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Horticulturae
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Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition
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Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2025 | Viewed by 15022

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dasha Mihaylova

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Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology, University of Food Technologies, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: biological activity; antioxidants; analytical methods; phytochemistry; bioaccessibility; food chemistry; fruit quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Aneta Popova

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Guest Editor
Department of Catering and nutrition, University of Food Technologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: dietary habits; healthy lifestyle; eating disorders; plant-based nutrition; phytochemistry; food chemistry; fruit characteristics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the tremendous success of the first edition of the Special Issue “Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/horticulturae/special_issues/phytochemicals_analysis), a second edition is being launched.

The plant kingdom, with its natural products, both terrestrial and marine, has been widely explored. Plant-based products have been long used in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. Many natural compounds have been reported to have a variety of interesting and significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-atherogenic, antiproliferative, as well as cardio- and neuroprotective activities.

Therefore, researchers pay special attention to the bioactive compounds synthesized by plants. Opportunities in the fields of functional ingredients and treatment of NCDs (oxidative stress, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc.) are widely explored.

However, undeniably, many therapeutic properties of plants are still to be discovered. This Special Issue is intended to substantially contribute to our knowledge on their beneficial properties. Natural products could be a vast resource in respect of human wellbeing improvement.

This Special Issue aims at disseminating some of the most recent and significant contributions in natural products research on both phytochemicals and biological activities. In this regard, a contribution to our current Special Issue on “Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities-Volume II” (original research paper, short communication, focus review) is highly encouraged.

Dr. Dasha Mihaylova
Dr. Aneta Popova
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. Horticulturae 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 2200 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

  • natural products
  • polyphenols
  • antioxidants
  • analytical methods
  • phytochemical compounds
  • biological activity and effects
  • nutrients
  • functional foods

