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Bioactive Compounds in Plants
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Bioactive Compounds in Plants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 24083

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sabater-Jara Ana Belén

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
Interests: Elicitation, plant in vitro cultures, specialized metabolism, plant defense responses, plant by-products, biostimulants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lorena Almagro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
Interests: Elicitation, plant in vitro cultures, specialized metabolism, plant defense responses, plant by-products, biostimulants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant bioactive compounds comprise valuable plant components with diverse functions, acting as defense mechanisms of plants under stress situations. Moreover, the high added value of these bioactive compounds is based on their enormous pharmaceutical interest since some of them possess biological properties for human health such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. The great biological importance of these compounds contrasts with the small amounts of them found in plants, making their extraction a very expensive process. Moreover, many of these compounds are not completely characterized, and reaching high yields through their extraction has not been completely achieved. The aim of this Special Issue is to gather original research papers, along with review articles, focusing on recent advances in the field of plant bioactive compounds. This Special Issue of Plants will cover a wide variety of topics, including extraction and identification techniques, bioactivity assays, molecular approaches, and biotechnological strategies to obtain bioactive compounds from plants.

Dr. Sabater-Jara Ana Belén
Dr. Lorena Almagro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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

  • specialized metabolism
  • plant defense responses
  • plant by-products
  • biostimulants
  • biological activity
  • extraction and identification methods

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 2655 KiB  
Article
α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Phytochemical Components of Chinese Endemic Plant Whitfordiodendron filipes var. tomentosum
by Jun-Kun Chen, Zeng-Yue Ge, Xiao-Wen Liao, Jun Xue, Lei Wu and Lin-Fu Liang
Plants 2024, 13(5), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050692 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Whitfordiodendron filipes var. tomentosum is an endemic plant in China. There have been no chemical or pharmacological studies of this plant reported before. In the current research, eight triterpenes and two steroids were obtained. Their structures were established by the analysis of NMR [...] Read more.
Whitfordiodendron filipes var. tomentosum is an endemic plant in China. There have been no chemical or pharmacological studies of this plant reported before. In the current research, eight triterpenes and two steroids were obtained. Their structures were established by the analysis of NMR data and comparison with those reported in the literature. These ten structurally diverse compounds comprised five distinct carbon frameworks with different functionalities. The chemotaxonomic significance of these secondary metabolites was discussed, disclosing the common components between the variant W. filipes var. tomentosum and the species W. filipe. Evaluation of α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of these isolates disclosed that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC50 = 16.6–19.2 μM), which were close in value to the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 11.5 μM). Moreover, the binding modes between the biologically active compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 and the α-glucosidase protein were preliminarily studied using molecular docking. This study not only showed the chemical and biological profile of the plant W. filipes var. tomentosum but also revealed that these components could be developed as hypoglycemic lead compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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16 pages, 576 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical, Technological, and Pharmacological Study on the Galenic Dry Extracts Prepared from German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers
by Janne Sepp, Oleh Koshovyi, Valdas Jakstas, Vaidotas Žvikas, Iryna Botsula, Igor Kireyev, Karina Tsemenko, Oleksandr Kukhtenko, Karin Kogermann, Jyrki Heinämäki and Ain Raal
Plants 2024, 13(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030350 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1288
Abstract
Galenic preparations of German chamomile are used to treat mild skin diseases, inflammation, and spasms, and they have also been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative effects. The medicinal use of chamomile is well known in ethnomedicine. After obtaining its galenic preparations, there [...] Read more.
