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Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential

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A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Extraction and Industrial Applications of Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 22958

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elisabeta Irina Geana

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Guest Editor

ICSI Analytics, National Institute for Research and Development for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies—ICSI Rm. Vâlcea, 4th Uzinei Street, 240050 Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania
Interests: valorization of agro-industrial waste of plant biomass type in bioproducts with added value in the circular bioeconomy system; extraction, identification and quantification of biologically active principles with antioxidant potential (polyphenols, organic acids, amino acids, and terpenes) and sugars from complex matrices (e.g., wine, honey, fruits, plants, natural extracts, organic products, functional foods, and agro-industrial by-products); technical skills: HPLC and hyphenated techniques (UHPLC-MS/MS, UHPLC-DAD, UHPLC-FL, HPLC-ELSD); GC-FID; UV-Vis; FT-IR; AAS; ICP-MS; electrochemistry (sensors/biosensors); extraction techniques (MAE, ASE, and Soxhlet)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Tita

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550012 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: food science and technology; food microbiology and safety; food biotechnology; ecology and environmental protection in the food industry; general food technology; industrial engineering; engineering and quality control of food; authentication of food; nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the human body, there are mechanisms that have developed to protect against damage caused by oxidation reactions. These include a variety of compounds, endogenous and exogenous, that work synergistically to neutralise free radicals. These components may be dietary antioxidants (tocopherols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase) or metal ion-binding proteins (lactoferrin, albumin). It is necessary to find viable solutions for the production of basic food products with the widest possible use, which, in addition to a longer life cycle, also ensure a healthy lifestyle. Fruit is an integral part of the human diet, providing a range of essential constituents for human health, such as vitamins and minerals. The use of by-products from the food processing industries is an indispensable and challenging task across the globe. The most abundant by-products from the minimal processing of fruits and vegetables are the peel and seeds, and these are reported to contain high amounts of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

The use of extracts with antioxidant potential from fruit and vegetable waste in the production of food ingredients, functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals can ensure the development of new methods for processing fruit and vegetable waste and by-products; the use of bioprocessing and biorefining to transform fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products into value-added foods; and the development of new food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products based on bioactive extracts from food and fruit and vegetable waste. In this Special Issue, we invite researchers to provide original research and review articles that relate to antioxidants and human health. We welcome papers from researchers in a wide range of fields, such as the food industry and the fields of biotechnology, physiology, biochemistry, medicine and nutrition. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a valuable collection of new knowledge in this field.

Dr. Elisabeta Irina Geana
Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Tita
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. Antioxidants 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 2900 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

metabolism
antioxidants
anti-inflammation
oxidative stress
ageing
supplements
administration and dosage
nutrition
toxicity
fruits
vegetables
oxidation reactions
secondary products
food ingredients
functional foods
nutraceuticals
pharmaceutical products
cosmeceutical products

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting the Aging Process and Enhancing the Production of Antioxidant Components of Garlic through Pulsed Electric Field Treatments

by Chao-Kai Chang, Sheng-Yen Tsai, Ming-Shiun Tsai, An-Ting Tu, Chih-Yao Hou, Kuan-Chen Cheng, Wei-Lun Zhu, Rizka Mulyani and Chang-Wei Hsieh

Antioxidants 2024, 13(3), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030374 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 763

Abstract

Shortening the aging duration and enhancing the functional components of garlic present significant technical challenges that need to be addressed. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the potential role of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment, a novel nonthermal food processing method, in promoting and enhancing the functional attributes of aged garlic. Our results showed that 2–4 kV/cm PEF pretreatment increased S-allyl cysteine (SAC), total polyphenol (TPC), and flavonoid contents (TFC) compared with un-pretreated garlic during aging. The browning and texture-softening were also significantly improved during processing time, though the latter showed no significant difference from the eighth day to the end of the aging process. The principal component analysis results showed that PEF positively affects the SAC and TFC formations without adverse effects. Among the PEF pretreatments, 3 kV/cm is the most effective in enhancing functional component production compared with the other PEF pretreatments. Therefore, PEF pretreatment is a time-saving process that promotes and enhances the functionality of aged garlic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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12 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Chemical Composition of Female Zucchini Flowers for Their Possible Use as Nutraceutical Ingredient

by Luigi Castaldo, Sonia Lombardi, Luana Izzo and Alberto Ritieni

Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122108 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 843

