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Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application
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Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2024) | Viewed by 17817

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Cerasela Elena Gîrd

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia Str. No. 6, District 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: rutoside; β-cyclodextrin; hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin; inclusion complexes; antioxidant activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Octavian Tudorel Olaru

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: anticancer research; pharmaceutical botany; pharmacognosy; alternative toxicology testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants contain a variety of biologically active compounds, among which a variety of antioxidants are being studied and applied increasingly more frequently. Medicines, health products, food, cosmetics, and food preservation are among the many applications of these chemicals, which have considerable economic value, for example, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, quinones, coumarin, and alkenoic acid.

Even though many natural antioxidants have been extensively studied, their biosynthetic pathways remain a mystery. There is little understanding of how they are produced, regulated, transported, and released. By combining multi-omics, biochemical, and evolutionary analyses, antioxidant anabolism can be better understood and utilized.

Meanwhile, plant antioxidants have always been a topic of widespread concern. Using the latest advances in extraction, purification, analysis, and identification technology, scientists are able to explore a wider range of substances. By using them in food and medicine, human beings can obtain cheap and safe resources. Improving the application of plant antioxidants and exploring their impact on human health is the goal of the food and pharmaceutical-related industries.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original papers and review articles on plant antioxidants, especially on their anabolism, extraction identification, and application.

Prof. Dr. Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Dr. Octavian Tudorel Olaru
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • plant antioxidants
  • flavonoids
  • carotenoids
  • vitamin
  • bioactive compounds