Galenic preparations of German chamomile are used to treat mild skin diseases, inflammation, and spasms, and they have also been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative effects. The medicinal use of chamomile is well known in ethnomedicine. After obtaining its galenic preparations, there is lots of waste left, so it is expedient to develop waste-free technologies. The aims of this study were to gain knowledge of the ethnomedical status of chamomile in the past and present, develop methods for preparing essential oils and dry extracts from German chamomile flowers using complex processing, reveal the phytochemical composition of such extracts, and verify the analgesic and soporific activity of the extracts. Two methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers were developed, which allowed us to obtain the essential oil and dry extracts of the tincture and aqueous extracts as byproducts. A total of 22 phenolic compounds (7 hydroxycinnamic acids, 13 flavonoids, and 2 phenolic acids) were found in the dry extracts by using UPLC-MS/MS. In total, nine main terpenoids were identified in the chamomile oil, which is of the bisabolol chemotype. During the production of chamomile tincture, a raw material–extractant ratio of 1:14–1:16 and triple extraction are recommended for its highest yield. In in vivo studies with mice and rats, the extracts showed analgesic activity and improvements in sleep. The highest sedative and analgesic effects in rodents were found with the dry extract prepared by using a 70% aqueous ethanol solution for extraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The developed methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers are advisable for implementation into the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the volume of waste during the production of its essential oil and tincture, and to obtain new products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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18 pages, 4575 KiB  
Article
Changes in Biologically Active Compounds in Pinus sylvestris Needles after Lymantria monacha Outbreaks and Treatment with Foray 76B
by Vytautas Čėsna, Ieva Čėsnienė, Vaida Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė and Diana Marčiulynienė
Plants 2024, 13(2), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020328 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 903
Abstract
Due to climate warming, the occurrence of Lymantria monacha outbreaks is predicted to become more frequent, causing repeated and severe damage to conifer trees. Currently, the most effective way to control the outbreaks is aerial spraying with the bioinsecticide Foray 76B. The present [...] Read more.
Due to climate warming, the occurrence of Lymantria monacha outbreaks is predicted to become more frequent, causing repeated and severe damage to conifer trees. Currently, the most effective way to control the outbreaks is aerial spraying with the bioinsecticide Foray 76B. The present study aimed to determine the impact of both: (i) L. monacha outbreaks and (ii) treatment with Foray 76B on tree resistance through the synthesis of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and soluble sugars (TSS) in Pinus sylvestris needles. Samples were collected from visually healthy (control), damaged/untreated, and damaged/Foray 76B-treated plots in 2020 and 2021 (following year after the outbreaks). The results revealed that L. monacha outbreaks contributed to the increase in TPC by 34.1% in 2020 and 26.7% in 2021. TFC negatively correlated with TPC, resulting in 17.6% and 11.1% lower concentrations in L. monacha-damaged plots in 2020 and 2021, respectively. A decrease in MDA was found in the damaged plots in both 2020 and 2021 (10.2% and 23.3%, respectively), which was associated with the increased synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in 2021. The research results also showed that in the following year after the outbreaks, the increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments was also affected by the treatment with Foray 76B. Moreover, the increase in the synthesis of TPC and photosynthetic pigments in the damaged plots in 2021 illustrates the ability of pines to keep an activated defense system to fight biotic stress. Meanwhile, a higher synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in Foray 76B-treated plots indicates a possible effect of the treatment on faster tree growth and forest recovery after L. monacha outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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12 pages, 835 KiB  
Article
Phytochemicals from Pterocarpus angolensis DC and Their Cytotoxic Activities against Breast Cancer Cells
by Zecarias W. Teclegeorgish, Ntebogeng S. Mokgalaka, Douglas Kemboi, Rui W. M. Krause, Xavier Siwe-Noundou, Getrude R. Nyemba, Candace Davison, Jo-Anne de la Mare and Vuyelwa J. Tembu
Plants 2024, 13(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020301 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 973
Abstract
Pterocarpus anglonesis DC is an indigenous medicinal plant belonging to the Pterocarpus genus of the Fabaceae family. It is used to treat stomach problems, headaches, mouth ulcers, malaria, blackwater fever, gonorrhea, ringworm, diarrhea, heavy menstruation, and breast milk stimulation. Column chromatography of the [...] Read more.