Abstract

The zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) plant is well known for its fruits; however, its edible flowers appear to contain several active molecules, including polyphenols, which display poor bioaccessibility after gastrointestinal digestion (GiD). This study explores the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity within zucchini flower extracts during simulated GiD. Two nutraceutical formulations, non-acid-resistant (NAcR) and acid-resistant (AcR) capsules containing an aqueous extract of zucchini flowers, were employed in this investigation. Additionally, high-resolution mass spectrometry (Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was utilized for a comprehensive analysis of their polyphenolic constituents. Predominantly, rutin and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside were the most prevalent compounds detected in the samples (514.62 and 318.59 mg/kg, respectively). Following in vitro GiD, the extract encapsulated in AcR capsules exhibited enhanced bioaccessibility during both the duodenal (189.2 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g, respectively) and colonic stages (477.4 and 344.7 mg GAE/100 g, respectively) when compared with the extract encapsulated in NAcR capsules. This suggests that gastric acidity adversely impacted the release of polyphenols from NAcR capsules. In conclusion, the aqueous zucchini flower extract emerges as a promising and readily accessible source of dietary polyphenols. Moreover, the utilization of AcR capsules presents a potential nutraceutical formulation strategy to improve polyphenol bioaccessibility, enhancing its applicability in promoting health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

19 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of In Vitro Digestion on the Digestibility, Amino Acid Release, and Antioxidant Activity of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) and Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) Proteins in Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells

by Gloricel Serena-Romero, Anaís Ignot-Gutiérrez, Osvaldo Conde-Rivas, Marlenne Y. Lima-Silva, Armando J. Martínez, Daniel Guajardo-Flores and Elvia Cruz-Huerta

Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122075 - 5 Dec 2023

Viewed by 997

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the digestibility, amino acid release, and antioxidant activity of proteins from amaranth (Amarantus cruentus L.) and cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen). Antioxidant activity was assessed using ORAC, ABTS, DPPH, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays in human intestinal Caco-2 and hepatic Hep-G2 cell lines. The results showed that amaranth had higher protein digestibility (79.19%) than cañihua (71.22%). In addition, intestinal digestion promoted the release of essential amino acids, such as leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, in both protein concentrates. Concentrations of amaranth and cañihua proteins, ranging from 0.125 to 1.0 mg mL⁻¹, were non-cytotoxic in both cell lines. At a concentration of 0.750 mg mL⁻¹, simulated gastrointestinal digestion enhanced cellular antioxidant activity. Intestinal digest fractions containing peptides >5 kDa were the principal contributors to CAA in both cell lines. Notably, cañihua proteins exhibited high CAA, reaching values of 85.55% and 82.57% in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, respectively, compared to amaranth proteins, which reached 84.68% in Caco-2 and 81.06% in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, both amaranth and cañihua proteins, after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, showcased high digestibility and released peptides and amino acids with potent antioxidant properties, underscoring their potential health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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24 pages, 15633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemically Modified Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties with Cinnamon Essential Oil

by Aaron A. López-Cano, Verónica Martínez-Aguilar, Mariana G. Peña-Juárez, Ricardo López-Esparza, Enrique Delgado-Alvarado, Emmanuel J. Gutiérrez-Castañeda, Mayra Del Angel-Monroy, Elías Pérez, Agustín L. Herrera-May and J. Amir Gonzalez-Calderon

Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122057 - 29 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1491

Abstract

We explored the potential of different nanoparticles (TiO₂, CaCO₃, and Al₂O₃), considering their pure form and modified with cinnamon essential oil (CEO). These materials were characterized using various techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, TGA, and SEM. The interaction between CEO and nanoparticles changed depending on the nanoparticle type. Al₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited the strongest interaction with CEO, increasing their antioxidant capacity by around 40% and their transfer of antimicrobial properties, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, TiO₂ and CaCO₃ nanoparticles showed limited interaction with CEO, resulting in lower antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Incorporating pure and CEO-modified nanoparticles into polylactic acid (PLA) films improved their mechanical and thermal properties, which are suitable for applications requiring greater strength. This research highlights the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles to enhance the antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities of polymers. In addition, incorporating cinnamon essential oil can increase the antioxidant and antimicrobial effectiveness of the metal oxide nanoparticles and improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA films. Thus, these PLA films exhibit favorable characteristics for active packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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16 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Microflora of Wild Elderberry in Asturias (Northern Spain): An Untapped Resource of Great Interest

by Roberto Rodríguez Madrera and Rosa Pando Bedriñana

Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111986 - 9 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1454

