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Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants:...
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Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 14672

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jorge Luis Chávez-Servín

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biomedical Research and Functional Foods, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76320, Mexico
Interests: plant physiology; secondary metabolites; plant biochemistry; antioxidants; phenols; plant biotechnology; plant stress responses; yield; elicitation; nutrition; food chemistry; HPLC techniques; changes in the content of metabolites; the role of polyphenols in health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Aarón Kuri-García

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biomedical Research and Functional Foods, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76320, Mexico
Interests: cellular and molecular biology; natural sciences and natural product drug discovery for human nutrition; food chemistry; phytochemistry; phenolic compound profiling; bioactive compounds; antioxidant capacity; secondary metabolites; plant extracts; effect on bioactive compounds; functional foods; HPLC techniques; polyphenols and their role in health; stress response in plants; effect of solvent extraction on phytochemicals; in vitro and in vivo bioactivity studies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the origin of life on our planet, plants have played a fundamental role, serving as the foundation of nutrition and food chains over the course of natural evolution. Human civilizations have developed vast ancestral knowledge about the plants that sustain them, learning to cultivate and modify their environments to enhance production while improving sensory, chemical, and nutritional properties for both edible and medicinal purposes. This valuable knowledge has been passed down through the generations, shaping cultivation traditions, culinary and dietary practices, and medicinal preparations. But modern lifestyles threaten the preservation of this valuable ethnobotanical knowledge, and the benefits of native plants could be lost to future generations. Scientists need to investigate the medicinal and nutritional properties of such plants to maximize the sustainable use of natural resources.

Phenolic compounds are crucial to plant survival and have garnered significant interest in recent decades due to their biological effects on human health. Specifically, these bioactive compounds are widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties, making them potentially valuable to the agro-industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.

Native plants, in particular, serve as rich sources of such compounds; yet, they remain largely underexplored because they are often considered the purview of “non-scientific” traditional cultures or not viewed as profitable in modern terms (even though they are often less costly to grow and more resistant to harsh conditions). There is still much to learn about the ways in which plant phenolic profiles and bioactive properties are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors, including soil quality, climate conditions, nutrient availability, and water supply. Additionally, post-harvest processing methods—such as drying and extraction techniques—significantly impact the stability and yield of these bioactive compounds. Understanding the impact of all these variables is essential for optimizing processing and potential applications.

This Special Issue aims to publish research on the phenolic composition of native plants and their biological effects. We welcome studies focusing on the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity assessments, both in vitro and in vivo investigations, and research exploring the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the production of bioactive compounds for applications in the food, medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Dr. Jorge Luis Chávez-Servín
Dr. Aarón Kuri-García
Guest Editors

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. Plants 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

  • phenolic compounds
  • antioxidant capacity
  • native plants
  • bioactive compounds
  • secondary metabolites
  • phytochemicals
  • polyphenols
  • HPLC analysis
  • LC-MS techniques
  • drying methods
  • solvent extraction
  • chemopreventive effects
  • functional foods
  • nutraceuticals
  • plant extracts
  • in vitro bioactivity
  • in vivo studies
  • oxidative stress
  • elicitation strategies
  • plant biotechnology
  • bioavailability of polyphenols
  • health benefits of phytochemicals

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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28 pages, 5793 KB  
Article
Effect of Drying and Cooking on the Chemical Composition, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae: A Metabolomic Approach
by Ángel Félix Vargas-Madriz, Perla del Carmen Bautista-Cano, Carlos Vázquez Jiménez, Jenny Kay Novella-Erreguín, Haidel Vargas-Madriz, Aarón Kuri-García, Iza Fernanda Pérez-Ramírez, Roberto Augusto Ferriz-Martínez, Karina de la Torre-Carbot, Carlos Saldaña and Jorge Luis Chávez-Servín
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091366 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Traditional edible plants such as quelites are an important component of the Mexican diet due to their nutritional and functional value; however, the effects of postharvest and culinary processing on their phytochemical composition remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of oven-drying [...] Read more.