Pterocarpus anglonesis DC is an indigenous medicinal plant belonging to the Pterocarpus genus of the Fabaceae family. It is used to treat stomach problems, headaches, mouth ulcers, malaria, blackwater fever, gonorrhea, ringworm, diarrhea, heavy menstruation, and breast milk stimulation. Column chromatography of the stem bark extracts resulted in the isolation of eight compounds, which included friedelan-3-one (1), 3α-hydroxyfriedel-2-one (2), 3-hydroxyfriedel-3-en-2-one (3), lup-20(29)-en-3-ol (4), Stigmasta-5-22-dien-3-ol (5), 4-O-methylangolensis (6), (3β)-3-acetoxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7), and tetradecyl (E)-ferulate (8). The structures were established based on NMR, IR, and MS spectroscopic analyses. Triple-negative breast cancer (HCC70), hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (MCF-7), and non-cancerous mammary epithelial cell lines (MCF-12A) were used to test the compounds’ cytotoxicity. Overall, the compounds showed either no toxicity or very low toxicity to all three cell lines tested, except for the moderate toxicity displayed by lupeol (4) towards the non-cancerous MCF-12A cells, with an IC50 value of 36.60 μM. Compound (3β)-3-acetoxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7) was more toxic towards hormone-responsive (MCF-7) breast cancer cells than either triple-negative breast cancer (HCC70) or non-cancerous breast epithelial (MCF-12A) cells (IC50 values of 83.06 vs. 146.80 and 143.00 μM, respectively). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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17 pages, 4732 KiB  
Article
Metabolomics Analysis of Different Quinoa Cultivars Based on UPLC-ZenoTOF-MS/MS and Investigation into Their Antioxidant Characteristics
by Shufang Wang, Guannan Liu, Chong Xie, You Zhou, Runqiang Yang, Jirong Wu, Jianhong Xu and Kang Tu
Plants 2024, 13(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020240 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 839
Abstract
In recent years, quinoa, as a nutritious and sustainable food material, has gained increasing popularity worldwide. To investigate the diversity of nutritional characteristics among different quinoa cultivars and explore their potential health benefits, metabolites of five quinoa cultivars (QL-1, SJ-1, SJ-2, KL-1 and [...] Read more.
In recent years, quinoa, as a nutritious and sustainable food material, has gained increasing popularity worldwide. To investigate the diversity of nutritional characteristics among different quinoa cultivars and explore their potential health benefits, metabolites of five quinoa cultivars (QL-1, SJ-1, SJ-2, KL-1 and KL-2) were compared by non-targeted metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-ZenoTOF-MS/MS in this study. A total of 248 metabolites across 13 categories were identified. Although the metabolite compositions were generally similar among the different quinoa cultivars, significant variations existed in their respective metabolite contents. Among the identified metabolites, amino acids/peptides, nucleosides, saponins and phenolic acids were the most abundant. Notably, SJ-1 exhibited the most distinct metabolite profile when compared to the other cultivars. Amino acids/peptides and nucleosides were found to be crucial factors contributing to the unique metabolite profile of SJ-1. Collectively, these aforementioned metabolites accounted for a substantial 60% of the total metabolites observed in each quinoa variety. Additionally, a correlation between the DPPH radical scavenging activity and the free phenolic content of quinoa was observed. Variations in phenolic content resulted in different antioxidant capacities among the quinoa cultivars, and SJ-1 exhibited lower phenolic levels and weaker antioxidant activity than the others. These results can provide important information for the development of quinoa resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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16 pages, 2800 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Five Rose Hip Species Grown in Sicily
by Barbara Guantario, Nicoletta Nardo, Giancarlo Fascella, Giulia Ranaldi, Paola Zinno, Alberto Finamore, Gianni Pastore, Michele Massimo Mammano, Irene Baiamonte and Marianna Roselli
Plants 2024, 13(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010053 - 23 Dec 2023
Viewed by 889
Abstract
Nowadays, research on plant extracts has attracted increasing interest. The aim of this study was to compare phenolic profile, vitamin C, and carotenoid content, as well as the biological activities of five different rose species, including Rosa canina, R. corymbifera, R. [...] Read more.
