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Characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Plant

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2023) | Viewed by 17245

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Science, 6, 670047 Ulan-Ude, Russia
Interests: phytochemicals; phenolic compounds; ellagitannins; flavonoids; HPLC
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The biological potential of plant objects depends on the active compounds they contain. These compounds have an impact on the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food industries. Bioactive plant compounds have a pronounced pharmacological effect that is often superior to synthetic drugs, with low toxicity and minimal side effects. The antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds is an important aspect of their biological activity. The total antioxidant effect of such compounds is characterized by the presence of various forms of natural substances and their combined action, manifested in the formation of effective redox systems and synergistic cycles. Given the special interest in the investigation of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activity, the identification of promising plant objects is a potentially rewarding task for researchers.

Thus, contributions to this Special Issue may cover all research aspects related to medicinal, aromatic, and edible plant objects; characterization of investigated plant extracts, including (but not limited to) methods for their extraction, purification, comprehensive profiling characterization; and the quantification and elucidation of their mechanisms of action with a focus on antioxidant activity.

Dr. Nina Kashchenko
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant extracts
  • phytochemicals
  • bioactive compounds
  • antioxidant activity
  • DPPH
  • ABTS
  • biological activity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 175 KiB  
Editorial
Characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Plants—Editorial Comments and Summary
by Nina I. Kashchenko
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10969; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910969 - 5 Oct 2023
Viewed by 987
Abstract
The biological potential of plant objects depends on the active compounds they contain [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

