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18 pages, 1777 KiB  
Article
Nutritional and Functional Characterization of Flour from Seeds of Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) to Promote Its Sustainable Use
by Marisa Ayelen Rivas, Enzo Agustin Matteucci, Ivana Fabiola Rodriguez, María Alejandra Moreno, Iris Catiana Zampini, Adriana Ramon and María Inés Isla
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071047 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Geoffroea decorticans (Gill. ex Hook. & Arn) Burk. is a native tree of the dry areas of Northwestern and Central Argentina. Its seeds are considered waste material. The flour of seeds was analyzed as a source of nutritional and bioactive compounds. It has [...] Read more.
Geoffroea decorticans (Gill. ex Hook. & Arn) Burk. is a native tree of the dry areas of Northwestern and Central Argentina. Its seeds are considered waste material. The flour of seeds was analyzed as a source of nutritional and bioactive compounds. It has a low carbohydrate content, containing about 9% protein and between 10 and 14% fat. Approximately 82–84% of the fatty acids were unsaturated (oleic and linoleic acids). A high polyphenol and dietary fiber content was detected. Flavonoids and condensed tannins were the dominant phenolics. Polyphenol-enriched extracts were obtained from seed flour. The HPLC–ESI-MS/MS analysis of these concentrated extracts allowed for the identification of six compounds including C-glycosyl flavones (vitexin and isovitexin), type A procyanidins (dimer and trimer), and epicatequin gallate. Polyphenolic extracts showed antioxidant capacity and were able to inhibit enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) related to carbohydrate metabolism and (lipoxygenase) pro-inflammatory enzymes and were not toxic. Flour and polyphenolic extract from chañar seeds could be considered as new alternative ingredients for the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, or food supplements. The use of the seed flour in addition to the pulp of the fruit along with the rest of the plant would encourage the propagation of this species resistant to extreme arid environments for commercial and conservation purposes to boost the regional economies of vulnerable areas of South America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 2168 KiB  
Article
Syntrichia laevipila Brid., a Bryophyta from Northwest Argentina as a Source of Antioxidants and Antimicrobials
by Luis Ignacio Jiménez, Florencia Maria Correa Uriburu, José Javier Martínez Chamás, Guillermo Martin Suárez, Iris Catiana Zampini, Mario J. Simirgiotis and María Inés Isla
Plants 2025, 14(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020253 - 17 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 842
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies have emerged on the biological activities of bryophytes and their potential for therapeutic use. However, mosses appear to be a relatively overlooked group. The objective of this study was to conduct a phytochemical analysis of one hydroalcoholic extract [...] Read more.
In recent years, numerous studies have emerged on the biological activities of bryophytes and their potential for therapeutic use. However, mosses appear to be a relatively overlooked group. The objective of this study was to conduct a phytochemical analysis of one hydroalcoholic extract of Syntrichia laevipila and to evaluate its potential as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. The moss was collected in the Chaco Serrano region of Argentina, specifically on Jacaranda mimosifolia, and subsequently extracted by maceration in ethanol/water. UHPLC/ESI/MS/MS analysis identified 32 peaks, including phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, lignans, chalcones, and flavonoids) and non-hydrophilic compounds (terpenoids, fatty acids, and brassinosteroids). Maslinic and oleanolic acids, two triterpenoids present in S. laevipila, were also detected in J. mimosifolia, a substrate of this moss. The concentration of phenolic compounds was 19.05 ± 0.21 µg GAE/mL, while the total flavonoid concentration was 13.13 ± 0.33 µg QE/mL. The determination of reducing and total sugars yielded 0.22 ± 0.03 mg GE/mL and 1.26 ± 0.24 mg GE/mL, respectively, while the concentration of soluble proteins was 90.60 ± 4.50 µg BSAE/mL. The extract exhibited antioxidant properties by scavenging ABTS•+, H2O2, AAPH, and HO• radicals. Additionally, it demonstrated antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth of four strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The data obtained suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. laevipila possesses significant potential as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, making it a promising candidate for the development of phytotherapeutic and cosmetic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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12 pages, 2377 KiB  
Article
Bioconversion of Food and Green Waste into Valuable Compounds Using Solid-State Fermentation in Nonsterile Conditions
by Daniela Bulgari, Emanuela Gobbi, Paolo Cortesi and Gregorio Peron
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243494 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1444
Abstract
Agro-industrial residues have transitions from being an environmental problem to being a cost-effective source of biopolymers and value-added chemicals. However, the efficient extraction of the desired products from these residues requires pretreatments. Fungal biorefinery is a fascinating approach for the biotransformation of raw [...] Read more.