Nowadays, research on plant extracts has attracted increasing interest. The aim of this study was to compare phenolic profile, vitamin C, and carotenoid content, as well as the biological activities of five different rose species, including Rosa canina, R. corymbifera, R. micrantha, R. rubiginosa, and R. rugosa. These species had different morphological characteristics, with R. rugosa showing higher size of flower petals and higher weight of hips. The highest vitamin C content was found in hip extracts of R. rubiginosa and R. rugosa, which also showed the highest carotenoid amount. R. corymbifera showed the highest phenolic content. No significant antimicrobial activity of extracts containing phenolic compounds against different indicator strains could be detected. Cell monolayer integrity was not affected by treatments with the above-mentioned extracts of R. canina, R. micrantha, and R. rugosa at different concentrations for up to 24 h, while those of R. rubiginosa and R. corymbifera affected intestinal permeability at the highest concentration tested. The partial least squares regression analysis generated a predictive model correlating phenolic compounds with cell monolayer integrity, suggesting a relevant role for catechin, quercitrin, and p-coumaric acid. In conclusion, this study highlights how rose hips belonging to different species can have a diverse phenolic profile, differently influencing intestinal monolayer integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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15 pages, 1720 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity of Traditional Plants, Northern Thailand
by Peerapong Jeeno, Sumed Yadoung, Pichamon Yana and Surat Hongsibsong
Plants 2023, 12(23), 3956; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233956 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 844
Abstract
Traditional plants have played a significant role in human culture and medicine throughout history. These plants have the capability to synthesize a diverse range of chemical compounds that serve essential biological functions. This study’s objective was to analyze the phytochemical composition of five [...] Read more.
Traditional plants have played a significant role in human culture and medicine throughout history. These plants have the capability to synthesize a diverse range of chemical compounds that serve essential biological functions. This study’s objective was to analyze the phytochemical composition of five traditional plants, namely Emilia sonchifolia, Chloranthus erectus, Caesalpinia mimosoides, Acacia concinna, and Tacca chantrieri, native to northern Thailand, using LC-QTOF/MS analysis and assess their potential bioactivity through various assays including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, total phenolic compounds, and total flavonoid content. The findings revealed the presence of natural bioactive compounds in each plant extract, which exhibited pharmacological activity. Notably, Caesalpinia mimosoides displayed the highest antioxidant capacity across all plant extracts (IC50 in DPPH with the methanol extract was 0.03 and 898.18 mg AAE/100 g with the ethanol extract), along with elevated levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content, which showed the highest TFC at 46.79 µgRE/g in the methanol extract. In conclusion, traditional plants possess notable biological constituents and antioxidant properties, suggesting their potential for bioactive applications. Based on these findings, these indigenous plants can serve as a valuable resource in traditional medicine, offering the possibility of uncovering new products with similar capabilities and additional therapeutic attributes worthy of future exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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24 pages, 5592 KiB  
Article
Bioactivity of Fractions and Pure Compounds from Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. Bark Extracts
by Yazmín B. Jiménez-Nevárez, Julio Montes-Avila, Miguel Angel Angulo-Escalante, Ninfa Yaret Nolasco-Quintana, Judith González Christen, Israel Hurtado-Díaz, Eber Addí Quintana-Obregón, J. Basilio Heredia, José Benigno Valdez-Torres and Laura Alvarez
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3780; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213780 - 6 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1293
Abstract
Medicines for chronic inflammation can cause gastric ulcers and hepatic and renal issues. An alternative treatment for chronic inflammation is that of natural bioactive compounds, which present low side effects. Extracts of Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity [...] Read more.