Abstract

The objective of this study is the characterization of the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) from a collection of 79 wild specimens in northern Spain to assess variations in the species at the local level and evaluate its interest as a source of biocompounds. Also, a first study was carried out on the microflora present in this fruit, providing information relevant to its commercial exploitation. Moreover, the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and microbial composition in overripe fruits were determined, seeking a better use for this currently wasted resource. A wide variability in levels of phenolics was detected. Elderberries showed high antioxidant activity related to a high cyanidin derivative content, making them of interest to industry. Microflorae were present in very variable concentration ranges, so their levels should be monitored in those applications that require strict control. Overripe fruits are of interest as a source of anthocyanidins, since their concentration and antioxidant capacity remain after the optimal ripening period, promoting sustainability and a better use of natural resources. The database generated is of particular interest for further breeding trials based on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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13 pages, 3218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Korean Chestnut Honey Suppresses HSV-1 Infection by Regulating the ROS–NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

by Eun-Bin Kwon, Young Soo Kim, Buyun Kim, Se-Gun Kim, Sung-Joon Na, Younghoon Go, Hong Min Choi, Hye Jin Lee, Sang Mi Han and Jang-Gi Choi

Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111935 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1429

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthoherpesviridae family. It causes serious neurological diseases of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis. The current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for preventing HSV-1 infection include acyclovir (ACV) and valacyclovir; however, their long-term use causes severe side effects and often results in the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, it is important to discover new antiviral agents that are safe and effective against HSV-1 infection. Korean chestnut honey (KCH) has various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation effects; however, antiviral effects against HSV-1 have not yet been reported. Therefore, we determined the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of KCH after HSV-1 infection on the cellular level. KCH inhibited the HSV-1 infection of host cells through binding and virucidal steps. KCH decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca²⁺) following HSV-1 infection and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-кB) activity. Furthermore, we found that KCH inhibited the expression of the nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome during HSV-1 infection. Taken together, the antiviral effects of KCH occur through multiple targets, including the inhibition of viral replication and the ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Our findings suggest that KCH has potential for the treatment of HSV-1 infection and related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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17 pages, 13715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antioxidant Potential of Resveratrol from Red Vine Leaves Delivered in an Electrospun Nanofiber System

by Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska, Andrzej Miklaszewski, Bożena Michniak-Kohn and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek

Antioxidants 2023, 12(9), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12091777 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1251

Abstract

Despite the wide pharmacological action of polyphenols, their usefulness is limited due to their low oral bioavailability, which is due to their low solubility and rapid first-pass metabolism. Red vine leaf extract is an herbal medicine containing several polyphenols, with resveratrol and polydatin as the main compounds exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the first stage of the work, using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, the red vine leaf extract (50% methanol, temperature 70 °C, and three cycles per 60 min) was obtained, which showed optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to circumvent the above-described limitations and use innovative technology, electrospun nanofibers containing the red vine leaf extract, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) were first developed. The optimization of the process involved the time of system mixing prior to electrospinning, the mixture flow rate, and the rotation speed of the collector. Dissolution studies of nanofibers showed improved resveratrol release from the nanofibers (over five-fold). Additionally, a PAMPA-GIT assay confirmed significantly better buccal penetration of resveratrol from this nanofiber combination (over ten-fold). The proposed strategy for electrospun nanofibers with the red vine leaf extract is an innovative approach to better use the synergy of the biological action of active compounds present in extracts that are beneficial for the development of nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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17 pages, 10598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Supplementation with the Standardized Extract of Saffron (affron^®) on the Kynurenine Pathway and Melatonin Synthesis in Rats

by Mario De la Fuente Muñoz, Marta Román-Carmena, Sara Amor, Ángel Luís García-Villalón, Alberto E. Espinel, Daniel González-Hedström and Miriam Granado García

Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081619 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2338