Agro-industrial residues have transitions from being an environmental problem to being a cost-effective source of biopolymers and value-added chemicals. However, the efficient extraction of the desired products from these residues requires pretreatments. Fungal biorefinery is a fascinating approach for the biotransformation of raw materials into multiple products in a single batch. In this study, the ability of Trichoderma asperellum R to convert fruit scrap and green waste into value-added chemicals was tested in solid-state and in nonsterile conditions. A solid-state fermentation protocol for a tray bioreactor was developed using spawn as the inoculum for nonsterile substrates. T. asperellum R drove the fermentation of both substrates, shaping the metabolites that were enriched in the secondary plant metabolites. Strain R showed cellulase activity only when inoculated on fruit scraps, resulting in increased amounts of polysaccharides in the crude extract. This extract was also enriched in vanillic acid and limonoid, which are intriguing compounds due to the increasing interest in their potential as biological nitrification inhibitors or food additives. Finally, trimethoxybenzaldehyde, an interesting chemical building block, was identified in the extracts of the Trichoderma-guided fermentation. The overall results showed that the application of T. asperellum R has potential as a driver to facilitate the extraction of bioactive substances from nonsterile recalcitrant substrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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16 pages, 898 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Fractions from Walnut Milk Residue: Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Potential
by Pamela Ruth Toledo-Merma, María Fernanda Arias-Santé, Miguel Ángel Rincón-Cervera, Omar Porras, Raquel Bridi, Samantha Rhein, Martina Sánchez-Contreras, Paulina Hernandez-Pino, Nicolás Tobar, Luis Puente-Díaz and Adriano Costa de Camargo
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3473; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243473 - 11 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Walnut milk residues (WMR) were investigated for the first time through their phenolic characterization including soluble (free, esterified, and etherified) phenolics and those released from their insoluble-bound form (insoluble-bound phenolic hydrolysates, IBPHs) and their antioxidant properties. Free phenolics were recovered and alkaline or [...] Read more.
Walnut milk residues (WMR) were investigated for the first time through their phenolic characterization including soluble (free, esterified, and etherified) phenolics and those released from their insoluble-bound form (insoluble-bound phenolic hydrolysates, IBPHs) and their antioxidant properties. Free phenolics were recovered and alkaline or acid hydrolysis were used to recover the remaining phenolic fractions. Total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and their antioxidant activity were analyzed by Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP, and ORAC methods, respectively. Soluble phenolics (free + esterified + etherified fractions) showed a higher TPC (275.3 mg GAE 100 g−1 dw) and antioxidant activity (FRAP: 138.13 µmol TE g−1 dw; ORAC: 45.41 µmol TE g−1 dw) with respect to the IBPH. There was a significant correlation between TPC and FRAP and ORAC values regardless of the fraction and tested sample. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Gallic acid, mainly in the free form (3061.0 µg 100 g−1), was the most representative, followed by biochanin A, identified for the first time in a walnut product and mostly present in the fraction released from the esterified form (593.75 µg 100 g−1). No detrimental cytotoxic impact on Caco-2 cells was observed. Hence, WMR could be considered a potential source for the development of nutraceutical and/or antioxidant food additives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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18 pages, 2266 KiB  
Article
Comparison of In Vitro Hair Growth Promotion and Anti-Hair Loss Potential of Thai Rice By-Product from Oryza sativa L. cv. Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong
by Anurak Muangsanguan, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Chaiwat Arjin, Sansanee Jamjod, Chanakan Prom-u-Thai, Pensak Jantrawut, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Patipan Hnorkaew, Apinya Satsook, Mathukorn Sainakham, Juan Manuel Castagnini and Korawan Sringarm
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213079 - 1 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth [...] Read more.