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2759 KiB  
Article
Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticu: A Newly Identified Source of Lactucaxanthin (ε,ε-Carotene-3,3′-diol)
by Ramesh Kumar Saini, Eun-Young Ko, Young-Soo Keum, Ji-Ho Lee, Se Chul Chun and Iyyakkannu Sivanesan
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080891 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Green leafy vegetables are rich in lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids, known for their significant health benefits. Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus), a wild leafy vegetable native to Ulleungdo Island, South Korea, is reported to [...] Read more.
Green leafy vegetables are rich in lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids, known for their significant health benefits. Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus), a wild leafy vegetable native to Ulleungdo Island, South Korea, is reported to possess various biological activities and bioactive compounds. However, the content and profiles of lipophilic metabolites, especially carotenoids, have not been reported. This study investigated the composition of lipophilic metabolites in the foliage of goat’s beard using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. Five carotenoids (violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lactucaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene) and α-tocopherol were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry. Lactucaxanthin, previously discovered in lettuce, was identified for the first time in goat’s beard foliage, with a higher concentration (45.42 ± 0.80 µg/g FW) compared to red lettuce (19.05 ± 0.67 µg/g FW). Furthermore, total carotenoids and α-tocopherol contents were higher in goat’s beard than in red lettuce. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of three phytosterols, namely, campesterol (3.53 ± 0.20 µg/g FW), stigmasterol (65.30 ± 4.87 µg/g FW), and β-sitosterol (89.54 ± 2.46 µg/g FW). Gas chromatography–flame ionization detection analysis revealed the presence of five essential fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid (57.03 ± 0.47%) being the most abundant, contributing to a favorable polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. These findings underscore the nutritional potential of a goat’s beard, suggesting its promising use in dietary supplements and the commercial extraction of valuable lipophilic antioxidants, particularly lactucaxanthin, for nutraceuticals and functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 821 KiB  
Article
The Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Bioactive Compounds from Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica and the Evaluation of Their Functional Properties
by Nestor Everardo Aranda-Ledesma, Pedro Aguilar-Zárate, Israel Bautista-Hernández, Romeo Rojas, Claudia Lizeth Robledo-Jiménez and Guillermo Cristian Guadalupe Martínez-Ávila
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070709 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1012
Abstract
Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica are non-timber forest species that grow in the desert regions of northern Mexico. Currently, they are recognized as a viable alternative to traditional remedies used to address certain ailments. However, the low yields of bioactive compounds obtained propitiate [...] Read more.
Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica are non-timber forest species that grow in the desert regions of northern Mexico. Currently, they are recognized as a viable alternative to traditional remedies used to address certain ailments. However, the low yields of bioactive compounds obtained propitiate the use of more effective extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in combination with statistical models such as Taguchi to maximize the yields of bioactive compounds. The objective of the research was to determine the optimal conditions for maximizing the yields of purified polyphenolic compounds from F. cernua and J. dioica using the Taguchi statistical model. In addition, we evaluated the total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP, and OH• hydroxyl radical inhibition), and the in vitro evaluation of α-amylase inhibition and ex vivo hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, a functional group analysis was conducted using FTIR. The optimization process revealed that the maximum yields of bioactive compounds for F. cernua and J. dioica were achieved with a particle size of 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm, temperatures of 60 °C for both, a water–ethanol concentration of 50% for both, and extraction times of 30 min and 5 min, respectively. The matrix bioactive compounds obtained contain flavonoid-type phenolic compounds, which exhibit properties such as inhibiting free radicals and acting as reducing agents; inhibiting α-amylase activity, which is involved in carbohydrate metabolism; and protecting red blood cells from damage by reactive oxygen species. Finally, the FTIR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups associated with the polyphenolic compounds (O–H, C–H, C–C, C=O). These results suggest that both non-timber forest species are a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential for application in the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries However, it is necessary to carry out compound identification as well as toxicity analyses to guarantee the safety of these bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4970 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Characterization of Some Extracts of Origanum vulgare L. and Biosafety Evaluation Using Allium cepa Assay
by Daniela Nicuță, Luminița Grosu, Irina-Claudia Alexa and Adriana-Luminița Fînaru
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050504 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 912
Abstract
Origanum vulgare L. is ethnomedicinally valuable against various diseases. In Romania, attention for the oregano extracts such as infusions, decoctions, or tinctures, which are very popular among consumers, is constantly increasing, mainly as an important therapeutic alternative. Therefore, this study was undertaken to [...] Read more.
