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Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 6607

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Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Reidah

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CREAIT, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
Interests: phytochemicals; liquid and gas chromatography; bioactive compounds; functional ingredients; analytical methods
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Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit original articles to this Special Issue, entitled ‘Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries (2nd Edition)’.

Interest has grown around natural plant extracts in food and beverage applications, their roles in food technology as well as quality, and their therapeutic use in inhibiting several diseases. The protecting effects of healthy diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are due not only to fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but also to a diversity of phytochemicals, particularly phenolics, which are considered to be among the most important classes originating in plant-derived secondary metabolites. Phenolics are renowned for their possession of a wide array of remarkable biochemical and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. This being the case, these compounds can be functional in the prevention of many diseases as well as in health maintenance, besides their phenolic-varied applications in the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, due to their importance in the pharma- and nutraceutical arenas. This Special Issue will gather the most recent studies regarding their chemistry, extraction methods, and analytical techniques, along with their biological activities. The interpretation of phytochemical bioactivities on a molecular basis, by means of both well-established and advanced bioanalytical techniques, is also welcome. We would like to invite researchers to participate in this Special Issue by submitting a contribution in their field of expertise. Both original research papers and global or specialized critical reviews are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Advanced analytical methodologies for the isolation, purification, and analysis of phytochemicals from food, food waste, and medicinal plants;
Phytochemicals and metabolites in plants, food, and biological samples;
Biological activities and mechanisms of action;
In vivo evaluations of health benefits;
Development of novel antioxidants and phenolic-based nutraceuticals, as well as functional ingredients.

Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Reidah
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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

phytochemical identification
biological activity
fingerprint
secondary metabolites
liquid and gas chromatography
mass spectrometry
analytical methods
phenolic compounds
bioactives
functional ingredients

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Chemical, Physical, Functional, and Multi-Element Profile Characterization of Requeijão with Guabiroba Pulp

by Amanda Alves Prestes, Brunna de Kacia Souza Coelho, Leandro José de Oliveira Mindelo, Ana Caroline Ferreira Carvalho, Jefferson Santos de Gois, Dayanne Regina Mendes Andrade, Carolina Krebs de Souza, Cristiane Vieira Helm, Adriano Gomes da Cruz and Elane Schwinden Prudencio

Processes 2025, 13(5), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051322 - 26 Apr 2025

Viewed by 238

Abstract

Five requeijão samples, classified as Brazilian cream cheeses, were developed: one control (without guabiroba pulp (Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg) and four with 5, 10, 15, and 20% (m/m) guabiroba pulp. They were evaluated for pH, water activity (aw), color, texture, multi-mineral composition, carotenoid content, and microstructure. The addition of guabiroba pulp reduced pH and maintained Aw. The samples with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% guabiroba pulp presented a yellow–reddish coloration. The formulation with 5% had the lowest values of firmness, resilience, texture, and spreadability. From 10% onwards, an increase in cohesiveness and a reduction in creaminess were observed. The sample with 15% presented better spreadability, while the 20% sample had adhesiveness similar to the control. No traces of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, or Se were detected. The detected elements, in descending order, were Na, Ca, P, S, K, Mg, Sr, and Zn. β-carotene was predominant, with guabiroba pulp enhancing α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and λ-carotene levels, especially at 20% pulp. Microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed no significant differences. These findings highlight the potential of guabiroba pulp as a functional ingredient in requeijão, enhancing its carotenoid profile while maintaining desirable textural and physicochemical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 2694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Phytochemical Analysis of Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei Leaves Extracts

by Souad Lahcene, Idir Moualek, Karim Bariz, Elias Benramdane, Rawaf Alenazy, Mohammed Alqasmi, Fawaz M. Almufarriji, Mohammed Thabet, Ghaith Fallata, Nasser Alqurainy, Bilal Saoudi, Nassima Sadoun, Lamia Trabelsi and Karim Houali

Processes 2025, 13(4), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041113 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 302