The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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18 pages, 2458 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Potential and Chemical Composition of Wild Baccharis crispa Spreng. Populations (Asteraceae) from Córdoba, Argentina: Perspective on Population Variability
by Giuliana Lingua, Ana Guadalupe Chaves, Juan Javier Aguilar, Florencia Martinez, Tomás Isaac Gomez, Kevin Alen Rucci, Lorena E. Torres, Carmen Ancín-Azpilicueta, Irene Esparza, Nerea Jiménez-Moreno, Marta Contigiani, Susana Nuñez Montoya and Brenda S. Konigheim
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3077; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213077 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1158
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on secondary metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of four wild populations of B. crispa from Córdoba, Argentina, and assess the variability in their bioactivity and chemical composition. The cytotoxicity of chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts from aerial parts was evaluated by the neutral red uptake method. Antiviral and virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were assessed via plaque-forming unit (PFU) reduction assay. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. The Puesto Pedernera population showed the strongest antiviral activity, with inhibition rates of 82% for CHIKV and 79% against HSV-1, as well as potent virucidal effects, reducing PFU formation by up to 5 logarithms for both viruses. Remarkably, ethanol extract exhibited the least toxicity and strongest inhibitory activity. Villa del Parque population was inactive. We identified 38 secondary metabolites, predominantly phenolic acids (12) and flavonoids (18), in varying proportions. Delphinidin and delphinidin-3-glucoside are described for the first time in the species. Differences in phytochemical profiles were observed among extract types and populations. Key phenolic compounds showed moderate positive correlations with the evaluated bioactivities, emphasizing the complexity of phytochemical properties and interactions. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of B. crispa extracts against viral infections and underscore the importance of considering the geographical source of plant material in bioactivity evaluations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 1577 KiB  
Article
Correlation Analysis Among the Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic and Antioxidative Activities of a Tessaria absinthioides Decoction for Endorsing Its Potential Application in Oncology
by Lourdes Inés Pascual, Lorena Luna, Roxana Elizabeth González, Javier Esteban Ortiz, Luciano Gomez-Gomez, Osvaldo Juan Donadel, María Belén Hapon, Gabriela Egly Feresin and Carlos Gamarra-Luques
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3062; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213062 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1166
Abstract
Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these [...] Read more.
Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these herbal drugs, qualitative and quantitative analyses are required. A Tessaria absinthioides decoction (DETa) was reported as having hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. This work aimed to analyze DETa by correlating its chemical composition with cytotoxic and antioxidative properties, with the aim of promoting research on it as an anticancer agent. DETa collections (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022) were analyzed by UHPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD-FLD, and UPLC-MS/MS; cytotoxicity was assessed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; antioxidative capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and FRAP methods; and correlation analysis was used to determine biological and chemical markers. The results provide evidence that biological activities were consistent across the collections. Among the quantified compounds, apigenin, naringin, gallocatechin gallate, ginnalin A, myricetin, epicatechin, OH-tyrosol, quercetin, and chlorogenic, tessaric, p-coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, caftaric, ellagic, and rosmarinic acids correlated as bioactive and chemical markers. Moreover, tessaric acid could be established as a species marker. Altogether, these findings add relevant information to DETa properties, encouraging further exploration of its potential application as an anticancer botanical. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 3615 KiB  
Article
Chemical-Functional Analysis of Extracts Obtained from Zuccagnia punctata Powder Using Green Solvents (NaDESs) in Conjunction with Traditional and Non-Traditional Techniques
by Antonela Mariana Romero, Iris Catiana Zampini and María Inés Isla
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182563 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Family Fabaceae. Subfamily Caesalpinioideae) is a native plant species with a long history of use in Argentine traditional medicine. The purpose of the present study was to extract bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity from Z. punctata aerial parts [...] Read more.
Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Family Fabaceae. Subfamily Caesalpinioideae) is a native plant species with a long history of use in Argentine traditional medicine. The purpose of the present study was to extract bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity from Z. punctata aerial parts using conventional solvents (water, ethanol 60°, vegetal oil) and unconventional solvents (natural deep eutectic solvents or NaDESs) such as green solvents with and without the assistance of ultrasound (UAE) and microwaves (MAE). NaDESs such as glucose: lactic acid (LGH), sucrose: citric acid (CAS), choline chloride: urea (CU) and glucose: fructose: sucrose (FGS) were used. LGH and CU were effective in the extraction of phenolic compounds (6710 ± 10.12 µg GAE/mL and 7140 ± 15.00 µg GAE/mL, respectively) as well as ethanol (6270 µg ± 12.00 µg GAE/mL) using conventional methods. Two chemical markers of Z. punctata (2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxy -3-methoxychalcone) were extracted in a high proportion in ethanol, oil, LGH and CU with UAE. The ABTS antioxidant capacity was higher in the extracts obtained with LGH and CU (SC50: 0.90 ± 0.10 µg GAE/mL and 1.08 ± 0.16 µg GAE/mL, respectively). The extract obtained with vegetal oil was the most potent as antifungal, followed by the extracts in ethanol, LGH and CU. These findings highlight the importance of using environmentally friendly solvents such as NaDESs to obtain bioactive metabolites from Z. punctata, an endemic plant of Argentina with a potential application in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 1408 KiB  
Article
Nutraceutical Valorization of Exhausted Olive Pomace from Olea europaea L. Using Advanced Extraction Techniques
by Vittorio Carlucci, Maria Ponticelli, Daniela Russo, Fabiana Labanca, Valeria Costantino, Germana Esposito and Luigi Milella
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162310 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Exhausted olive pomace (EOP) represents the principal residue of olive pomace. Several studies have optimized the extraction of specialized metabolites from the EOP of Olea europaea L., but a comparison between different extractive methods has not been made. For this reason, the present [...] Read more.
Exhausted olive pomace (EOP) represents the principal residue of olive pomace. Several studies have optimized the extraction of specialized metabolites from the EOP of Olea europaea L., but a comparison between different extractive methods has not been made. For this reason, the present investigation aims to compare four different extractive methods by using water and 15% ethanol/water as extractive solvents. Specifically, based on extract antioxidant activity, the methods compared were maceration (MAC), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). Between these, the UAE and ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extracts were demonstrated to have the highest antioxidant activity. Subsequently, these extracts were investigated for their hypoglycemic and antiradical activity using in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, respectively. ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract demonstrated the greatest ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme and an in vitro antioxidant activity comparable to N-acetyl cysteine in HepG2 cells. UAE and ASE extracts’ phytochemical characterization was also performed, identifying seven phenolic compounds, including 3-hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and, for the first time, salidroside. The ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract was the richest from a phytochemical point of view, thus confirming its major biological activity. Therefore, ASE and 15% ethanol/water may represent the best extractive method for EOP nutraceutical valorization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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16 pages, 362 KiB  
Article
Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds
by Juliana Dara Rabêlo Silva, Henrique Silvano Arruda, Amanda Cristina Andrade, Patrícia Berilli, Felipe Tecchio Borsoi, Yaneth Machaca Monroy, Marili Villa Nova Rodrigues, Klicia Araujo Sampaio, Glaucia Maria Pastore and Mario Roberto Marostica Junior
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152039 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1612
Abstract
In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric [...] Read more.
In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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