Origanum vulgare L. is ethnomedicinally valuable against various diseases. In Romania, attention for the oregano extracts such as infusions, decoctions, or tinctures, which are very popular among consumers, is constantly increasing, mainly as an important therapeutic alternative. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the comparative cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of local oregano using a sustainable method such as the Allium cepa assay. Two aqueous oregano extracts obtained by infusion (I01) and decoction (D02) and two hydroalcoholic extracts (E03—water/ethanol 80:20 v/v; E04—water/ethanol 60:40 v/v) were used in this study. Before performing the Allium cepa test, a phytochemical screening carried out using fast and efficient analytical methods (electrometry, colorimetry, UV-Vis spectrometry, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography/HPTLC) allowed the qualitative differences in the chemical profile of the investigated oregano extracts to be highlighted. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic oregano extracts were tested on root meristems of Allium cepa and the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity parameters evaluated were the mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberration (CA). The results revealed a decrease in MI for each analyzed sample, with hydroethanolic extract E04 showing the most significant effect on MI (9.66%, 3 times less than that of the control sample), followed by the D02 sample obtained by decoction. Chromosomal aberrations such as the ana-telophase with bridges, expelled chromosomes, or delayed chromosomes were observed in all four extracts. The frequency of cells with CA was higher in the case of samples treated with hydroalcoholic extracts compared to aqueous extracts. The experimental extraction conditions influenced the mitotic index, the varieties of identified chromosomal aberrations, and their frequency. Therefore, based on the result obtained in this study, it may be concluded that the Oregano vulgare L. extracts present cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on onion cells. The Allium cepa assay proves to be an easy-to-handle method, with reliable results, minimal cost, and environmental friendliness for the evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of oregano extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1241 KiB  
Article
Phytochemistry, Antioxidant Potential, and Antibacterial Activities of Anacyclus pyrethrum: Promising Bioactive Compounds
by Abdelmounaim Baslam, Abdelfatah Aitbaba, Rachida Aboufatima, Fatimazahra Agouram, Samia Boussaa, Abderrahman Chait and Marouane Baslam
Horticulturae 2023, 9(11), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9111196 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
Secondary metabolites derived from plants have demonstrated significant biological activity and hold both edible and medicinal significance. These compounds play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the context of inflammatory disorders and chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. The [...] Read more.
Secondary metabolites derived from plants have demonstrated significant biological activity and hold both edible and medicinal significance. These compounds play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the context of inflammatory disorders and chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical characterization, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial properties of the aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP). To achieve this, we employed various analytical techniques including HPLC–ESI–MS/MS, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the AEAP was assessed using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and reducing power assays, while antibacterial activity was evaluated against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium) using the broth microdilution assay. Our findings demonstrated significant antioxidant activity of the AEAP, as well as broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. HPLC analysis identified important bioactive compounds, notably pellitorine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Overall, the AEAP demonstrated potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, suggesting its potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds with various therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 8901 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Several Blackberry (Rubus spp.) Fruits Cultivars Grown in Romania
by Adriana Ramona Memete, Ioan Sărac, Alin Cristian Teusdea, Ruben Budău, Mariana Bei and Simona Ioana Vicas
Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050556 - 5 May 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3346
Abstract
Blackberry fruit (Rubus spp.) has a powerful antioxidant capacity due to the high levels of anthocyanins and other phenols it contains. In this work, we investigated the physico-chemical characteristics, the bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins), and the antioxidant capacity [...] Read more.
Blackberry fruit (Rubus spp.) has a powerful antioxidant capacity due to the high levels of anthocyanins and other phenols it contains. In this work, we investigated the physico-chemical characteristics, the bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins), and the antioxidant capacity of seven blackberry cultivars belonging to the Rubus fruticosus L. and Rubus laciniatus L. genera growing in the NW region of Romania. In addition, the wild blackberry cultivar from the same area was also evaluated. Anthocyanins from the blackberry fruit were extracted using SPE (Solid Phase Extraction), and the anthocyanin profile was identified and quantified using HPLC-PDA analysis. In terms of polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, two of the cultivars examined stood out. The majority of anthocyanin found in blackberries was cyanidin-3-glucoside, with the highest amount recorded in the ‘Thorn Free’ cultivar at 329.26 ± 9.36 mg/g dw. Comparatively, ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ fruits exhibited total phenol contents of 1830.98 ± 13.55 and 1687.14 ± 62.41 mg GAE/100 g dw, respectively. Antioxidant capacities varied significantly among the eight blackberry cultivars, with cultivars ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ achieving high values in comparison to the others. The findings of the multivariate analysis also supported the experimental results. Knowing the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of different blueberry cultivars, one can use them as fresh, functional foods or for commercial purposes to produce products derived from fruits with a high concentration of bioactive components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1614 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Physicochemical and Bioactive Characteristics of onion (Allium cepa L.)
by Susana Marlene Barrales-Heredia, Onécimo Grimaldo-Juárez, Ángel Manuel Suárez-Hernández, Ricardo Iván González-Vega, Jairo Díaz-Ramírez, Alejandro Manelik García-López, Roberto Soto-Ortiz, Daniel González-Mendoza, Rey David Iturralde-García, Ramón Francisco Dórame-Miranda and Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez
Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030344 - 6 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
The availability of water and nitrogen in the soil affect the metabolism of onion bulbs. The synthesis of metabolites and bioactive compounds are the most affected, along with the quality of the onion bulbs However, it is necessary to know the effects of [...] Read more.
The availability of water and nitrogen in the soil affect the metabolism of onion bulbs. The synthesis of metabolites and bioactive compounds are the most affected, along with the quality of the onion bulbs However, it is necessary to know the effects of different water levels and nitrogen fertilization to optimize the quality of the onion. The objective of this research was to study the effects of the different conditions of hydric stress and nitrogen fertilization during the development of onion (Allium cepa L.) crop, regarding its physicochemical and bioactive properties. Onions were grown using four available irrigation regimes (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and four doses of nitrogen fertilization (100, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha−1). Onion without any treatment was considered as a control. The treatments low in irrigation and nitrogen fertilization increased the pH level (5.7 to 5.9) and bulb coloration in bright white/yellowish tones. An increase was observed compared to control in titratable acidity (0.13%) just in the nitrogen content, ascorbic acid (46%) and antioxidant capacity with DPPH (12.3%) and ABTS (93.7%). A decrease was shown in soluble solids (14.6%), firmness (3.5 kg cm−2), dry matter (6.6%), total phenols (50%) and FRAP (33.2%) values. Pyruvic acid remained constant (1.5 µmol g−1 FW). The onion bulb extracts showed an erythroprotective effect with a hemolysis inhibition percentage higher than 95%. Finally, the onions had low pungency, and were soft and extra sweet. The treatments with 25% usable humidity and nitrogen fertilization of 150 and 250 kg ha−1, favored the physical, chemical and bioactive quality of the onion bulb. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1911 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variations in Essential Oil Composition of Immortelle Cultivated in Serbia
by Milica Aćimović, Tijana Zeremski, Olja Šovljanski, Biljana Lončar, Lato Pezo, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov, Milada Pezo, Danijela Šuput and Zoltan Kurunci
Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121183 - 11 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2008
Abstract
Our previous research has proven that the immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) essential oil (EO) grown in Serbia possesses respectable biological potential and desirable composition of volatile compounds with the potential for a wide range of applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical [...] Read more.
Our previous research has proven that the immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) essential oil (EO) grown in Serbia possesses respectable biological potential and desirable composition of volatile compounds with the potential for a wide range of applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Within this study, the impact of seasonal variations (temperature, precipitation, and insolation) during three successive years (2017, 2018, and 2019), on the volatile profile of γ-curcumene + ar-curcumene immortelle chemotype was determined. Steam distillation was utilized to extract EO from the plant material, followed by chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis revealing 50 volatile compounds. A multiple linear regression model was developed, and principal component analyses were conducted to deliver detailed information regarding the prediction, component profile, and parallel contents of active compounds of the immortelle EO. Under Serbian agro-ecological conditions, with appropriate harvest method, immortelle can achieve two harvests per year: the first in July, and the second in August. The γ-curcumene + ar-curcumene chemotype usually occurs as the dominant chemotype in the region of the ex-Yugoslavia countries. This chemotype probably developed as an adaptation to climatic conditions, and spring and summer precipitation positively influenced curcumene accumulation in plants. Such a phenomenon was especially noticeable in the first harvest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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14 pages, 997 KiB  
Review
Research-Gap-Spotting in Plum–Apricot Hybrids—Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activities, and Health Beneficial Properties
by Aneta Popova, Dasha Mihaylova, Svetla Pandova and Pavlina Doykina
Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050584 - 14 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1987
Abstract
Plum–apricot hybrids are successful backcrosses of plums and apricots resulting in plumcots, pluots, and apriums. A topic search on plums, apricots, and plumcots shows that extensive information exists on the agro-morphology, genotyping, bioactive substances, and nutritive value of the genus Prunus, and [...] Read more.
Plum–apricot hybrids are successful backcrosses of plums and apricots resulting in plumcots, pluots, and apriums. A topic search on plums, apricots, and plumcots shows that extensive information exists on the agro-morphology, genotyping, bioactive substances, and nutritive value of the genus Prunus, and plums and apricots, in particular. However, when search results for plum–apricot hybrids were evaluated for the period 2010–2023, only a few papers focused partially on the topic of their metabolomics. A database search (Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar) exposed that less than 10 articles/year appeared in Scopus on the topic of plum–apricot hybrids, 618 papers were found on Google Scholar (2010–2023), and only 2 results were found in PubMed for the same period using the same keywords. This shows the grand research opportunity and the need for providing a thorough chemical characterization of the existing plum–apricot hybrids. This review aims at schematizing the available information about plum–apricot hybrids (with reference to their parents), identifying the gaps about their bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, and health beneficial properties, as well as pointing to future perspectives in terms of fruit hybrid characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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