Abstract

Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei, endemic to the central Sahara in Algeria, Niger, and Sudan, is recognized for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits, notably its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and biological activities of its leaf extracts obtained via aqueous and ethanolic extraction. Total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins were quantified by UV–visible spectrophotometry, while individual phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-UV. Antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide neutralization, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against nine bacterial strains. The ethanolic extract exhibited higher total phenol (134.72 ± 9.25 mg GAE/g VP) and flavonoid (26.08 ± 1.57 mg QE/g VP) contents, while tannin levels were similar in both extracts. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds, including oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, rutin, and quercetin, were identified. The ethanolic extract showed superior antioxidant capacity, with an EC₅₀ of 7.48 ± 0.39 µg/mL (DPPH) and IC₅₀ values of 214.04 ± 2.89 µg/mL (H₂O₂) and 185.63 ± 3.84 µg/mL (β-carotene). Both extracts exhibited antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones up to 23.33 ± 0.76 mm and MIC values as low as 0.78 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of Laperrine olive leaves as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents. Full article

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13 pages, 485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Wild Olive Leaves Grown in United Arab Emirates

by Maher M. Al-Dabbas, Rawan Al-Jaloudi, Hani J. Hamad, Bha’a Aldin Al-Nawasrah, Doa’a Al-Refaie, Mahmoud Abughoush, Ahmad Aldabbas and Sehar Iqbal

Processes 2025, 13(4), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13040998 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 254

Abstract

Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) are a source of natural bioactive compounds with various health benefits and are often considered agricultural waste. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities of an infused aqueous extract and ultrasonic-assisted extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) from wild olive leaves grown in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aqueous-infused extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 91.9 mg GAE/g extract), the highest reducing power activity, the lowest IC₅₀ value for diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (97.3% and 81.1 µg/mL, respectively), and the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (77.1% and 83.3%, respectively). Meanwhile, the ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (31.2 mg RE/g extract) and significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (61.8% and 77.2%, respectively). The antimicrobial activity of wild olive leaf extracts (WOLEs) at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 5 mg, tested using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, was weak or ineffective at the studied concentrations. The study concluded that WOLEs are high in total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, suggesting the potential use of WOLE in folk medicine. Full article

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26 pages, 2856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Natural Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Carthamus caeruleus L. Root Aqueous Extract: An In Vitro Evaluation

by Yousra Belounis, Idir Moualek, Hillal Sebbane, Hakima Ait Issad, Sarah Saci, Bilal Saoudi, El-hafid Nabti, Lamia Trabelsi, Karim Houali and Cristina Cruz

Processes 2025, 13(3), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030878 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Carthamus caeruleus L. is traditionally used in Algerian medicine, particularly for burn treatment, but its therapeutic potential remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the root aqueous extract, and to perform phytochemical characterization to identify its bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using spectrophotometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The antioxidant potential was assessed through various assays, including ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelation, and hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using membrane stabilization, protein denaturation, and membrane peroxidation assays. The extract exhibited moderate levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, quantified as 21.19 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g, 0.72 ± 0.013 mg QE/g, and 27.28 ± 1.04 mg TAE/g of dry extract, respectively. RP-HPLC analysis identified 22 phytochemical compounds, primarily phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, with orientin and vanillin as the major constituents. The extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with moderate efficacy in TAC and FRAP assays (IC₅₀ values of 5405.1 ± 4.42 and 1132.35 ± 4.97 µg/mL, respectively). Notable activities included DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging (34.43 ± 4.83 and 512.81 ± 9.46 µg/mL, respectively), ferrous ion chelation (2462.76 ± 1.38 µg/mL), lipid peroxidation inhibition (22.32 ± 3.31%), and hydrogen peroxide decomposition (263.93 ± 7.87 µg/mL). Additionally, the extract stabilized erythrocyte membranes under osmotic, thermal, and oxidative stress conditions (98.13 ± 0.15%, 70 ± 1.27%, and 89 ± 0.87%, respectively), inhibited ovalbumin denaturation (81.05 ± 2.2%), and protected against lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates (69.25 ± 0.89%). These findings support the traditional therapeutic applications of C. caeruleus and highlight its potential as a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

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31 pages, 4450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional Analysis and Bioactivity Assessment of the Anemone baicalensis Rhizome: Exploring the Potential for Substituting Anemones raddeanae Rhizoma

by Shuang Sun, Guangqing Xia, Hao Pang, Li Li and Hao Zang

Processes 2025, 13(3), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030844 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 468