Abstract

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep–wake cycles and is mainly synthesized in the pineal gland from tryptophan after its conversion into serotonin. Under normal conditions, less than 5% of tryptophan is reserved for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. The remaining 95% is metabolized in the liver through the kynurenine pathway. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol increase the metabolism of tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway and reduce its availability for the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin, which may cause alterations in mood and sleep. The standardized saffron extract (affron^®) has shown beneficial effects on mood and sleep disorders in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effects of affron^® supplementation on the kynurenine pathway and the synthesis of melatonin in rats. For this purpose, adult male Wistar rats were supplemented for 7 days with 150 mg/kg of affron^® or vehicle (2 mL/kg water) administered by gavage one hour before sleep. Affron^® supplementation reduced body weight gain and increased the circulating levels of melatonin, testosterone, and c-HDL. Moreover, animals supplemented with affron^® showed decreased serum levels of kynurenine, ET-1, and c-LDL. In the pineal gland, affron^® reduced Il-6 expression and increased the expression of Aanat, the key enzyme for melatonin synthesis. In the liver, affron^® administration decreased the mRNA levels of the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway Ido-2, Tod-2, and Aadat, as well as the gene expression of Il-1β and Tnf-α. Finally, rats treated with affron^® showed increased mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes Ho-1, Sod-1, Gsr, and Gpx-3, both in the liver and in the pineal gland. In conclusion, affron^® supplementation reduces kynurenine levels and promotes melatonin synthesis in rats, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making this extract a possible alternative for the treatment and/or prevention of mood and sleep disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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20 pages, 4039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Nutritional Evaluation of Cultivated Sorghum Grains: A Combined Experimental, Theoretical, and Multivariate Analysis

by Simona Jaćimović, Biljana Kiprovski, Petar Ristivojević, Dušan Dimić, Đura Nakarada, Biljana Dojčinović, Vladimir Sikora, Nemanja Teslić and Nebojša Đ. Pantelić

Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081485 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1283

Abstract

Sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a gluten-free cereal with excellent nutritional value and is a good source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, as well as minerals with proven health benefits. Herein, the phenolic composition, elemental profile, and antioxidant activity of sixteen food-grade sorghum grains (S1–S16) grown under agroecological conditions in Serbia were determined. Nine phenolic compounds characteristic of sorghum grains, such as luteolinidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, luteolidin derivative, luteolidin glucoside, apigeninidin, 7-methoxyapigeninidin, apigeninidin glucoside, and cyanidin derivative, were quantified. The antioxidant potential of the analyzed sorghum grains was evaluated by UV/Vis (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (hydroxyl and ascorbyl radical scavenging assays). The content of macro- and microelements was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy. Theoretical daily intakes of selected major and trace elements were assessed and compared with the Recommended Daily Allowance or Adequate Intake. Sample S8 had the highest amount of phenolic compounds, while S4, S6, and S8 exhibited the strongest antioxidative potential. The sorghum studied could completely satisfy the daily needs of macro- (K, Mg, and P) and microelements (Se, Zn, Fe). Pattern recognition techniques confirmed the discrimination of samples based on phenolic profile and elemental analysis and recognized the main markers responsible for differences between the investigated samples. The reaction between hydroxyl radicals and luteolinidin/apigeninidin was investigated by Density Functional Theory and thermodynamically preferred mechanism was determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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19 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Saccharomyces and Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts on the Volatile and Phenolic Profiles of Rosehip Mead

by Alexandra-Costina Avîrvarei, Carmen Rodica Pop, Elena Mudura, Floricuța Ranga, Simona-Codruța Hegheș, Emese Gal, Haifeng Zhao, Anca Corina Fărcaș, Maria Simona Chiș and Teodora Emilia Coldea

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071457 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1357

Abstract

The resurgence of mead, a honey-based fermented beverage, is attributed to the increasing consumption of fermented foods and beverages, driven by its distinct flavors and perceived health benefits. This study investigates the influence of different yeast strains, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. bayanus, and Torulaspora delbrueckii, on the volatile and phenolic compounds of these beverages. Analytical techniques, including HPLC-DAD and GS/MS, were employed to analyze the chemical composition of the beverages. ANOVA analysis of variance was conducted to assess differences in the volatile and phenolic compounds. The findings reveal that yeast selection significantly impacts the chemical profiles of the beverages. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation preserves rosehip-specific flavonoids and phenolic acids. Sequential fermentation with Torulaspora delbrueckii demonstrated proficiency in generating esters, contributing to fruity and floral aromas in the beverages. This study investigates the importance of yeast selection in shaping the chemical composition of rosehip mead, providing insights into the distinct characteristics conferred by different yeast strains. By optimizing yeast selection and fermentation techniques, the overall quality and diversity of these beverages can be enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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19 pages, 6552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Interplay between Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus Infection, Starch Metabolism and Antioxidant Defence System in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

by Ravinder Kumar, Milan Kumar Lal, Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Kumar Nishant Chourasia, Awadhesh Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Shivangi Sharma and Brajesh Singh

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071447 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

