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Antioxidants
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Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and...
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Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 8466

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gianina Cristina Crişan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: medicinal plants; bioactive compounds; nutraceuticals; oxidative stress; molecular mechanism; anti-ageing potential of plant extracts; cancer prevention; traditional medicine
Dr. Ana-Maria Vlase

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: modern extraction techniques; optimized/standardized extracts; phytochemical analysis; health outcomes of plant extracts; bioaccessability of compounds from various vegetal matrix; novel pharmaceutical formulations; preclinical and clinical trials; drug–vegetal extract interactions at metabolic level
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Studies on plant extracts, particularly regarding their antioxidant activity and health effects, comprise an area of significant interest. Antioxidants derived from natural sources occupy a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being. They are compounds that help to protect human cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These are produced naturally in our bodies as a result of various processes, but their production can also be triggered by factors like pollution, UV radiation, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Antioxidants’ most valuable effect is to neutralize free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress and preventing potential damage to our cells and particularly to our DNA. What makes antioxidants completely fascinating is that they are abundant in a wide range of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. These natural sources of antioxidants offer and contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds such as vitamins (like vitamins C and E), minerals (like selenium and zinc), carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals. Each compound has its unique properties and mechanisms of action, contributing to the overall antioxidant capacity of the plant or food.

Furthermore, antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants also play a role in supporting a vigorous immune system, promoting skin health, and possibly even slowing down the normal aging process. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of antioxidants can vary depending on factors such as absorption, bioavailability, and interactions with other nutrients. Therefore, it is crucial to consume a varied and balanced diet that includes a wide range of antioxidant sources in order to maximize their potential benefits.

Exploring and understanding the diverse range of antioxidants found in plant extracts, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods can provide valuable insights into their potential health benefits and help to guide dietary choices for a healthier lifestyle.

We invite researchers in the field of plant extracts, antioxidant activity, and health effects to contribute to a Special Issue that aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of this exciting and rapidly evolving area of research. This Special Issue provides a platform to showcase novel findings, methodologies, and insights pertaining to the antioxidant properties of plant extracts and their beneficial impact on human health.

The focus of this Special Issue is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antioxidant activity of plant extracts and expound on their potential health benefits. Researchers are encouraged submit studies that seek to investigate the identification and characterization of bioactive compounds within plant extracts, their antioxidant capacity assessment using both in vitro and in vivo models, and the exploration of their molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, we welcome clinical trials and human studies evaluating the beneficial health effects of plant extracts in diverse populations in order to provide valuable insights into their efficacy and optimal dosage.

Furthermore, we invite contributions that delve into the therapeutic potential of plant extracts in preventing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the bioavailability and bioaccessibility, metabolism, and formulation strategies for enhancing the efficacy of plant extracts is also of great interest.

By publishing in this Special Issue, researchers have the opportunity to contribute to the collective knowledge and advance the field of plant extracts, antioxidant activity, and health effects. We aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, explore innovative methodologies, and present cutting-edge research in this rapidly expanding field.

We invite researchers to submit their original research articles, reviews, or short communications that explore the diverse dimensions of plant extracts in relation to antioxidant activity and beneficial health effects. Join us in this endeavor to unravel the potential of plant extracts as natural remedies, dietary supplements, or functional food ingredients, and help to make a significant impact on progress in human health.

Prof. Dr. Gianina Cristina Crişan
Dr. Ana-Maria Vlase
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

  • antioxidant activity
  • oxidative stress
  • molecular mechanisms
  • natural products
  • plant extracts
  • nutraceuticals
  • health outcomes
  • synergistic effects
  • chronic diseases
  • metabolic disorders
  • cancer prevention
  • bioaccessibility
  • metabolism
  • novel pharmaceutical formulations
  • modern extraction techniques
  • preclinical and clinical trials

