Natural Products of Medicinal Plants: Isolation, Purification and Bioactivity Evaluation
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 13804
Special Issue Editors
Interests: medicinal plants; pharmacognosy; phytotherapy; essential oils; biological activity of secondary plant metabolites
Interests: phytochemistry; biological activity; phytotherapy; ethnomedicine; extractions; formulation of herbal products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Natural products from medicinal plants have been used for centuries, dating back to the beginning of recorded history. Bioactive natural products derived from plants exhibit substantial structural variability and possess distinctive pharmacological properties resulting from the impact of natural selection and evolutionary processes that have influenced their utility for numerous centuries. These compounds have been instrumental in the identification of novel drugs, frequently serving as initial targets for drug discovery, which are subsequently subjected to synthetic alterations aimed at minimizing adverse effects and enhancing their bioavailability. As a result, they have historically played a significant role in advancing contemporary phytotherapy and, more broadly, modern pharmacotherapy.
By harnessing the synergy between traditional medicinal practices and the advancements in modern chemical technology, incorporating natural products as the foundation for pharmaceuticals holds potential to foster the creation of drug discovery methodologies that are not only environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but also more efficacious in nature.
The exploration of novel natural products demands significant investments of both time and resources, primarily due to the extensive endeavors involved in the isolation and characterization of these compounds.
This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the techniques for separation, characterization and possible medical applications of natural products derived from plants. Thus, research papers and reviews exploring plant extracts, analysis of the extracts, natural compound separation and purification, and bioactivity evaluation are welcome.
Prof. Dr. Dušanka Kitić
Prof. Dr. Katarina Šavikin
Dr. Milica Randjelović
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. 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
- natural products
- medicinal plants
- secondary metabolites
- bioactivity
Planned Papers
The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.
Title: Antimicrobial capacities of Ocimum basilicum L.: biotechnological development and future prospects
Authors: Nabilah Sekar Azizaha, Budi Irawana, Joko Kusmoroa, Wahyu Safriansyahb, Kindi Farabib, Dina Oktaviac, Febri Donia, and Mia Mirantia,*
Affiliation: aDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, West Java, Indonesia
bDepartement of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, West Java, Indonesia
cDepartement of Transdisciplinary, Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40132, West Java, Indonesia
Abstract: An urgent demand for natural compound alternatives to conventional medications has arisen due to global health challenges such as drug resistance and the adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs. Plant extracts is one of alternative because of safety profile and reducing side effects. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a valuable resource and a potential candidate for the development of pharmaceutical medications. One pure compound or a combination of compounds has great medicinal properties including antiviral against DNA and RNA viruses, antibacterial against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, which mostly consist of linalool, eucalyptol, estragole, and eugenol. For centuries, community and traditional healers across the globe have employed O. basilicum L. to address a wide range of ailments, including flu, fever, colds, as well as issues pertaining to digestion, reproduction, and respiration. In addition, the current research presented underscores the significant potential of O. basilicum-related nanotechnology in addressing diverse challenges and advancing numerous fields. This promising avenue of exploration offers exciting prospects for future scientific and technological advancements.
Title: Molecular Docking, Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Potential of Rosemary Ethyl Acetate Extract against Strawberry Gray Mold Pathogen
Authors: Said Behiry
Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Botany
Faculty of Agriculture Saba Basha
Alexandria University
Abstract: The ethyl acetate extract of Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) leaves was studied and analyzed in this work using HPLC and GC-MS instruments. The HPLC analysis revealed that the extract revealed a diverse array of polyphenolic compounds, including vanillin, syringic acid, rutin, quercetin, py-rocatechol, naringenin, methyl gallate, kaempferol, hesperetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, daidzein, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and apigenin. In addition, three fungal isolates were isolated from strawberry plants showing gray mold symptoms and were determined to be Botrytis cinerea after molecular identification. The extract's effectiveness against the Botrytis strain was tested at doses of 0, 50, 150, and 200 µg/mL. The highest growth inhibition percentages of 61.48% for B. cinerea isolate BC-103 were measured when the extract was applied at 200 µg/mL. From the GC-MS results, we can deduce that trans-caryophyllene (3.78%), methyl palmitate (4.54%), palmitic acid (5.21%), methyl stearate (2.28%), cis-vaccenic acid (5.7%), ferruginol (2.42%), and benahorin (11.15%) are the most abundant compounds in the extract. Arachidyl oleate (-10.26 kcal/mol), (+)-beta-cedrene (-9.27 kcal/mol), and (-)-borneol (-9.10 kcal/mol) exhibited higher molecular interactions with Botrytis cinerea’s chitin synthase binding site. Based on these findings, rosemary extract may be a good natural antifungal agent source for combating plant photogenic fungi. Therefore, it offers a more secure replacement for conventional protective methods used in gray mold disease management.
Title: Protoberberine and amide-type alkaloids from Abuta grandifolia and in vitro evaluation for acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Marycleuma Campos Henriquea, Rochelly da S. Mesquitaa, Sergio M. Nunomurab and Rita de C. S. Nunomuraa,c*
Affiliation: a Analytical Center – Multidisciplinary Support Center (CAM), Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil; b National Institute for Amazon Research. Coordination of Technology and Innovation. Laboratory of Active Principles of the Amazon. 69067-375. Manaus, Brazil c Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
Abstract: Amide alkaloid N-trans-feruloyltiramine (1) and a protoberberine alkaloid palmatine (2) were isolated from branches of Abuta grandifolia (Mart.) Sandwich (Menispermaceae), a medicinal plant from the Amazon region. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The isolated alkaloids and crude extracts were evaluated for their enzyme inhibitory (acetylcholinesterase and lipoxygenase) and antimicrobial activities. The compounds 1, 2, dichloromethane and methanol extracts showed AChE inhibitory effect. The dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts revealed a potent lipoxygenase inhibitory effect with the IC50 values in the range of 20-50 µg/mL. The dichloromethane and methanol extracts also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IC50 31.25-62.5 µg/mL).
Title: Perspectives on extraction and isolation of bioactive polysaccharides from medicinal plants
Authors: Lucas de Freitas Pedrosa; João Paulo Fabi
Affiliation: Department of Food Science and Experimental Nutrition,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
Food Research Center (FoRC), CEPID-FAPESP (Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers, São Paulo Research Foundation), São Paulo 05508-080, SP, Brazil
Abstract: Exploring bioactive polysaccharides from medicinal plants has garnered significant attention due to their diverse therapeutic properties, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. This review article provides an encompassing overview of the current methodologies and innovations in extracting and isolating bioactive polysaccharides from medicinal plants, underlining the critical role these compounds play in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Initially, we discuss the fundamental principles underlying the extraction techniques such as water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), highlighting their efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability. Subsequent sections delve into the purification and characterization methods, including membrane filtration, chromatographic techniques, and spectroscopic analyses, which are essential for identifying the structure-function relationships of these polysaccharides. Furthermore, we examine the challenges associated with the scalability of extraction processes and the maintenance of polysaccharide integrity during extraction and isolation. The review also presents case studies of specific medicinal plants that have been sources of potent bioactive polysaccharides, illustrating these compounds' practical applications and health benefits. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to shed light on the advancements and prospects in extracting and isolating bioactive polysaccharides, paving the way for their enhanced application in medicine and health.