Traditional edible plants such as quelites are an important component of the Mexican diet due to their nutritional and functional value; however, the effects of postharvest and culinary processing on their phytochemical composition remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of oven-drying and freeze-drying, as well as thermal preparation (raw vs. boiled), on the proximal chemical composition, phenolic profile, and antioxidant capacity of leaves and inflorescences of Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae (huauzontle), using an integrated metabolomic approach. Proximal analysis showed that major macronutrients (protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and carbohydrates) were largely preserved across drying methods, whereas moisture and ash contents differed significantly among tissues and treatments (p < 0.05). Raw freeze-dried inflorescences exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. UPLC-DAD-ESI-QToF/MS enabled the identification and quantification of 26 phenolic compounds, predominantly glycosylated flavonols derived from quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, while naringin was identified as the main flavanone glycoside present. Quercetin glucuronide was the most abundant compound, particularly in inflorescences. Multivariate analyses (principal component analysis [PCA], permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA], and partial least squares discriminant analysis [PLS-DA]) suggested that the drying method was a major source of variability, followed by thermal treatment and tissue type, although these patterns should be interpreted as indicative rather than conclusive. Overall, freeze-drying appeared to be the most effective method for preserving the phytochemical quality of huauzontle under the conditions evaluated, highlighting its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds within the genus Chenopodium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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21 pages, 3877 KB  
Article
Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Extracts from Papache (Randia echinocarpa Moc. & Sessé Ex DC), a Plant Used in Traditional Mexican Medicine
by Refugio Riquelmer Lugo-Gamboa, Norma Patricia Muñoz-Sevilla, Juan Pablo Apún-Molina, Jesús Arturo Fierro-Coronado, Abraham Cruz-Mendívil, Mauro Espinoza-Ortiz, Maribel Valdez-Morales and Apolinar Santamaria-Miranda
Plants 2026, 15(7), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071086 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Randia echinocarpa is an endemic shrub species of Mexico, commonly known as papache in the state of Sinaloa, where it has traditionally been used in medicinal practices. The present study evaluated the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of different tissues (leaf, bark, and [...] Read more.
Randia echinocarpa is an endemic shrub species of Mexico, commonly known as papache in the state of Sinaloa, where it has traditionally been used in medicinal practices. The present study evaluated the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of different tissues (leaf, bark, and fruit pulp) of R. echinocarpa. Phenolic compounds were characterized using HPLC–PDA–MS, which allowed the identification of seven compounds in the leaf, six in the bark, and six in the fruit pulp. Chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and rutin were among the most abundant compounds detected. Total phenolic content varied depending on tissue and season, with the highest concentration observed in leaves during autumn (2.770 ± 0.011 mg GAE g−1) and the lowest in bark during winter (0.437 ± 0.009 mg GAE g−1). This study also reports, for the first time, the concentrations of tannins and flavonoids in R. echinocarpa, with the highest content found in leaves during autumn (0.261 ± 0.003 mg EE g−1 and 2.186 ± 0.005 mg RE g−1, respectively). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, with leaf extracts showing the highest activity, with IC50 values of 0.82 mg mL−1 and 1.21 mg mL−1, respectively. These results provide new information on the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of R. echinocarpa, contributing to the phytochemical characterization of this traditionally used medicinal species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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22 pages, 1962 KB  
Article
Phenotypic and Nutritional Diversity Reveal Elite Accessions of Berberis darwinii Supporting Berry Breeding and Functional Food Applications
by Manuel Chacón-Fuentes, César Burgos-Díaz, Karla Garrido-Miranda, Fernando Westermeyer and Alan Mercado
Plants 2026, 15(7), 1061; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071061 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Berberis darwinii is a native Chilean berry distributed across contrasting agro-ecological zones, highlighting its broad ecological amplitude and agronomic relevance. The objective of this study was to identify productive, functional, and balanced elite accessions of B. darwinii by integrating phenotypic, fruit quality, nutritional, [...] Read more.