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

15 pages, 2356 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Six Allium Extracts Using Protein-Based Biomimetic Methods
by Ioana Andreea Barbu, Vlad Alexandru Toma, Augustin Cătălin Moț, Ana-Maria Vlase, Anca Butiuc-Keul and Marcel Pârvu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101182 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Medicinal plants are a valuable reservoir of novel pharmacologically active compounds. ROS and free radicals are primary contributors to oxidative stress, a condition associated with the onset of degenerative diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and vascular disease. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants are a valuable reservoir of novel pharmacologically active compounds. ROS and free radicals are primary contributors to oxidative stress, a condition associated with the onset of degenerative diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and vascular disease. In this study, we used different spectrophotometry methods to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of 6 Allium extracts: Allium fistulosum; Allium ursinum; Allium cepa: Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa, and white variety of A. cepa; Allium sativum; and Allium senescens subsp. montanum. HPLC–MS determined the chemical composition of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa stands out as having the best antioxidant activity, probably due to the high content of polyphenols and alliin (12.67 µg/mL and 3565 ng/mL, respectively). The results obtained in this study show that Allium extracts have antioxidant activity, but also free radical scavenging capabilities. Also, their interactions with cytochrome c and hemoglobin can be the basis of future studies to create treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits)
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18 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Maximizing Wine Antioxidants: Yeast’s Contribution to Melatonin Formation
by Elena Cristina Scutarașu, Răzvan George Niță, Laurian Vlase, Cătălin Ioan Zamfir, Bogdan Ionel Cioroiu, Lucia Cintia Colibaba, Dana Muntean, Camelia Elena Luchian, Ana Maria Vlase and Valeriu Cotea
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080916 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 654
Abstract
Melatonin is commonly found in various fruits, juices, and some fermented beverages. Its concentration in wine is influenced by soil properties, climatic factors, and yeast activity. Even if it is found in fermented beverages in relatively low proportions, melatonin still holds significant nutritional [...] Read more.
Melatonin is commonly found in various fruits, juices, and some fermented beverages. Its concentration in wine is influenced by soil properties, climatic factors, and yeast activity. Even if it is found in fermented beverages in relatively low proportions, melatonin still holds significant nutritional value, giving anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory actions, and antidepressant effects. In this context, this article focuses on evaluating the impact of different Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast species on the formation of melatonin and its contribution to wines’ total antioxidant capacity. Considering that the antioxidant activity of wine is usually related to the content of phenolic compounds, ten such compounds were analyzed. The evaluation of bioactive compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. The total antioxidant capacity of wine samples was evaluated by the ABTS+ method. The administration of bâtonnage products increased the efficiency of non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The mixtures of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts generated higher values for melatonin. The results confirm a significant impact from the grape variety and the specific yeast strains on the melatonin concentration. Also, a strong dependence between antioxidant activity and melatonin levels was observed. Given the limited existing studies on the presence of melatonin in wines, new perspectives are needed for future exploration and understanding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits)
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20 pages, 2081 KiB  
Article
The Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Leaves and Inflorescences Extracts of Selected Hemp Varieties Obtained with scCO2
by Anna Stasiłowicz-Krzemień, Szymon Sip, Piotr Szulc, Jarosław Walkowiak and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
Antioxidants 2023, 12(10), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12101827 - 4 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
Cannabis sativa, a versatile plant with numerous varieties, holds promising potential for a wide range of biological activity. As raw materials for research, we chose leaves and inflorescences of hemp varieties such as Białobrzeskie, Henola, and Tygra, which are cultivated mainly for [...] Read more.
Cannabis sativa, a versatile plant with numerous varieties, holds promising potential for a wide range of biological activity. As raw materials for research, we chose leaves and inflorescences of hemp varieties such as Białobrzeskie, Henola, and Tygra, which are cultivated mainly for their fibers or seeds. The choice of extraction is a key step in obtaining the selected compositions of active compounds from plant material. Bearing in mind the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids, we performed supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction at 50 °C under 2000 (a) and 6000 PSI (b). The cannabinoid contents were determined with the use of the HPLC-DAD method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed through a series of procedures, including the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP methods. The capacity to inhibit enzymes that play a role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase was also studied. The dominant cannabinoids in the extracts were cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). The highest concentration of eight cannabinoids was detected in the Tygra inflorescences extract (b). The most notable antioxidant properties were provided by the Tygra inflorescences extract (b). Nonetheless, it was the Henola inflorescences extract (b) that demonstrated the most efficient inhibition of AChE and BChE, and tyrosinase was inhibited the most significantly by the Białobrzeskie inflorescences extract (b). Multidimensional comparative analysis enrolled all assays and revealed that the Henola inflorescences extract (b) showed the most substantial neuroprotective potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits)
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Review

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27 pages, 2137 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs
by Yong Chool Boo
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020146 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2536
Abstract
Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to [...] Read more.
Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits)
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Other

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60 pages, 1805 KiB  
Systematic Review
Mechanistic Insights into the Biological Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Ellagitannins: A Systematic Review
by Letiția Mateș, Roxana Banc, Flaviu Andrei Zaharie, Marius Emil Rusu and Daniela-Saveta Popa
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080974 - 10 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are an important source of ellagitannins. They have been linked to positive effects on many pathologies, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative syndromes, and cancer. The limited bioavailability of ellagitannins prevents them from reaching significant circulatory levels, despite their antioxidant, [...] Read more.
Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are an important source of ellagitannins. They have been linked to positive effects on many pathologies, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative syndromes, and cancer. The limited bioavailability of ellagitannins prevents them from reaching significant circulatory levels, despite their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. Urolithins are ellagitannin gut microbiota-derived metabolites. They have better intestinal absorption and may be responsible for the biological activities of ellagitannins. Recent evidence showed that walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites, urolithins, could have positive outcomes for human health. This study aims to synthesize the current literature on the antioxidant activity and mechanistic pathways involved in the therapeutic potential of walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites. In the eligible selected studies (n = 31), glansreginin A, pedunculagin, and casuarictin were the most prevalent ellagitannins in walnuts. A total of 15 urolithins, their glucuronides, and sulfate metabolites have been identified in urine, blood, feces, breast milk, and prostate tissue in analyzed samples. Urolithins A and B were associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, and anti-aging activities, both in preclinical and clinical studies. Despite the promising results, further well-designed studies are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms and confirm the therapeutic potential of these compounds in human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Recent Advances in Plant Extracts: Understanding Antioxidant Mechanisms and Health Benefits)
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