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Agriculture
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Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics
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Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 13919

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Tuzz-Ying Song

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioindustry Technology, Dayeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan
Interests: phytochemicals; anti-aging; hypoglycemic; hypolipidemic; anti-cancer; sarcopenia; dementia; cosmetic; mushrooms; estrogen
Prof. Dr. Po-Hsien Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, 200, Sec. 7, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu Dist., Taichung City 43301, Taiwan
Interests: functional and physicochemical properties of agricultural products; agricultural by-product re-utilization and application to food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many developed countries have now entered an aging society. The medical expenses and care of chronic diseases of the elderly have already caused a huge social burden. Under the concept of prevention is better than cure, there are many varieties of health products on the market, and the ingredients of these health products mostly come from traditionally used herbs and agricultural crops. Herbs and related agricultural crops contain many functional ingredients (phytochemicals) that can maintain human health, so that the products produced have the function of preventing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, there are many ways to improve functions in health products, such as: 1. Scientifically verify the function and mechanism of phytochemicals in herbs and agricultural crops; 2. Increase the content and stability of these phytochemicals through new processing methods; 3. Add phytochemicals to enrich health products; 4. Purification and separation from the crude extracts;  5. Standardized production process to obtain the maximum quality and amounts of the active index compounds; and 6. Verify the safety of health products or the extracts. We expect that the research on this Special Issue, ‘Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics’, can promote the health of human beings. Meanwhile, it can also strengthen the development and utilization of active ingredients in agricultural products.

Prof. Dr. Tuzz-Ying Song
Prof. Dr. Po-Hsien Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 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

  • phytochemicals
  • aging
  • chronic diseases
  • enrichment
  • novel processing methods