Berberis darwinii is a native Chilean berry distributed across contrasting agro-ecological zones, highlighting its broad ecological amplitude and agronomic relevance. The objective of this study was to identify productive, functional, and balanced elite accessions of B. darwinii by integrating phenotypic, fruit quality, nutritional, and antioxidant traits under contrasting water availability. Ninety-six accessions were evaluated in a common-garden experiment over two consecutive growing seasons (irrigated and rainfed) for morphological, productive, and fruit quality traits. Substantial variation was observed in plant height, shoot number, leaf area, and spine density. Across seasons, some accessions combined high yields (up to 8.5 t ha−1), fruit diameters exceeding 8 mm, and elevated soluble solids (up to 33 °Brix). Because water regime, season, and plant age were not experimentally separated, these contrasts indicate adaptive performance under contrasting water availability rather than direct irrigation effects. Functional analyses revealed high biochemical diversity, with total polyphenols reaching 18,168.7 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry weight, anthocyanins up to 5747.7 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside 100 g−1 dry weight, and ORAC values up to 35.4 mmol Trolox 100 g−1 fresh weight. Multivariate analyses supported the selection of elite candidates for low-input domestication and functional ingredient development. This integrated common-garden framework links intra-specific phenotypic variation with phenolic/antioxidant diversity, supporting trait-based selection and interpretation of stress-associated secondary metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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18 pages, 5081 KB  
Article
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Some Edible Fruits and Vegetable Extracts Based on Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity
by Ioana Rednic, Elena Camelia Stănciulescu, Andrei Biţă, Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Cornelia Bejenaru, George Dan Mogoşanu and Cătălina Gabriela Pisoschi
Plants 2026, 15(5), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050831 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Polyphenols are key dietary bioactive compounds, reducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of some edible fruits (apricots, plums, figs) and vegetable (parsley) extracts related to their phytochemical profile. Plum extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant [...] Read more.
Polyphenols are key dietary bioactive compounds, reducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of some edible fruits (apricots, plums, figs) and vegetable (parsley) extracts related to their phytochemical profile. Plum extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity (ABTS IC50 1.733 ± 0.079 mg/g; DPPH IC50 1.593 ± 0.069 mg/g; FRAP 23.161 ± 1.094 mM Fe2+), linked to its high chlorogenic and caffeic acids content. Parsley displayed the most potent AChE inhibition (IC50 0.825 ± 0.026 mg/g), associated with an elevated flavonoids level (TFC 12.874 ± 0.534 mg QE/g) and the presence of ferulic and vanillic acids. Apricot was characterized by notable gallic, syringic, and chlorogenic acids, supporting moderate neuroprotective potential. Figs showed weaker radical scavenging ability but provided a balanced profile of protocatechuic, caffeic, and syringic acids. Correlation analysis revealed specific compound–activity associations, including syringic and vanillic acids with DPPH scavenging capacity, p-coumaric acid with TPC, and gallic/ferulic acids with AChE inhibition. Effect-directed HPTLC confirmed chlorogenic acid as a major contributor to the antioxidant capacity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to comparatively integrate spectrophotometric antioxidant assays, UHPLC-based quantitative phenolic profiling, effect-directed HPTLC bioautography, and AChE inhibition analysis across three edible fruits and one vegetable frequently co-consumed in Mediterranean-type diets, enabling a cross-species compound–activity correlation framework. These species exhibit distinct but complementary phytochemical and biofunctional profiles. Their combined use may support the formulation of functional foods with synergistic antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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12 pages, 3011 KB  
Article
Changes in Growth and Polyphenol Content of the Rare Plant Persicaria chinensis Cultivated in a Greenhouse During the Growth Period
by Daeho Choi, Yong-Woo Park, Jungmok Kang and Hwayong Lee
Plants 2026, 15(3), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030498 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 502
Abstract
The growth characteristics and changes in major polyphenol content of the rare plant Persicaria chinensis cultivated under greenhouse conditions were investigated to evaluate its potential for large-scale cultivation and industrial use. The fresh and dry weights of the leaves and stems were measured [...] Read more.
