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Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products
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Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4479

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tanja Brezo-Borjan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: green technologies; subcritical water extraction; biowaste valorization; bioactive compounds; plant extracts; natural products; functional foods; natural medicines
Dr. Sanja Radman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: algal biotechnology; bioactive compounds; phytochemicals; antioxidant activity; antimicrobial activity; secondary metabolites; structure–activity relationships (SARs); green extraction; nutraceuticals; functional foods; VOCs; HRMS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are all witnessing a growing interest in the bioactive components of natural products, and scientific research into their bioactive potential is increasing every year. This is not surprising, considering that natural bioactive products have a wide spectrum of possible biological activities (ranging from therapeutic to toxic, allergic, or mutagenic effects) and play an important role in discovering and developing new drugs. As the term "bioactive components" is usually only associated with beneficial health effects, this suggests that therapeutic compounds of natural origin are of a particular scientific interest. Many attempts have been made to provide sensitive and selective analytical methods for the determination and characterization of bioactive compounds. However, analyzing bioactive compounds from natural resources still poses a significant challenge.

This Special Issue aims to provide the scientific community with a high-quality research platform containing the latest methods and techniques, focusing on the processes of isolation, characterization, identification, and evaluation of the biological activity of bioactive components in natural products.

Suitable topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Bioactive components derived from microbes to higher plants and animals (including marine organisms);
  • Methods for isolation, characterization, and identification of bioactive components from natural products using hyphenated techniques;
  • Evaluation of extraction techniques;
  • In vitro and in vivo biological screening to evaluate the biological activity of extracts and isolated compounds;
  • Metabolomic studies of biactive compounds.

Original research and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Tanja Brezo-Borjan
Dr. Sanja Radman
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. Processes 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 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

  • bioactive components
  • natural products
  • extraction
  • isolation
  • characterization methods
  • biological activity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2023 KB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Analgesic, and Wound-Healing Effects of Pinus pinaster Aiton and Pinus halepensis Mill Needles: A Natural Approach to Pain and Oxidative Stress Management
by Widad Tbatou, Hassan Laaroussi, Beybeti Ishagh, Karima El Yagoubi, Akissi Zachée Louis Evariste, Bruno Eto, Badiaa Lyoussi and Zineb Benziane Ouaritini
Processes 2026, 14(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020369 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Pine needles are traditional herbal remedies used for centuries to treat various ailments, including rheumatism, bronchitis, burns, inflammation, and infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic (peripheral and central), and wound-healing activities of Pinus pinaster (PPN) and Pinus halepensis (PAN) needles [...] Read more.
Pine needles are traditional herbal remedies used for centuries to treat various ailments, including rheumatism, bronchitis, burns, inflammation, and infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic (peripheral and central), and wound-healing activities of Pinus pinaster (PPN) and Pinus halepensis (PAN) needles while identifying the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed several phenolic compounds, including p-coumaroylquinic acid, quercetin, narcissin, and myricetin-3-O-glucoside. Both extracts showed strong antioxidant activity, with high total phenolic content (TPC: 384.84 ± 0.84 and 524.46 mg GAE/g DM for PPN and PAN, respectively) and flavonoid content (TFC: 109.44 ± 0.62 and 111.64 ± 0.62 mg QE/g DM, respectively). Peripheral analgesic activity, assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, revealed that PAN (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain by 72.3%, while central analgesic effects, evaluated by the tail immersion test, were comparable to the reference drug for both extracts. In vivo wound-healing tests showed accelerated wound contraction and complete closure by day 21, indicating strong regenerative potential. Overall, this study demonstrates that PPN and PAN needle extracts possess significant antioxidant, analgesic, and wound-healing activities, supporting their traditional use and highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress, pain, and skin injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products)
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17 pages, 2272 KB  
Article
Green Valorization of Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peels by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Encapsulation of Bioactive Compounds
by Lorena Maria Freire Sampaio, Cinthia Regina da Silva Rebouças, Lara Mota Soares, Antonia Carlota de Souza Lima, Amélia Ruth Nascimento Lima, Nayanne Lima dos Santos Ferreira, Juliane Doering Gasparin Carvalho, Márcia Regina da Silva Pedrini, Roberta Targino Hoskin and Luciana de Siqueira Oliveira
Processes 2025, 13(11), 3628; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113628 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1020
Abstract
Pitaya peels are an underutilized by-product rich in antioxidant phenolics and betalains but highly unstable under environmental and gastrointestinal conditions. This study aimed to produce bioactive-rich particles with improved bioaccessibility by applying ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by freeze-drying encapsulation with maltodextrin (MD) and [...] Read more.
Pitaya peels are an underutilized by-product rich in antioxidant phenolics and betalains but highly unstable under environmental and gastrointestinal conditions. This study aimed to produce bioactive-rich particles with improved bioaccessibility by applying ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by freeze-drying encapsulation with maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) at different ratios (MD:GA 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100, w/w). A rotatable central composite design (pH 4–8, time 10–50 min) was applied to optimize UAE conditions. Optimum conditions (pH 6.2, 35 min) yielded a pitaya peel extract with TPC 166.85 mg GAE·100 g−1 DW. Although the betalain model was not significant, contents ranged from 30.20 to 51.99 mg·100 g−1 DW across treatments. Particles produced with GA only (G100) had the highest phenolic (316.33 mg GAE∙100 g−1 DW) and betalain (17.58 mg·100 g−1 DW) contents, high solubility (~80%), low hygroscopicity (~11 g H2O·100 g−1 DW), and amorphous morphology. G100 showed enhanced in vitro bioaccessibility of betalains and phenolics compared to the non-encapsulated extract (p < 0.05). Betalain bioaccessibility decreased in the intestinal phase (~55%), consistent with pH-driven degradation, while phenolic bioaccessibility was higher (~140%). Overall, gum Arabic proved to be an effective carrier for stabilizing pitaya peel bioactives, supporting their valorization into functional food and nutraceutical ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products)
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21 pages, 1288 KB  
Article
Vinification Technique Matters: Kinetic Insight into Color, Phenolics, Volatiles, and Aging Potential of Babica Wines
by Živko Skračić, Josipa Marić, Ivica Ljubenkov, Maja Veršić Bratinčević, Petra Brzović, Martina Kukoleča, Lorena Pranjković, Luka Marinov, Ana Mucalo, Goran Zdunić and Ivana Generalić Mekinić
Processes 2025, 13(9), 2734; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092734 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Unveiling how vinification technique shapes wine identity, this study provides a comparative insight into the chemical and sensory profiles of Babica wines produced using traditional, enzyme-assisted, and thermovinification approaches. The kinetics of color parameters changes and the phenolic extraction were monitored during the [...] Read more.
Unveiling how vinification technique shapes wine identity, this study provides a comparative insight into the chemical and sensory profiles of Babica wines produced using traditional, enzyme-assisted, and thermovinification approaches. The kinetics of color parameters changes and the phenolic extraction were monitored during the first five days of maceration. Individual phenolics and volatiles were determined using high-performance liquid and gas chromatography, respectively, while the overall sensory quality of the wines was evaluated by panelists. Significant differences in the extraction kinetics of compounds of interest were observed among treatments, particularly during the first days of maceration. By the end of the study, the thermovinified wine exhibited the highest color intensity (3.80), redness (52.5%), and approximately two-fold higher concentrations of total phenolics (2205 mg gallic acid equivalents/L) compared to the other two treatments. It contained the lowest concentration of tannins (100 mg catechin equivalents/L), anthocyanins (117 mg of malvidin-3-glucoside equivalents/L), and esters and showed the highest levels of volatile alcohols. It was also characterized by the most intense blueberry aroma and astringency in sensory analysis. The applied maceration technique affects the chemical and sensory profiles of Babica wines, with thermovinification favoring young and highly colored wines, whereas conventional vinification enhances the wine’s aging potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products)
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Review