Abstract

Anemone baicalensis, a plant abundant in Northeast China, has garnered attention for its potential medicinal properties. While its aerial parts (ABAP) have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, the rhizome (ABR) remains less explored, particularly in comparison to the well-documented Anemones raddeanae Rhizoma, a valuable traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigates the chemical composition and bioactivity of ABR, comparing it with ABAP and evaluating its potential as a substitute for Anemones raddeanae Rhizoma. Phytochemical analyses, including qualitative and quantitative assessments, were conducted on ABR extracts using various solvents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through multiple assays, and stability studies were performed on methanol and 80% ethanol extracts. UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify chemical constituents. Acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effects were assessed in vivo using a rat model. The results revealed that ABR and ABAP share nearly half of their chemical components, with ABR containing a higher diversity of triterpenoid saponins. The 80% ethanol extract of ABR exhibited the highest extraction yield, rich in phenolics and triterpenoids, and demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and stability. In vivo studies showed that ABR significantly reduced liver injury markers (ALT, AST,

γ

-GT, and MDA), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT), and increased albumin concentration, comparable to the effects of Anemones raddeanae Rhizoma. Acute toxicity tests indicated low toxicity, supporting its safety for medicinal use. ABR shows significant potential as a substitute for Anemones raddeanae Rhizoma, particularly due to its rich triterpenoid content and hepatoprotective effects. While ABAP outperforms ABR in terms of antioxidant activity, ABR’s unique chemical profile and liver-protective capabilities highlight its value in drug development. This study provides a scientific foundation for the further exploration of ABR as a sustainable alternative in traditional medicine. Full article

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21 pages, 4418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Olive Tree Twigs as an Attractive Green Source of Antioxidant and Antibiofilm Biomolecules

by Samia Dermeche, Kahina Mezoued, Hinda Naib, Nassima Senani, Thinina Afif Chaouche, Rawaf Alenazy, Mohammed Sanad Alhussaini, Alyahya Abdulrahman A. I., Mohammed Alqasmi, Fawaz M. Almufarriji, Fahad Mohammed Alturaiki, Samia Bedouhene, El-hafid Nabti, Lamia Trabelsi and Karim Houali

Processes 2025, 13(2), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020559 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 483

Abstract

Biofilms represent complex three-dimensional microbial communities that can harbor strains highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. These structures, which form on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, are associated with food spoilage and increased complications in hospitalized patients. Consequently, there is significant interest in developing novel biofilm and infection control strategies, particularly those focusing on natural molecules with dual antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. In this study, olive tree twigs from three varieties of Olea europea chemlal (CH), Azeradj (AZ), and wild-type Olea europaea sylvestris (W) were collected from the Kabylia region in Algeria. The samples underwent systematic extraction and were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, antimicrobial properties via disk diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and antibiofilm capabilities. Results demonstrated that olive tree twig extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial and antibiofilm potential. The antioxidant activity, measured through DPPH radical scavenging, showed IC50 values ranging from 38.12 ± 1.52 µg/mL to 148.7 ± 1.23 µg/mL. When tested against six pathogenic bacterial strains, including both ATCC reference strains and milk isolates, the MIC values ranged from 1.18 mg/mL to 4.71 mg/mL. Notably, sub-inhibitory concentrations significantly reduced biofilm formation across most tested strains, with inhibition rates varying from 21% to 90.43%. The effectiveness of biofilm inhibition was dependent on the bacterial strain, olive tree variety, and extract concentration used. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these results (p < 0.05). Given the demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of these olive tree twig extracts, they show promise for further development as surface disinfectants and potential applications in food safety and infection control. Additional research is warranted to fully characterize their mechanisms of action and optimize their practical applications. Full article

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16 pages, 804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Functional Jelly Gums Using Blueberry Concentrate and Honey: Physicochemical and Sensory Analysis

by Rawan Al-Jaloudi, Doa’a Al-Refaie, Mohammad Shahein, Hani J. Hamad, Maher M. Al-Dabbas, Nisreen Shehadeh, Jomanah AlBtoosh, Bha’a Aldin Al-Nawasrah, Razan Alkhderat and Suha Khayri Ababneh

Processes 2025, 13(2), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020508 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1158