The growth characteristics and changes in major polyphenol content of the rare plant Persicaria chinensis cultivated under greenhouse conditions were investigated to evaluate its potential for large-scale cultivation and industrial use. The fresh and dry weights of the leaves and stems were measured monthly from May to October, and the corilagin, ellagic acid, geraniin, and neochlorogenic acid contents were analyzed. Leaf fresh and dry weights peaked in June (11.73 ± 4.74 g and 3.02 ± 1.22 g, respectively) and increased again in August thereafter, and subsequently decreased, whereas stem fresh and dry weights continuously increased throughout the cultivation period, reaching 20.06 ± 3.88 g and 7.68 ± 1.55 g, respectively, in October. The polyphenol content in leaves was generally highest in June and then declined. In September, the contents of corilagin and ellagic acid showed marked increases, reaching 10.34 ± 4.13 mg/g and 7.26 ± 3.78 mg/g, respectively. In the stems, the polyphenol content was lower than that in the leaves and showed a decreasing trend after the early cultivation stage. Correlation analysis revealed weak relationships between biomass and polyphenol content in the leaves, whereas strong positive correlations among polyphenols and negative correlations between stem growth and polyphenol content were observed in the stems. These results demonstrate that stable greenhouse cultivation of P. chinensis and the accumulation of functional compounds are feasible and provide fundamental information for the development of cultivation strategies, including appropriate fertilization and environmental management, aimed at functional raw material production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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18 pages, 2232 KB  
Article
Valorization of Sea Buckthorn, Black Chokeberry, and Black Currant Branch Biomass as a Novel Source of Bioactive Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins
by Sarmite Janceva, Liga Petersone, Natalija Zaharova, Karina Schastnaja, Gints Rieksts and Anna Andersone
Plants 2026, 15(3), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030472 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 595
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of branches of black chokeberry, sea buckthorn, and black currant as raw materials for the development of pharmacologically active compounds, primarily oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), as they exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of branches of black chokeberry, sea buckthorn, and black currant as raw materials for the development of pharmacologically active compounds, primarily oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), as they exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc. Branch biomass collected in spring and autumn of 2023–2025 was analyzed for its functional group profile and used for the isolation of OPCs with ethanol, an ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v), and an ethanol–acetone–water mixture (4:1:5, v/v/v). The highest yield of OPCs (up to 14% of DB) was achieved using the ethanol–acetone–water solvent mixture. Using LC-MS/MS, the OPC composition was analyzed and found to consist of dimers (m/z 577), trimers (m/z 865), and tetramers (m/z 1153). The maximum OPC content was observed in autumn samples. Mechanical pretreatment enhanced OPC accessibility by disrupting cell walls and increasing particle surface, facilitating release from the matrix and yielding up to 1.2-fold more OPCs than from untreated biomass. Quantification of 22 elements in the biomass by ICP-MS revealed low levels of toxic metals along with the presence of nutritionally relevant elements. Therefore, from a chemical safety perspective, biomass can be considered suitable for use as a source of OPCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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19 pages, 1368 KB  
Article
Standardization of Romanian Galeopsis tetrahit Leaf Extract in Verbascoside Using a Validated UHPLC–PDA Method
by Roxana Maria Golu, Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Andrei Biţă, Cornelia Bejenaru, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu, Antonia Blendea, Johny Neamţu and George Dan Mogoşanu
Plants 2026, 15(3), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030461 - 2 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 508
Abstract
Galeopsis tetrahit L. (Lamiaceae) is a traditional European medicinal species rich in phenolic compounds, among which verbascoside is a key bioactive marker with strong antioxidant potential. This study reports the standardization of a G. tetrahit leaf extract in verbascoside using a [...] Read more.
Galeopsis tetrahit L. (Lamiaceae) is a traditional European medicinal species rich in phenolic compounds, among which verbascoside is a key bioactive marker with strong antioxidant potential. This study reports the standardization of a G. tetrahit leaf extract in verbascoside using a fully validated UHPLC–PDA method developed according to ICH Q2(R2) requirements. Leaves of wild-grown G. tetrahit collected from southwest Romania flora were extracted with 70% ethanol, yielding 17.28% dry extract. Chromatographic identification of verbascoside was confirmed by retention time, UV–PDA spectra, and QDa mass spectrometry (m/z 623.3 [M–H]−). The method showed excellent performance, including high specificity, linearity over 1.875–60 μg/mL (r = 0.999955), low LOD and LOQ (0.2649 and 0.8028 μg/mL, respectively), and robust precision and accuracy. Dry extract contained 345.8 ± 28.3 mg verbascoside per g (34.6%, w/w), corresponding to approximately 59.8 mg/g in dried leaves. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), TPC and TFC confirmed notable radical scavenging and reducing activity, with pure verbascoside showing markedly stronger effects, supporting its major contribution to the extract’s antioxidant potential. These results demonstrate a reliable analytical approach and establish a verbascoside-based standardization framework for G. tetrahit extracts of documented Romanian origin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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13 pages, 1570 KB  
Article
Molecular Networking Reveals Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Profiles of Four Rosaceae Seeds
by Mi Jeong Lim, Jinyoung Park, Min Sung Lee, Seong Yeon Choi, Heejung Yang, Taewan Kim and Chae Sun Na
Plants 2025, 14(24), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243749 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 735
Abstract
For centuries, four Rosaceae species—Malus sieboldii, Sorbus commixta, Duchesnea indica, and Prunus sargentii—have been prized for their pharmacological properties. In this study, solvent extracts from the seeds of these species were prepared, and their total polyphenol and flavonoid [...] Read more.