Medicines for chronic inflammation can cause gastric ulcers and hepatic and renal issues. An alternative treatment for chronic inflammation is that of natural bioactive compounds, which present low side effects. Extracts of Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity; however, testing pure compounds would be of greater interest. Campesteryl palmitate, n-heptyl ferulate, palmitic acid, and a mixture of sterols, i.e., brassicasterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, were obtained from an ethyl acetate extract from J. cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. bark using column chromatography. The toxicity and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. None of the products assessed exhibited toxicity. The sterol mixture exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition percentages were 37.97% and 41.68% at 22.5 μg/mL and 30 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, n-heptyl ferulate decreased NO by 30.61% at 30 μg/mL, while campesteryl palmitate did not show anti-inflammatory activity greater than the positive control. The mixture and n-heptyl ferulate showed NO inhibition; hence, we may conclude that these compounds have anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully explore the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds and their efficacy in treating chronic inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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16 pages, 1248 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Activity of Different Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Genotypes
by Zala Kolenc, Tamara Hribernik, Tomaž Langerholc, Maša Pintarič, Maja Prevolnik Povše and Urban Bren
Plants 2023, 12(19), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193436 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 915
Abstract
The antioxidant activity (AA) of hop extracts obtained from different hop genotypes (n = 14) was studied. For comparison, the purified β-acids-rich fraction and α-acids-with-β-acids-rich fraction were also used to test the antioxidative potential. The AA of purified hydroacetonic hop extracts was [...] Read more.
The antioxidant activity (AA) of hop extracts obtained from different hop genotypes (n = 14) was studied. For comparison, the purified β-acids-rich fraction and α-acids-with-β-acids-rich fraction were also used to test the antioxidative potential. The AA of purified hydroacetonic hop extracts was investigated using the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) and Intracellular Antioxidant (IA) methods. The FRAP values in different hop genotypes ranged between 63.5 and 101.6 μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry weight (DW), the ORAC values ranged between 1069 and 1910 μmol TE/g DW and IA potential values ranged between 52.7 and 118.0 mmol TE/g DW. Significant differences in AA between hop genotypes were observed with all three methods. AAs were determined using three different methods, which did not highly correlate with each other. We also did not find significant correlations between AA and different chemical components, which applies both to AA determined using individual methods as well as the total AA. Based on this fact, we assume that the synergistic or antagonistic effects between hop compounds have a more pronounced effect on AA than the presence and quantity of individual hop compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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18 pages, 1756 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Interplay between Metabolic Pathways and Taxane Production in Elicited Taxus baccata Cell Suspensions
by Edgar Perez-Matas, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Begoña Miras-Moreno, Luigi Lucini, Mercedes Bonfill, Javier Palazon and Diego Hidalgo-Martinez
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142696 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 883
Abstract
Taxus cell cultures are a reliable biotechnological source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel. However, the interplay between taxane production and other metabolic pathways during elicitation remains poorly understood. In this study, we combined untargeted metabolomics and elicited Taxus baccata cell cultures to investigate [...] Read more.