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Profile and Sensory Analysis in Olive Oils of Different Quality Grades
by Maria Teresa Frangipane, Lara Costantini, Nicolò Merendino and Riccardo Massantini
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050993 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3002
Abstract
Antioxidant capacity and sensory analysis of olive oils of different quality grades (Extra virgin, Virgin, Ordinary and Lampante) were investigated to define their possible differences useful for quality discrimination. Total phenolic content discriminated the sample Lampante olive oil (LVOO) with values (0.95 mg [...] Read more.
Antioxidant capacity and sensory analysis of olive oils of different quality grades (Extra virgin, Virgin, Ordinary and Lampante) were investigated to define their possible differences useful for quality discrimination. Total phenolic content discriminated the sample Lampante olive oil (LVOO) with values (0.95 mg GAE/g) significantly lower than the other oils (1.85, 1.80 and 1.98 for A, D and E samples, respectively). The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that sensory attributes (“bitter” and “pungent”) and antioxidant capacity (expressed by FRAP and ABTS•+) are positively correlated with Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Virgin olive oil (VOO) categories, evidencing high values. In conclusion, based on the evaluated parameters, differences between the different olive oil categories were found. Still, they did not allow us to clearly separate the two categories of Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Virgin olive oil (VOO) oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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13 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Hypolipidemic Effects and Antioxidant Capacity of Pinus morrisonicola Hay Extracts by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction
by Ying-Jang Lai, Ming-Ching Cheng, Hsin-Chun Chen, Chien-Lin Chen and Tuzz-Ying Song
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030535 - 23 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1881
Abstract
Pinus morrisonicola hay (PM) is a pine tree unique to Taiwan, whose needles are used as traditional medicine and as functional drink. PME3-1 was made using supercritical extraction to evaluate the prevention of hyperlipidemia. This study explored the hypolipidemic effect of PME3-1 on [...] Read more.
Pinus morrisonicola hay (PM) is a pine tree unique to Taiwan, whose needles are used as traditional medicine and as functional drink. PME3-1 was made using supercritical extraction to evaluate the prevention of hyperlipidemia. This study explored the hypolipidemic effect of PME3-1 on hamsters on a high fat and cholesterol (HFC) diet. Three groups of hamsters were fed with PME3-1 (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg bw). After feeding for eight weeks, PME3-1 reduced the serum cholesterol, triglyceride levels, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) ratio, and the swelling of the liver and kidney significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, feeding the hamsters with 5.0 mg/kg bw of PME3-1 could significantly reduce their total lipid (TL) content, total cholesterol (TC) content, total triglyceride (TG) content, and the HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), can also improve, promoting the excretion of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in the feces (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results confirm that PME3-1 hypolipidemic and antioxidant regulating functions in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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22 pages, 9950 KiB  
Article
Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Metastatic Effects of Ethanol Extract from Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Roots and its Sub-Fractions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Thuy-Lan Thi Vo, Shu-Er Yang, Liang-Gie Huang, Po-Hsien Li, Chien-Lin Chen and Tuzz-Ying Song
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12121995 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1949
Abstract
Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., known as pigeon pea, C. cajan (L.) Millsp. roots (CR) contain daidzein, genistein, and cajanol which have numerous health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of sub-fractions (EECRpw, EECRp25, EECRp50, EECRp70, [...] Read more.
Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., known as pigeon pea, C. cajan (L.) Millsp. roots (CR) contain daidzein, genistein, and cajanol which have numerous health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of sub-fractions (EECRpw, EECRp25, EECRp50, EECRp70, and EECRp95) containing 95% ethanol extract from CR (EECR95) in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCC25). We found that the sub-fraction (EECRp70) significantly inhibited cell proliferation, and down-regulated secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-2 in a dose-dependent manner, and the mechanisms were related to down-regulated iNOS/COX-2/NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Moreover, EECRp70 in combination with a cancer chemotherapeutic agent (cisplatin or taxol) also blocked cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle in subG1 phase, inhibited intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and reduced migration and invasion of SCC25 cells. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that EECRp70 inhibits proliferation and metastatic, which is related to the relatively high uptake of genistein of EECRp70 (2.71%) in SCC25 cells for 12 h. In addition, EECRp70 contains abundant flavonoids such as genistein and cajanol. Thus, we suggest that the study supports the anecdotal use of CR in herbal medicine and functional food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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20 pages, 2257 KiB  
Article
Integrating Traditional Wheat-Based Foods with High Health Value Flours: Castanea spp. Agro-Biodiversity in Bakery Products
by Dario Donno, Michele Fabro, Maria Gabriella Mellano, Giovanni Gamba, Annachiara Fioccardi and Gabriele Loris Beccaro
Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070946 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2856
Abstract
In European countries, the utilisation of chestnut flours (CF) has been increasing in the bakery industry because the CF ingredients provide not only nutritional and health benefits but also improve organoleptic and health-promoting properties. This work aimed to describe the phytochemical properties and [...] Read more.
In European countries, the utilisation of chestnut flours (CF) has been increasing in the bakery industry because the CF ingredients provide not only nutritional and health benefits but also improve organoleptic and health-promoting properties. This work aimed to describe the phytochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of chestnut flours from different Castanea spp. genotypes and origins, studying the effects of the addition of CF to traditional wheat-based cookies on their quality and sensory traits. Commercial chestnut flours were also considered. CF used in addition to wheat-based flours may increase the quality and health-promoting value of bakery products for its many benefits: (i) nutritional and phytochemical value; (ii) zero-Km availability in many producing areas (Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America); (iii) for these areas, food security is connected to a vulnerable wheat-based food system. Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were utilised to assess the composition and antioxidant properties of the considered chestnut flours. The sensory value of the prepared chestnut/wheat-based cookies was also assessed by a panel of common consumers (hedonistic test by a 9-points hedonistic scale). Monoterpenes were the main substances in the flour phytocomplex, reaching 80–90% of the total, followed by phenolics (8–12%) and vitamin C in trace (1–3%). Antioxidant capacity ranged from 9.64 ± 0.96 mmol Fe+2 kg−1 DW (BOUC flour from cv Bouche de Bétizac) to 17.33 ± 1.35 mmol Fe+2 kg−1 DW (CANA flour from cv Canalutta). In this research study, the cookies derived from CANA and BOUC flours were considered the most appreciated products by consumers, with values of 7.09 ± 0.46 and 6.88 ± 0.18, respectively. These results confirmed that integrating phytochemical data with sensory results is very important for food industries to obtain a complete description of the analysed flours and consequently of the derived products to produce new bakery products highly appreciated by consumers with high health value in comparison to the traditional products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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14 pages, 1963 KiB  
Article
Assessing Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Compounds in Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
by Khanh-Van Ho, Novianus Efrat, Kathy L. Schreiber, Phuc H. Vo, Marco N. De Canha, Analike Blom van Staden, Bianca D. Payne, Carel B. Oosthuizen, Danielle Twilley, Zhentian Lei, Lloyd W. Sumner, Charles R. Brown, Namrita Lall and Chung-Ho Lin
Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070936 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
Switchgrass is a bioenergy feedstock that potentially possesses multiple health benefits. However, the biological properties and associated bioactive compounds of switchgrass have not been adequately investigated. In the current study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory properties of switchgrass. Results from in vitro bioassays indicated [...] Read more.
Switchgrass is a bioenergy feedstock that potentially possesses multiple health benefits. However, the biological properties and associated bioactive compounds of switchgrass have not been adequately investigated. In the current study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory properties of switchgrass. Results from in vitro bioassays indicated that the methanolic extracts of switchgrass contained compounds exerting inhibitory effects on the expression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) induced in the U-937 model system. The extracts derived from four switchgrass cultivars (Alamo, Kanlow, Liberty, and Show Me) inhibited the secretion of all inflammatory mediators examined, with the only exception of the Liberty extract, which showed no significant effect on IL-10 expression. The degree of cytokine inhibition was variable, depending on the particular cultivar, the concentrations tested, and the cytokines examined. A global metabolomics approach was utilized to putatively identify possible molecules with known anti-inflammatory capacities in different switchgrass cultivars using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The content of multiple bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds in switchgrass was determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) analyses. Our results suggest that switchgrass, particularly the Alamo and Kanlow cultivars, may represent a promising natural anti-inflammatory source for the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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Review

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21 pages, 2194 KiB  
Review
Application and Development of Natural Plant Metabolite Oleanolic Acid in the Nano Era
by Kun Wang, Qinyue Lu, Xiang Cao, Yuhao Wang, Yanni Wu, Zhi Chen and Zhangping Yang
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122142 - 13 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Like other pentacyclic triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, a natural plant metabolite prevalent in plant peels, stems, and leaves, is regarded as a possible drug candidate. A growing number of studies have shown that oleanolic acid exhibits a variety of beneficial properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, [...] Read more.
Like other pentacyclic triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, a natural plant metabolite prevalent in plant peels, stems, and leaves, is regarded as a possible drug candidate. A growing number of studies have shown that oleanolic acid exhibits a variety of beneficial properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, the rapid advance of nanotechnology has dramatically improved oleanolic acid’s bioavailability and minimized its disadvantages, leading to unexpected changes in its pharmacological activity and use. Therefore, our aim was to review the progress of research on the distribution and biological properties of oleanolic acid in plants and to discuss new pharmaceutical approaches for oleanolic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products and Their Functional Characteristics)
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