For centuries, four Rosaceae species—Malus sieboldii, Sorbus commixta, Duchesnea indica, and Prunus sargentii—have been prized for their pharmacological properties. In this study, solvent extracts from the seeds of these species were prepared, and their total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were measured. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Fe2+ chelation tests. Compounds in the extracts were identified through molecular networking with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. Among all samples, D. indica extract contained the highest polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations (335.63 ± 0.03 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of extract and 230.14 ± 2.90 mg rutin equivalents (RE) per gram of extract, respectively). It also exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with statistically significant outcomes. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and molecular networking revealed a diverse metabolite profile corresponding to seven biosynthetic pathways in the extracts. Notably, D. indica extract was rich in shikimates, phenylpropanoids, and ellagic acid derivatives, which have potent antioxidant effects. These results suggest a strong relationship between the extract’s chemical profile and its biological activity, offering promising opportunities to use D. indica seeds as functional ingredients across various fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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19 pages, 2913 KB  
Article
Polyphenols Investigation and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Romanian Wild-Grown Geranium spp. (Geraniaceae)
by Cornelia Bejenaru, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Andrei Biţă, Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Marilena-Viorica Hovaneţ, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu, Adriana Cosmina Tîrnă, Antonia Blendea and George Dan Mogoşanu
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3190; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203190 - 17 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1258
Abstract
Geranium spp. are recognized as rich sources of phenolic metabolites, with potential health benefits, yet comparative evaluations remain limited. We assessed four wild-grown Geranium spp. (G. dissectum—G1, G. lucidum—G2, G. pusillum—G3, and G. robertianum—G4), from southwestern Romanian flora, [...] Read more.
Geranium spp. are recognized as rich sources of phenolic metabolites, with potential health benefits, yet comparative evaluations remain limited. We assessed four wild-grown Geranium spp. (G. dissectum—G1, G. lucidum—G2, G. pusillum—G3, and G. robertianum—G4), from southwestern Romanian flora, using complementary antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and phytochemical (TPC and TFC) assays. Targeted UHPLC/UV with MS confirmation quantified eight phenolic acids. FRAP provided the strongest discrimination between species, and mirrored TPC, with the highest values in G4 sample. ABTS and DPPH supported the same ranking, and TFC varied only modestly, but differences were narrower and not significant between species. Caffeic acid was highest in G1 sample, and chlorogenic acid was selectively elevated in G3 sample. Gallic and protocatechuic acids were highest in G4 sample, both tracking the FRAP/TPC gradient. Syringic acid and vanillic acid were enriched in weaker antioxidant species. Distinctive signatures included high p-coumaric acid in G4 sample and chlorogenic and ferulic acids in G3 sample. Antioxidant potential among Geranium spp. is best explained by TPC, particularly hydroxybenzoic acids, with FRAP emerging as the most sensitive discriminator. These findings provide a comparative benchmark for Geranium spp. phytochemistry and a framework for future pharmacological studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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12 pages, 262 KB  
Article
Flavonoid and Phenolic Quantification from Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart and Euterpe precatoria Mart), Mirití (Mauritia flexuosa L.), and Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Wild. Ex Spreng.) Schum) from Vaupés, Colombia, Using LC-QqQ-MS
by Manuel Salvador Rodríguez, Aida Juliana Martínez León, Lina Sabrina Porras, Iván Alejandro Giraldo, Esmeralda Rojas, Fredy Eduardo Lavao and Kaoma Martínez
Plants 2025, 14(17), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172632 - 24 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Amazonian fruits are valued for their rich phytochemical composition, yet limited data exist for species in Colombia. This study aimed to characterize the flavonoid and phenolic acid profiles of Euterpe olereacea and Euterpe precatoria (açaí), Mauritia flexuosa (mirití), and Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) from [...] Read more.