The potato apical leaf curl disease is caused by tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus-potato (ToLCNDV-potato), which severely alters a plant’s starch metabolism, starch hydrolysing enzymes, and antioxidant mechanism. In this study, the result suggested that ToLCNDV-potato significantly (p < 0.01) affected the morphological parameters and photosynthetic pigment system in both the cultivars of potato, viz., Kufri Pukhraj (susceptible) and Kufri Bahar (tolerant). However, the impact of ToLCNDV-potato was lower in Kufri Bahar. Moreover, the viral infection in potato showed significant (p < 0.01) enhancement in the leakage of plant oxidative metabolites such as proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) which was further confirmed with higher electrolyte leakage. The viral infection imbalance of starch metabolism in the leaves ultimately affects the carbohydrate profile. ToLCNDV-potato significantly lowered starch synthesis, enhanced the accumulation of sucrose, glucose, fructose and—which was further validated by enzymatic estimation of β-amylase—α-amylase and phosphorylase activity in the leaves of both cultivars. The antioxidant enzymes, viz., catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, were reported to be enhanced in both the cultivars due to ToLCNDV-potato infection. The higher enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in Kufri Bahar, which signifies its resistant attributes. These findings in the potato plant broaden our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of starch metabolism and antioxidant activity and provide proof of concept for breeding potato for ToLCNDV-potato tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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38 pages, 5563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Wound Healing Bioactive Potential of Extracts Obtained from Bark and Needles of Softwood Species

by Elisabeta-Irina Geana, Corina Teodora Ciucure, Radu Tamaian, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Diana Mădălina Gaboreanu, Miruna Stan and Carmen Lidia Chitescu

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071383 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

Interest in the extraction of phytochemical bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols from biomass, has recently increased due to their valuable biological potential as natural sources of antioxidants, which could be used in a wide range of applications, from foods and pharmaceuticals to green polymers and bio-based materials. The present research study aimed to provide a comprehensive chemical characterization of the phytochemical composition of forest biomass (bark and needles) of softwood species (Picea abies L., H. Karst., and Abies alba Mill.) and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to assess their potential in treating and healing infected chronic wounds. The DPPH radical-scavenging method and P–LD were used for a mechanistic explanation of the biomolecular effects of the investigated bioactive compounds. (+)-Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, 4 hydroxybenzoic and p-cumaric acids, kaempherol, and apigenin were the main quantified polyphenols in coniferous biomass (in quantities around 100 µg/g). Also, numerous phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenes, lignans, secoiridoids, and indanes with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihemolytic, and anti-carcinogenic potential were identified. The Abies alba needle extract was more toxic to microbial strains than the eukaryotic cells that provide its active wound healing principles. In this context, developing industrial upscaling strategies is imperative for the long-term success of biorefineries and incorporating them as part of a circular bio-economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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12 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Leaves and Sheath from Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz)

by Rosa Tundis, Giuseppina Augimeri, Adele Vivacqua, Rosa Romeo, Vincenzo Sicari, Daniela Bonofiglio and Monica Rosa Loizzo

Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061239 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching test) and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Leaves exhibited a TPC value of 73.92 mg equivalent (eq) gallic acid/g fresh weight (FW) and a TFC value of 56.75 mg eq quercetin/g FW. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array detector (PDA) analysis revealed evidence for the presence of protocatechuic acid, isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin in BL, whereas BS was rich in phenolic acids. Both samples demonstrated a significant ability to scavenge radicals against ABTS^·+, with an inhibitory concentration of 50% of 3.07 μg/mL for BL and 6.78 μg/mL for BS. At a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, BS decreased reactive oxygen species production without hampering cell viability in HepG2 liver cells, while at the same concentrations, BL exhibited cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL BS and BL reduced Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 production in human lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of BL and BS, corroborating their different potential applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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Review

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22 pages, 2309 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Applications of Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Antioxidants for Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

by Manho Kim, Hyejun Jang, Wijin Kim, Doyeon Kim and Ju Hyun Park

Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061286 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2389

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) composed of a lipid bilayer are released from various cell types, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, and serve as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication. EVs can perform a variety of biological functions through the delivery of bioactive molecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, and can also be utilized as carriers for drug delivery. However, the low productivity and high cost of mammalian-derived EVs (MDEVs) are major barriers to their practical clinical application where large-scale production is essential. Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-derived EVs (PDEVs) that can produce large amounts of electricity at a low cost. In particular, PDEVs contain plant-derived bioactive molecules such as antioxidants, which are used as therapeutic agents to treat various diseases. In this review, we discuss the composition and characteristics of PDEVs and the appropriate methods for their isolation. We also discuss the potential use of PDEVs containing various plant-derived antioxidants as replacements for conventional antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential)

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Plant Materials and Their Antioxidant Potential

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