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Combined Elicitation with Light and Temperature on the Chlorogenic Acid Content, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Berula erecta in Tissue Culture
by Jan Senekovič, Terezija Ciringer, Jana Ambrožič-Dolinšek and Maša Islamčević Razboršek
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111463 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid is one of the most prominent bioactive phenolic acids with great pharmacological, cosmetic and nutritional value. The potential of Berula erecta in tissue culture was investigated for the production of chlorogenic acid and its elicitation combined with light of different wavelengths [...] Read more.
Chlorogenic acid is one of the most prominent bioactive phenolic acids with great pharmacological, cosmetic and nutritional value. The potential of Berula erecta in tissue culture was investigated for the production of chlorogenic acid and its elicitation combined with light of different wavelengths and low temperature. The content of chlorogenic acid in the samples was determined by HPLC-UV, while the content of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of their ethanol extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The highest fresh and dry biomasses were obtained in plants grown at 23 °C. This is the first study in which chlorogenic acid has been identified and quantified in Berula erecta. The highest chlorogenic acid content was 4.049 mg/g DW. It was determined in a culture grown for 28 days after the beginning of the experiment at 12 °C and under blue light. The latter also contained the highest content of total phenolic compounds, and its extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. Berula erecta could, potentially, be suitable for the in vitro production of chlorogenic acid, although many other studies should be conducted before implementation on an industrial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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12 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A by Aesculus sp. Extracts and Their Toxicity Evaluation
by Octavian Tudorel Olaru, George Mihai Nitulescu, Andreea Miruna Codreanu, Valentina-Andreea Calmuc, Luanne Venables, Maryna van de Venter, Cerasela Elena Gird, Cosmina-Gabriela Duta-Bratu and Georgiana Nitulescu
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101405 - 18 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1550
Abstract
A promising strategy for combating bacterial infections involves the development of agents that disarm the virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing their pathogenicity without inducing direct lethality. Sortase A, a crucial enzyme responsible for anchoring virulence factors to the cell surface of [...] Read more.
A promising strategy for combating bacterial infections involves the development of agents that disarm the virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing their pathogenicity without inducing direct lethality. Sortase A, a crucial enzyme responsible for anchoring virulence factors to the cell surface of several pathogenic bacteria, has emerged as a possible target for antivirulence strategies. A series of hippocastanum species (Aesculus pavia, A. parviflora, Aesculus x carnea, and A. hippocastanum) were used to prepare ethanol- and water-based extracts for assessing their effect on Staphylococcus aureus sortase A. The extracts were characterized through HPLC analysis, and their polyphenols content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The specific toxicity profile was evaluated in Daphnia magna using the median lethal concentration (LC50) and against the fibroblast MRHF cell line. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values on sortase A, determined after 30 min of incubation, ranged from 82.70 to 304.31 µg/mL, with the A. pavia water extract exhibiting the highest inhibitory effect. The assessment of the A. pavia water extract on human fibroblasts revealed no significant signs of toxicity, even at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. This reduced toxicity was further validated through the Daphnia assay. These findings highlight the low toxicity and the potential of this extract as a promising source of future development of bacteria antivirulence solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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16 pages, 3590 KiB  
Article
Antioxidative Response and Phenolic Content of Young Industrial Hemp Leaves at Different Light and Mycorrhiza
by Ivana Varga, Marija Kristić, Miroslav Lisjak, Monika Tkalec Kojić, Dario Iljkić, Jurica Jović, Suzana Kristek, Antonela Markulj Kulundžić and Manda Antunović
Plants 2024, 13(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060840 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
Due to the increasing presence of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its multiple possibilities of use, the influence of different light and several biopreparations based on beneficial fungi and bacteria on hemp’s morphological and physiological properties were examined. Different biopreparations and [...] Read more.
Due to the increasing presence of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its multiple possibilities of use, the influence of different light and several biopreparations based on beneficial fungi and bacteria on hemp’s morphological and physiological properties were examined. Different biopreparations and their combinations were inoculated on hemp seed and/or substrate and grown under blue and white light. A completely randomized block design was conducted in four replications within 30 days. For biopreparation treatment, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) in combination with Azotobacter chroococum and Trichoderma spp. were inoculated only on seed or both on seed and in the substrate. Generally, the highest morphological parameters (stem, root and plant length) were recorded on plants in white light and on treatment with applied Trichoderma spp., both on seed and substrate. Blue light negatively affected biopreparation treatments, resulting in lower values of all morphological parameters compared to control. Leaves pigments were higher under blue light, as compared to the white light. At the same time, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), flavonoids, total flavanol content and phenolic acids were not influenced by light type. Biopreparation treatments did not significantly influence the leaves’ pigments content (Chl a, Chl b and Car), nor the phenolic and flavanol content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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25 pages, 10141 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract’s Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential
by Ana-Maria Vlase, Anca Toiu, Octavia Gligor, Dana Muntean, Tibor Casian, Laurian Vlase, Adriana Filip, Ioana Bȃldea, Simona Clichici, Nicoleta Decea, Remus Moldovan, Vlad-Alexandru Toma, Piroska Virag and Gianina Crișan
Plants 2024, 13(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020198 - 11 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2299
Abstract
Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and [...] Read more.
Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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18 pages, 8874 KiB  
Article
Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (Lamiaceae) Hydroalcoholic Extract: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Evaluation of Fatty Acid Accumulation
by Vincenzo Musolino, Roberta Macrì, Antonio Cardamone, Luigi Tucci, Maria Serra, Carmine Lupia, Samantha Maurotti, Rosario Mare, Saverio Nucera, Lorenza Guarnieri, Mariangela Marrelli, Anna Rita Coppoletta, Cristina Carresi, Micaela Gliozzi and Vincenzo Mollace
Plants 2023, 12(18), 3306; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183306 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3357
Abstract
Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. is a native Mediterranean shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is well-known as a flavoring and spicing agent. In addition to its classical use, it has drawn attention because its biological activities, due particularly to the presence of polyphenols, [...] Read more.
Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. is a native Mediterranean shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is well-known as a flavoring and spicing agent. In addition to its classical use, it has drawn attention because its biological activities, due particularly to the presence of polyphenols, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, and phenolic diterpenes as carnosol. In this study, the aerial part of rosemary was extracted with a hydroalcoholic solution through maceration, followed by ultrasound sonication, to obtain a terpenoids-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (TRSrE) and a polyphenols-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (PRSrE). After phytochemical characterization, both extracts were investigated for their antioxidant activity through a classical assay and with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for their DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging. Finally, their potential beneficial effects to reduce lipid accumulation in an in vitro model of NAFLD were evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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32 pages, 7256 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Selected Extracts from Betula alba var. pendula Roth., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Avena sativa L.
by Adelina Ghica, Veronica Drumea, Alina Moroșan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Liliana Costea, Emanuela Alice Luță, Dragos Paul Mihai, Dalila Teodora Balaci, Ancuța Cătălina Fița, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Rica Boscencu and Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Plants 2023, 12(13), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132510 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2942
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from the bark of Betula alba var. pendula Roth., the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and the green herb of the Avena sativa. [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from the bark of Betula alba var. pendula Roth., the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and the green herb of the Avena sativa. The results revealed that the lowest IC50 value, determined by all three methods, was obtained for Betulae extractum (BE) (73.6 µg/mL—DPPH method, 11.2 µg/mL—ABTS method, and 58.7 µg/mL—FRAP method), followed by Liquiritiae extractum (LE) (805.6 µg/mL, 92.1 µg/mL, and 722 µg/mL) and Avenae extractum (1.13 mg/mL—DPPH method, 99.7 µg/mL—ABTS method, and 135.1 µg/mL—FRAP method). These results correlate with total polyphenols content (expressed in g tannic acid/100 g dry extract), with BE having more polyphenols than LE and AE (47.96 ± 9.7083 for BE, compared with 9.31 ± 0.9913 for LE and 40.55 ± 6.3715 for AE). The total flavonoid content (expressed as g rutoside/100 g dry extract) is similar for BE and LE (3.75 ± 0.3140 and 3.44 ± 0.3037) and smaller for AE (1.95 ± 0.0526). Therefore, Betulae extractum has the strongest antioxidant action, with an IC50 value very close to the standard used as a reference (ascorbic acid—16.5 μg/mL solution). The FT-ICR-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the major compounds in all three extracts. The antioxidant properties of the studied extracts were further supported by molecular docking experiments that revealed the potential of the analyzed phytochemicals to act as both noncovalent and covalent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with promising benefits in treating various skin disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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16 pages, 755 KiB  
Article
Essential Oils and Sustainability: In Vitro Bioactivity Screening of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Post-Distillation By-Products
by Adriana Trifan, Gokhan Zengin, Izabela Korona-Glowniak, Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak and Simon Vlad Luca
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091741 - 23 Apr 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3042
Abstract
The essential oil of Myristica fragrans Hutt. (nutmeg) is an important commodity used as a flavoring agent in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. Hydrodistillation is chiefly employed at the industrial scale for nutmeg essential oil isolation, but such a technique generates large [...] Read more.
The essential oil of Myristica fragrans Hutt. (nutmeg) is an important commodity used as a flavoring agent in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. Hydrodistillation is chiefly employed at the industrial scale for nutmeg essential oil isolation, but such a technique generates large quantities of post-distillation by-products (e.g., spent plant material and residual distillation water). Therefore, our work aimed to propose a novel strategy for the valorization of nutmeg wastes, with beneficial economic and ecological advantages. Thus, the current study assessed the phytochemical (GC-MS, LC-HRMS/MS) and biological (antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial) profile of nutmeg crude materials (essential oil and total extract) and post-distillation by-products (residual water and spent material extract). Identified in these were 43 volatile compounds, with sabinene (21.71%), α-pinene (15.81%), myristicin (13.39%), and β-pinene (12.70%) as the main constituents. LC-HRMS/MS analysis of the nutmeg extracts noted fifteen metabolites (e.g., organic acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and diarylnonanoids). Among the investigated nutmeg samples, the spent material extract was highlighted as an important source of bioactive compounds, with a total phenolic and flavonoid content of 63.31 ± 0.72 mg GAE/g and 8.31 ± 0.06 mg RE/g, respectively. Moreover, it showed prominent radical-scavenging and metal-reducing properties and significantly inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (4.78 ± 0.03 mg GALAE/g). Further, the spent material extract displayed strong antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus, and Bacillus cereus (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 62.5 mg/L). Overall, our study brings evidence on the health-promoting (antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, antimicrobial) potential of nutmeg post-distillation by-products with future reference to their valorization in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plants—Discovery, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Application)
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