Amazonian fruits are valued for their rich phytochemical composition, yet limited data exist for species in Colombia. This study aimed to characterize the flavonoid and phenolic acid profiles of Euterpe olereacea and Euterpe precatoria (açaí), Mauritia flexuosa (mirití), and Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) from Vaupes, Colombia. Liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS) and LC-QTOF-MS were used to identify and quantify bioactive compounds in fruit pulp samples. A total of 14 flavonoids and 23 phenolic acid derivatives were detected. M. flexuosa exhibited the highest total flavonoid content, particularly for catechin (4.86 µg/g). E. oleracea and E. precatoria showed the highest phenolic acid concentrations, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid as dominant compounds. The presence of cyanidin-O-glucoside was confirmed in Euterpe species but not in M. flexuosa or T. grandiflorum. Compared to international reports, the Colombian samples generally presented lower concentrations, likely due to genotypic, environmental, and methodological differences. These findings contribute to the phytochemical profiling of underrepresented Amazonian fruits and support their potential for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the bioavailability and health-promoting effects of these compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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25 pages, 405 KB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Piper carpunya and Simira ecuadorensis: A Comparative Study of Four Extraction Methods
by María del Cisne Guamán-Balcázar, Diana Hualpa, Garlet Infante, Luis Luzuriaga, José Luis Riofrío, Anderli Jarro, Estefany Lopez, Verónica Salas-Gomez, Rómulo Salazar, Jorge F. Reyes and Miguel A. Meneses
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162526 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
In this in vitro experimental study, we compared four extraction techniques -dynamic maceration (DME), ultrasound-assisted (UAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE)- to obtain bioactive extracts from two native Ecuadorian plants, Piper carpunya and Simira ecuadorensis. The effect of extraction techniques was [...] Read more.
In this in vitro experimental study, we compared four extraction techniques -dynamic maceration (DME), ultrasound-assisted (UAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE)- to obtain bioactive extracts from two native Ecuadorian plants, Piper carpunya and Simira ecuadorensis. The effect of extraction techniques was evaluated separately for each specie based on extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays), antimicrobial activity, and chemical composition. All analyses were performed in triplicate and analyzed statistically (ANOVA, p < 0.05). UAE and MAE exhibited the highest extraction yield, while PLE provided extracts with the greatest TPC. However, UAE extracts, particularly for S. ecuadorensis, exhibited superior antioxidant capacity across assays. GC/MS analysis revealed alkanes as predominant constituents, along with minor phenolic and ester compounds. Antimicrobial activity was observed in both species, especially against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with UAE and MAE extracts being most effective. Compounds such as isoelemicin, phytol, and ethyl linolenate may contribute to the observed bioactivities. These findings highlight the potential of P. carpunya and S. ecuadorensis as natural sources of antioxidants and antimicrobials for food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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Review

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Review
Sapotaceae Family Fruits from Central America: Botanical, Phytochemical and Nutraceutical Insights—A Review
by Zaira Guadalupe Ibarra-Manzanares, Alayla Guadalupe Ibarra-Manzanares, Lluvia de Abril Alexandra Soriano-Melgar, Martha Monzerrath Orozco-Sifuentes, Jesús Andrés Salas-Tovar, Sarahí del Carmen Rangel-Ortega and Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213297 - 29 Oct 2025
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Abstract
The Sapotaceae family includes various fruit species of ecological, economic, and nutritional importance, among which Pouteria sapota (mamey sapote), Manilkara zapota (zapote chico), Pouteria campechiana (canistel), and Pouteria viridis (zapote verde) stand out, widely distributed throughout Mesoamerica. These species have traditionally been used [...] Read more.
The Sapotaceae family includes various fruit species of ecological, economic, and nutritional importance, among which Pouteria sapota (mamey sapote), Manilkara zapota (zapote chico), Pouteria campechiana (canistel), and Pouteria viridis (zapote verde) stand out, widely distributed throughout Mesoamerica. These species have traditionally been used as a source of food, natural medicine, and other products of cultural value. In recent decades, there has been growing scientific interest in studying their phytochemical composition, which has led to the identification of important secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenes, associated with beneficial health effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the available information on their diversity, traditional use, chemical composition, and biological activities. It also highlights research opportunities aimed at the development of functional products, therapeutic applications, and nutraceuticals, as well as the sustainable use of these species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Plants: Characterization and Biological Effects)
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