17 pages, 31027 KiB  
Article
Fermentation of Chenopodium formosanum Leaf Extract with Aspergillus oryzae Significantly Enhanced Its Physiological Activities
by Yi-Min Lin, Ying-Chien Chung, Pei-Yu Chen, Yu-Chi Chang and Wen-Liang Chen
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13052917 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
Chenopodium formosanum Koidz (CF) is an indigenous cereal plant of Taiwan. Its high content of secondary metabolites and nutrients has attracted attention for its use in skin care products and functional foods. However, most studies have focused on the extract of CF seeds, [...] Read more.
Chenopodium formosanum Koidz (CF) is an indigenous cereal plant of Taiwan. Its high content of secondary metabolites and nutrients has attracted attention for its use in skin care products and functional foods. However, most studies have focused on the extract of CF seeds, which are relatively expensive, and none have investigated the effects of combining extraction and fermentation. In this study, we evaluated the utility of using extracts of different parts of CF, i.e., the leaves, stems, and unhulled and hulled seeds. We first made aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of the four parts. After assessing their biological activities, we selected only unfermented and fermented CF leaf methanolic extracts for subsequent analysis. None of the concentrations of fermented CF leaf extract (≤400 mg/L) were cytotoxic, and all exhibited antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin-whitening, moisturizing, and antiaging activities. The concentrations of protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and quercetin increased the most after fermentation. Therefore, they were subjected to a molecular docking analysis, which revealed that quercetin and epicatechin may contribute the most to skin-whitening and antiaging properties, respectively. In conclusion, fermented CF leaf methanolic extracts can be useful as a functional ingredient in health foods, botanical drugs, and cosmetic products. Full article
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14 pages, 26410 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Flaxseed Extract and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
by Azalldeen Kazal Alzubaidi, Wasan J. Al-Kaabi, Amer Al Ali, Salim Albukhaty, Hassan Al-Karagoly, Ghassan M. Sulaiman, Mohammed Asiri and Yasmina Khane
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042182 - 8 Feb 2023
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 6516
Abstract
Bioactive plant chemicals are considered to be rich and useful for creating nanomaterials. The current work investigated the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanolic flaxseed extract as an efficient reducing factor. The production of AgNPs was verified by color-shifting observation of the [...] Read more.
Bioactive plant chemicals are considered to be rich and useful for creating nanomaterials. The current work investigated the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanolic flaxseed extract as an efficient reducing factor. The production of AgNPs was verified by color-shifting observation of the mixture of silver nitrate (AgNO3) from yellow to a reddish suspension after the addition of the extract and by evaluating it by UV–visible inspection. Additionally, FTIR spectrum was used to support the identification of functional groups. The morphology and structure of AgNPs were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations, which revealed spherical AgNPs with a diameter of 46.98 ± 12.45 nm and a crystalline structure. The zeta potential (ZP) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements of AgNPs revealed values of −44.5 mV and 231.8 nm, respectively, suggesting appropriate physical stability. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was investigated against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes, while the antioxidant effect was investigated using the DPPH technique. These obtained AgNPs could potentially be used as efficient antibacterial and antioxidant nanomaterials. Full article
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19 pages, 1561 KiB  
Article
Chemical Constituents, Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Klasea centauroides Leaves
by Yanina G. Razuvaeva, Kristina V. Markova, Anyuta A. Toropova, Nina I. Kashchenko and Daniil N. Olennikov
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020860 - 8 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1547
Abstract
Owing to progressive aging in the population, there is an increase in patients with cognitive impairment. For the prevention of dementia, the use of plant remedies is relevant. Of particular interest is Klasea centauroides (L.) Cass. (Serratula centauroides L., Asteraceae), which has [...] Read more.
Owing to progressive aging in the population, there is an increase in patients with cognitive impairment. For the prevention of dementia, the use of plant remedies is relevant. Of particular interest is Klasea centauroides (L.) Cass. (Serratula centauroides L., Asteraceae), which has significant natural reserves, contains a wide range of biologically active substances, and is used in folk medicine to treat nervous system diseases. This study aimed to estimate the neuroprotective, energy-protective, and antioxidant effects of K. centauroides extract in cholinergic deficiency caused by long-term scopolamine administration. It has been established that K. centauroides extract accelerates passive avoidance-conditioned reflex development and ensures its preservation over a longer time period under cholinergic deficiency conditions. The K. centauroides extract increases the resistance of brain tissues to the toxic effects of scopolamine, reducing the number of neuron regressive forms in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The K. centauroides extract enhances the predominance of aerobic glycolysis over anaerobic glycolysis and enhances the NADH-dehydrogenase and succinate-dehydrogenase complexes activity, thus promoting more intensive ATP synthesis against this background, the introduction of scopolamine. The use of K. centauroides extracts reduces the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content in the brain structures and increases the catalase (CAT) and antioxidant system glutathione unit activities. Full article
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12 pages, 513 KiB  
Article
The Antioxidant Potential of Ficus Umbellata Vahl (Moraceae) That Accelerates In Vitro and the In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Protective Effects
by Kevine Kamga Silihe, Stephane Zingue, Marius Trésor Kemegne Sipping, Anna Busuioc Cazanevscaia, Andreea Veronica Dediu Botezatu, Dieudonne Njamen and Rodica Mihaela Dinica
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 9070; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12189070 - 9 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae), is a plant with health benefits involved in the management of menopause physiological disorders and cancers. This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous (FUAq) and methanolic (FUMeOH) extracts of Ficus [...] Read more.
Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae), is a plant with health benefits involved in the management of menopause physiological disorders and cancers. This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous (FUAq) and methanolic (FUMeOH) extracts of Ficus umbellata. Their antioxidant activities were assayed by free radical scavenging using DPPH and ABTS assays, total antioxidant capacity, and ferrous reducing power (FRAP). Further, the effects of FUAq and FUMeOH on murine erythrocyte membrane hemolysis and protein denaturation were investigated. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced paw oedema. At tested concentrations, FUAq and FUMeOH demonstrated strong radical scavenging that was dose- and time-dependent, as well as total antioxidant capacity and ferrous ions reducing power. Moreover, they were able to stabilize murine red blood cell membranes against heat induced hemolysis and inhibit the denaturation of egg albumin at concentrations ranging from 0.125–2 mg/mL. Ficus umbellata methanolic extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg endow antiedematous properties with edema inhibition percentages of 71.16 ± 1.72% and 72.98 ± 7.51%, respectively. Our findings shed light on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ficus umbellata that could be used in novel and safe strategies to overwhelm oxidative and inflammatory related diseases. Full article
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15 pages, 2741 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Pre-Treatment of Arabica Coffee Beans with Cold Atmospheric Plasma, Microwave Radiation, Slow and Fast Freezing on Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Coffee Extract
by Aleksey Tarasov, Anastasia Bochkova, Ilya Muzyukin, Olga Chugunova and Natalia Stozhko
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5780; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125780 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2868
Abstract
Thermal and non-thermal technologies used in food processing should be not only effective in terms of decontamination and preservation but also minimize undesirable losses of natural bioactive compounds. Arabica (Coffea arabica) is the most cultivated variety of coffee, making it a [...] Read more.
Thermal and non-thermal technologies used in food processing should be not only effective in terms of decontamination and preservation but also minimize undesirable losses of natural bioactive compounds. Arabica (Coffea arabica) is the most cultivated variety of coffee, making it a valuable source of phytonutrients, including antioxidants. In the present study, green and roasted Arabica coffee beans were treated with slow freezing (SF), fast freezing (FF), microwave radiation (MWR) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). Moisture content (MC) of coffee beans and antioxidant activity (AOA) of aqueous extracts were measured. Green coffee showed a decrease in MC after MWR treatment, and roasted coffee showed an increase in MC after freezing. After SF and FF at −19 °C for 24 h, all extract samples showed an increase in AOA by 4.1–17.2%. MWR treatment at 800 W for 60 s was accompanied by an increase in the AOA of green coffee extracts by 5.7%, while the changes in the AOA of roasted coffee extracts were insignificant. Sequential combined treatments of SF + MWR and FF + MWR resulted in an additive/synergistic increase in the AOA of green/roasted coffee extracts, up to +23.0%. After CAP treatment with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) parameters of 1 μs, 15 kV and 200 Hz for 5 and 15 min, green coffee showed a decrease in the extract AOA by 3.8% and 9.7%, respectively, while the changes in the AOA of roasted coffee extracts were insignificant. A high positive correlation (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) between AOA and MC was revealed. The results obtained indicate that SF, FF, MWR and combined treatments may be applied at the pre-extraction stage of coffee bean preparation in order to increase the yield of antioxidant extractives. Full article
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