Taxus cell cultures are a reliable biotechnological source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel. However, the interplay between taxane production and other metabolic pathways during elicitation remains poorly understood. In this study, we combined untargeted metabolomics and elicited Taxus baccata cell cultures to investigate variations in taxane-associated metabolism under the influence of 1 µM coronatine (COR) and 150 µM salicylic acid (SA). Our results demonstrated pleiotropic effects induced by both COR and SA elicitors, leading to differential changes in cell growth, taxane content, and secondary metabolism. Metabolite annotation revealed significant effects on N-containing compounds, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. Multivariate analysis showed that the metabolomic profiles of control and COR-treated samples are closer to each other than to SA-elicited samples at different time points (8, 16, and 24 days). The highest level of paclitaxel content was detected on day 8 under SA elicitation, exhibiting a negative correlation with the biomarkers kauralexin A2 and taxusin. Our study provides valuable insights into the intricate metabolic changes associated with paclitaxel production, aiding its potential optimization through untargeted metabolomics and an evaluation of COR/SA elicitor effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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15 pages, 1385 KiB  
Article
Glutamate, Humic Acids and Their Combination Modulate the Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Traits, and Enzyme-Inhibition Properties in Lettuce
by Marco Armando De Gregorio, Gökhan Zengin, Fatma Nur Alp-Turgut, Fevzi Elbasan, Ceyda Ozfidan-Konakci, Busra Arikan, Evren Yildiztugay, Leilei Zhang and Luigi Lucini
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091822 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1459
Abstract
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae) is a popular vegetable leafy crop playing a relevant role in human nutrition. Nowadays, novel strategies are required to sustainably support plant growth and elicit the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules with functional roles in crops including lettuce. [...] Read more.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae) is a popular vegetable leafy crop playing a relevant role in human nutrition. Nowadays, novel strategies are required to sustainably support plant growth and elicit the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules with functional roles in crops including lettuce. In this work, the polyphenolic profile of lettuce treated with glutamic acid (GA), humic acid (HA), and their combination (GA + HA) was investigated using an untargeted metabolomics phenolic profiling approach based on high-resolution mass spectrometry. Both aerial and root organ parts were considered, and a broad and diverse phenolic profile could be highlighted. The phenolic profile included flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavones, flavanols, and flavonols), phenolic acids (both hydroxycinnamics and hydroxybenzoics), low molecular weight phenolics (tyrosol equivalents), lignans and stilbenes. Overall, GA and HA treatments significantly modulated the biosynthesis of flavanols, lignans, low molecular weight phenolics, phenolic acids, and stilbene. Thereafter, antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro with 2,2-diphenyln-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. In addition, this study examined the inhibitory properties of enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase. Compared to individual treatments, the combination of GA + HA showed stronger antioxidant abilities in free radical scavenging and reducing power assays in root samples. Moreover, this combination positively influenced the inhibitory effects of root samples on AChE and BChE and the tyrosinase inhibitory effect of leaf samples. Concerning Pearson’s correlations, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities were related to phenolic compounds, and lignans in particular correlated with radical scavenging activities. Overall, the tested elicitors could offer promising insights for enhancing the functional properties of lettuce in agricultural treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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11 pages, 4399 KiB  
Article
Biotechnological Approach to Increase Oxyresveratrol Production in Mulberry In Vitro Plants under Elicitation
by Ana Belén Sabater-Jara, Lorena Almagro, Isabel Nicolás Sánchez and María Ángeles Pedreño
Plants 2023, 12(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030546 - 25 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Morus alba L. is used for a range of therapeutic purposes in Asian traditional medicine, and its extracts are reported to be effective against lipidemia, diabetes, and obesity, as well as being hepatoprotective and tyrosinase-inhibitory. They are also included in cosmetic products as [...] Read more.
Morus alba L. is used for a range of therapeutic purposes in Asian traditional medicine, and its extracts are reported to be effective against lipidemia, diabetes, and obesity, as well as being hepatoprotective and tyrosinase-inhibitory. They are also included in cosmetic products as anti-aging and skin-whitening agents. Stilbenes, the major bioactive compounds found in M. alba, have received renewed attention recently because of their putative activity against COVID-19. In this study M. alba plants were established in vitro, and the effect of elicitation on plant growth and stilbene accumulation, specifically oxyresveratrol and trans-resveratrol, was investigated. Different concentrations of the elicitors including methyl jasmonate and cyclodextrins were applied, and stilbene levels were determined in leaves, roots, and the culture medium. Elicitation of the M. alba plants with 5 mM cyclodextrins, alone or in combination with 10 µM methyl jasmonate, significantly increased the total phenolic content in the culture medium and leaves after 7 days of treatment. The higher total phenolic content in the roots of control plants and those treated only with methyl jasmonate indicated that cyclodextrins promoted metabolite release to the culture medium. Notably, the cyclodextrin-treated plants with the highest levels of oxy- and trans-resveratrol also had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. These results indicate that elicited M. alba in vitro plants constitute a promising alternative source of bioactive stilbenes to supply pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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Review

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43 pages, 8760 KiB  
Review
Cistus albidus L.—Review of a Traditional Mediterranean Medicinal Plant with Pharmacological Potential
by Daniel Raus de Baviera, Antonio Ruiz-Canales and Enrique Barrajón-Catalán
Plants 2023, 12(16), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162988 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it [...] Read more.
Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it an attractive source of raw material. The main constituents with bioactive functions that exert pharmacological effects are terpenes and polyphenols, with more than 200 identified compounds. The purpose of this review is to offer a detailed account of the botanical, ethnological, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albidus with the aim of encouraging additional pharmaceutical investigations into the potential therapeutic benefits of this medicinal plant. This review was carried out using organized searches of the available literature up to July 2023. A detailed analysis of C. albidus confirms its traditional use as a medicinal plant. The outcome of several studies suggests a deeper involvement of certain polyphenols and terpenes in multiple mechanisms such as inflammation and pain, with a potential application focus on neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Other diseases such as prostate cancer and leukemia have already been researched with promising results for this plant, for which no intoxication has been reported in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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25 pages, 6238 KiB  
Review
Flavonoids: Overview of Biosynthesis, Biological Activity, and Current Extraction Techniques
by Sergio Liga, Cristina Paul and Francisc Péter
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142732 - 23 Jul 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6584
Abstract
Recently, increased attention has been paid to natural sources as raw materials for the development of new added-value products. Flavonoids are a large family of polyphenols which include several classes based on their basic structure: flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins. They [...] Read more.
Recently, increased attention has been paid to natural sources as raw materials for the development of new added-value products. Flavonoids are a large family of polyphenols which include several classes based on their basic structure: flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins. They have a multitude of biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Current trends of research and development on flavonoids relate to identification, extraction, isolation, physico-chemical characterization, and their applications to health benefits. This review presents an up-to-date survey of the most recent developments in the natural flavonoid classes, the biological activity of representative flavonoids, current extraction techniques, and perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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13 pages, 2559 KiB  
Review
Tartary Buckwheat Grain as a Source of Bioactive Compounds in Husked Groats
by Ivan Kreft, Aleksandra Golob, Blanka Vombergar and Mateja Germ
Plants 2023, 12(5), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051122 - 2 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) originates in mountain regions of Western China, and is cultivated in China, Bhutan, Northern India, Nepal, and Central Europe. The content of flavonoids in Tartary buckwheat grain and groats is much higher than in common buckwheat ( [...] Read more.
Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) originates in mountain regions of Western China, and is cultivated in China, Bhutan, Northern India, Nepal, and Central Europe. The content of flavonoids in Tartary buckwheat grain and groats is much higher than in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and depends on ecological conditions, such as UV-B radiation. Buckwheat intake has preventative effects in chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, due to its content of bioactive substances. The main bioactive compounds in Tartary buckwheat groats are flavonoids (rutin and quercetin). There are differences in the bioactivities of buckwheat groats obtained using different husking technologies, based on husking raw or pretreated grain. Husking hydrothermally pretreated grain is among the traditional ways of consuming buckwheat in Europe and some parts of China and Japan. During hydrothermal and other processing of Tartary buckwheat grain, a part of rutin is transformed to quercetin, the degradation product of rutin. By adjusting the humidity of materials and the processing temperature, it is possible to regulate the degree of conversion of rutin to quercetin. Rutin is degraded to quercetin in Tartary buckwheat grain due to the enzyme rutinosidase. The high-temperature treatment of wet Tartary buckwheat grain is able to prevent the transformation of rutin to quercetin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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