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25 pages, 1403 KB  
Review
Green Innovation for Solid Post-Distillation Residues Valorization: Narrative Review of Circular Bio-Economy Solutions
by Milica Aćimović, Anita Leovac Maćerak, Branimir Pavlić, Vladimir Sikora, Tijana Zeremski, Tamara Erceg and Djordje Djatkov
Processes 2026, 14(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020244 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 500
Abstract
The production of essential oils generates substantial quantities of solid post-distillation residues, a largely unutilized waste stream rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolics, flavonoids) as well as polysaccharides. Managing this organic waste presents both environmental and economic challenges. This review critically examines environmentally [...] Read more.
The production of essential oils generates substantial quantities of solid post-distillation residues, a largely unutilized waste stream rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolics, flavonoids) as well as polysaccharides. Managing this organic waste presents both environmental and economic challenges. This review critically examines environmentally friendly green innovations and resource-efficient technologies within circular bio-economy strategies for valorizing these residues, focusing on four primary conversion pathways: physico-mechanical, thermochemical, biological, and chemical methods. We highlight their potential for practical applications, including the extraction of active compounds for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, utilization in agriculture, incorporation into construction materials and wastewater treatment. Despite these opportunities, wider industrial adoption remains limited by high processing costs and the lack of scalable, cost-effective technologies. Key research gaps included the need for methods applicable at the farm level, optimization of the residue-specific conversion process, and life-cycle assessments to evaluate environmental and economic impacts. Addressing these gaps is crucial to fully exploit the economic and ecological potential of post-distillation solid residues and integrate them into sustainable circular bio-economy practices through various processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products)
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28 pages, 4137 KB  
Review
The Genus Anisosciadium: A Comprehensive Review of Taxonomic Aspects, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities
by Malek Besbes, Assia Hamdi, Hassiba Chahdoura, Abeer Ayed Alshammari, Wasimah B. Al-Shammari, Dalal AlArdan and Hichem Ben Jannet
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082475 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1368
Abstract
The genus Anisosciadium, belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, scientific research on this genus is still limited, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacological characteristics. [...] Read more.
The genus Anisosciadium, belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, scientific research on this genus is still limited, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacological characteristics. A comprehensive compilation of data was conducted using major databases such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. In this review, we collected and organized the available information of identified compounds from different species of the genus Anisosciadium, covering the literature from 2003 to 2024. In total, 64 phytoconstituents were detected. The findings suggest that the traditional therapeutic properties of Anisosciadium are well supported by the reported pharmacological activities from previous studies. Notably, these studies highlight its antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects, emphasizing the potential of this genus in the development of new therapeutic agents. Nonetheless, the lack of comparative studies among Anisosciadium species and the scarcity of in vivo studies and clinical trials limit the full realization of its therapeutic potential. Specifically, comparative studies could be crucial in identifying species with unique chemical profiles and understanding how variations in secondary metabolite compositions may influence their pharmacological activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Processes of Bioactive Components in Natural Products)
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