Topic Editors

Department of Environmental Engineering and Applied Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Science, Physical Education and Informatics, The National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Centre, RO-110040 Pitesti, Romania
Department of Horticulture and Food Science, Faculty of Horticulture, University of Craiova, RO-200585 Craiova, Romania
Department of Horticulture & Food Science, Faculty of Horticulture, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania
Department of Environmental Engineering and Applied Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Science, Physical Education and Informatics, The National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Centre, RO-110040 Pitesti, Romania

Bioactive Compounds in Horticultural Plants and Their Applications

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 October 2025)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 December 2025)
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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are not only essential sources of nutrients but also valuable reservoirs of biologically active compounds with significant effects on human and animal health. These bioactive substances—ranging from simple molecules to complex compounds—play crucial roles in the defense and development of plants and can exert similar effects in other organisms.

This Topic, Bioactive Compounds in Horticultural Plants and Their Applications, invites contributions that explore the biochemical potential of horticultural plants. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the types and functions of bioactive compounds, identifying the specific plant organs in which they are most concentrated, the stages of development when their presence peaks, and the conditions that enhance their efficacy.

Topics of interest include the following:

  • The structural and functional diversity of bioactive compounds;
  • Interactions between compounds (synergistic or antagonistic);
  • The influence of isolation and processing methods on compound activity;
  • Their roles in the human body—as antioxidants, immunomodulators, antivirals, antimicrobials, or regulators of enzymatic and genetic systems.

We also welcome studies addressing less beneficial effects, such as antinutrient properties, drug interactions, or pro-oxidant behavior under specific conditions. Understanding these dynamics, both in vitro and in vivo, is essential for harnessing the full potential of horticultural plants in food, medicine, and biotechnology.

Through this topic, we seek to open a window into a vast field of research, highlighting the promise that horticultural plants hold for innovation in health and sustainable development.

Dr. Loredana Elena Vîjan
Prof. Dr. Mihai Botu
Prof. Dr. Sina Cosmulescu
Dr. Carmen Mihaela Topala
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • bioactive compounds in horticultural plants
  • extraction techniques
  • processing technologies
  • antinutrients
  • pro-oxidant effect
  • biochemical composition
  • practical applications

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.5 2011 16 Days CHF 2400
BioChem
biochem
- - 2021 33.9 Days CHF 1200
Biomolecules
biomolecules
4.8 9.2 2011 17.9 Days CHF 2700
Horticulturae
horticulturae
3.0 5.1 2015 16.7 Days CHF 2200
Molecules
molecules
4.6 8.6 1996 15.1 Days CHF 2700

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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14 pages, 3628 KB  
Article
Ethylene-Mediated VvERF003 Promotes Flavonol Accumulation by Upregulating VvFLS1 and VvCHI1 in ‘Chardonnay’ Grape Berry Skin
by Jinjun Liang, Meijie Wang, Yijun Wu, Chongxin Yang, Hui Shang, Pengfei Zhang and Pengfei Wen
Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010069 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Flavonols are an important secondary metabolite in grape, which play a crucial role in plant growth and development, human health, and wine making. Ethylene and its inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) are widely used in grape berry production. However, the regulation mechanism of flavonol biosynthesis [...] Read more.
Flavonols are an important secondary metabolite in grape, which play a crucial role in plant growth and development, human health, and wine making. Ethylene and its inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) are widely used in grape berry production. However, the regulation mechanism of flavonol biosynthesis by ethylene and 1-MCP remains elusive in yellow-green grape varieties. Here, the content of flavonols in ‘Chardonnay’ grape berry skin after ethylene treatment was significantly higher than the control, while 1-MCP treatment was lower than the control. The phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related genes and a transcription factor VvERF003 were screened for possible involvement in ethylene-mediated flavonol biosynthesis by transcriptome sequencing. The role of VvERF003 was further proved to promote flavonol accumulation in the transient overexpression of grape fruits and leaves, and the upregulation of genes related to flavonol biosynthesis. Furthermore, VvERF003 promoted flavonol biosynthesis by directly binding to and activating the promoters of VvCHI1 and VvFLS1, and positively regulated their expression. These results indicated that VvERF003 was induced by ethylene and promoted the accumulation of flavonols in ‘Chardonnay’ grape berry skin by positively regulating the flavonol biosynthesis genes VvCHI1 and VvFLS1. Full article
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27 pages, 822 KB  
Review
Bioactive Compounds in Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.): Composition, Health-Promoting Properties, and Technological Applications
by José Gomes-Laranjo, Amélia M. Silva, Carlos Martins-Gomes, Tiago Marques, Tiago E. Coutinho, Ana Luísa Teixeira, Alice Vilela and Carla Gonçalves
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13069; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413069 - 11 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a Mediterranean staple food valued for its cultural heritage, gastronomic identity, nutritional profile, bioactivities, and socio-economic and environmental relevance. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on chestnut fruits and by-products, linking ecophysiology and genetic diversity to chemical [...] Read more.
Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a Mediterranean staple food valued for its cultural heritage, gastronomic identity, nutritional profile, bioactivities, and socio-economic and environmental relevance. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on chestnut fruits and by-products, linking ecophysiology and genetic diversity to chemical composition and functionality. It summarizes the nutrient profile (high starch and dietary fiber; gluten-free; B vitamins; essential minerals; and favorable fatty acids) and the diversity of phytochemicals—particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ellagitannins (e.g., castalagin and vescalagin)—that underpin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, and metabolic effects demonstrated across in vitro, cellular, and in vivo models. We compare conventional and green extraction strategies (e.g., hydroethanolic, ultrasound-/microwave-assisted, and supercritical and subcritical water), highlighting method-dependent yields, composition, and bioactivity, and the valorization of shells, burs, and leaves within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Technological applications span functional foods (gluten-free flours, beverages, and emulsions), nutraceuticals, and cosmetics (skin-protective and regenerative formulations), and active packaging/biopolymers with antioxidant and antimicrobial performance. We discuss sources of variability (cultivar, environment, maturation, and processing) affecting bioactive content and efficacy, and outline future directions. Finally, this review emphasizes the importance of university-facilitated co-creation with companies and consumers—within the framework of Responsible Research and Innovation—as a pathway to strengthen the economic valorization and full utilization of the chestnut value chain, enhancing its societal relevance, sustainability, and health-promoting potential. Full article
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