Abstract

The production of functional candies has garnered significant attention due to the growing consumer demand for healthier confectionery options. This study investigates the production of functional jelly gum by replacing table sugar and glucose syrup with honey and blueberry concentrate. Various formulations were developed and tested for phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, textural properties, and consumer acceptance. Results showed that the addition of functional ingredients increased the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the control. The modified jelly gums exhibited strong antioxidant activities, as evidenced by the DPPH assay, with significant differences (p < 0.05) from the control. The DPPH radical scavenging activity correlated strongly with phenolic content (R² = 0.88) and flavonoid content (R² = 0.89). Reducing power ranged from 32.31% to 78.45%, with the T5 sample (containing 30 g honey and 60 g blueberry concentrate) showing the highest activity. The reducing power of all treatments correlated significantly with flavonoid content (R² = 0.75) and phenolic content (R² = 0.83). Sensory analysis revealed that the T4 sample (containing 30 g of honey and 30 g of blueberry concentrate) was the most favorably received by consumers. These findings highlight the potential of using natural ingredients to develop healthier confectionery products that meet consumer demand for confectionery that is both nutritious and appealing. Full article

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21 pages, 10391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NADES-in-Oil Emulsions Enriched with Essential Oils for Cosmetic Application

by David S. Freitas, Diana Rocha, Joana Santos, Jennifer Noro, Tânia D. Tavares, Marta O. Teixeira, Daniela Araújo, Joana Castro, Carina Almeida, Sónia Silva, Helena P. Felgueiras, Artur Ribeiro, Armando Venâncio, Artur Cavaco-Paulo and Carla Silva

Processes 2025, 13(2), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020374 - 29 Jan 2025

Viewed by 880

Abstract

This research aims to explore the potential benefits of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) in formulating translucent NADES-in-oil emulsions (TEs) containing essential oils (EOs) for cosmetic applications. The TEs investigated in this study are based on previous formulations, consisting of 50 wt.% egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), 20 wt.% ethanol, 20 wt.% olive oil (OlO), thyme oil (TO), or oregano oil (OrO), and 10 wt.% NADES made from a 1:1 or 1:4 ratio of lactic acid and glycerol (LA). These emulsions exhibit high antioxidant activity, attributed to the terpenes present in the essential oils, such as thymol in TO and carvacrol in OrO. The TEs containing TO and OrO demonstrated a more fluid consistency, along with a more appealing texture and fragrance compared to the OlO control. Additionally, these emulsions exhibited the ability to permeate pig skin, as well as significant antifungal and antibacterial activity, and low toxicity in the Galleria mellonella larval model. Overall, the findings expand the potential applications of NADES, particularly in the development of translucent emulsions with EO for treating microbial skin and nail infections. Full article

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24 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Applications of Bambusa stenostachya Leaf Extract in Personal Care Products

by Hsuan-Chieh Liu, Cheng-Yang Hsieh, Po-Wei Tsai, Tzu-Yu Chou, Shu-Ching Yang, Ching-Hui Chang, Ying-Pin Huang, Chuan-Chi Chien, Shih-Chi Lee, Hsin-Der Shih and Yung-Chuan Liu

Processes 2025, 13(1), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010233 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1855

Abstract

Concerns about the safety of traditional preservatives in personal care products are driving interest toward self-preserving alternatives. This study explores the potential of B. stenostachya leaf extracts, a natural and biodegradable material, for use in cosmetics. B. stenostachya, a fast-growing bamboo species native to Taiwan, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Leaves were obtained from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Tainan, Taiwan, and extracted using ultrasonic and Soxhlet methods with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. The highest yield was achieved with 50% ethanol at 100 °C. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line, with no toxicity observed at dilutions between 1/3200 and 1/400, indicating the extract’s safety for cosmetic use. Antimicrobial activity was tested in accordance with ISO 11930:2019 standards. The extract effectively inhibited Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, meeting preservative efficacy Standards A and B for long-term microbial control. Bamboo is a sustainable resource with lower environmental impacts, and its products show promising biodegradability and reduced environmental footprints. This research indicates that the B. stenostachya leaf extract offers a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, promoting both environmental sustainability and public health, with the potential for expanded use in natural personal care formulations. Full article

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Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries (2nd Edition)

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