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Compounds
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Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity
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Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity

A special issue of Compounds (ISSN 2673-6918).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 5828

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francisco Vázquez-Armenta

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Interests: phenolic compounds; anti-virulence agents; biofilm control; foodborne pathogens; enzyme inhibition
Dr. Ariadna Thalia Bernal-Mercado

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Guest Editor
Department of Research and Postgraduate in Food, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, Col. Centro, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Interests: phenolic compounds; antimicrobial activity; anti-biofilm compounds; listeria monocytogenes; natural product chemistry; antibiotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Phenolic compounds represent one of the most diverse and bioactive classes of secondary plant metabolites, widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and therapeutic properties. In recent years, advances in extraction technologies, sustainable sourcing strategies, and analytical methods have significantly expanded our understanding of phenolic compounds, both in their natural matrices and as functional ingredients in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications.

This Special Issue aims to provide an updated, multidisciplinary perspective on the extraction, chemical profiling, and bioactivity of phenolic compounds. Particular emphasis will be placed on innovative, eco-friendly extraction methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and the use of natural deep eutectic solvents, as well as the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as sustainable sources of phenolics. Contributions addressing the structural characterization and comprehensive chemical profiling of phenolic compounds using advanced chromatographic and spectrometric techniques are especially welcome.

Furthermore, the issue aims to highlight new findings on the health-promoting effects of phenolic compounds and their role as natural preservatives in food systems. Emerging topics, such as the environmental fate and atmospheric interactions of phenolics, as well as the development of functional foods enriched with these bioactive molecules, are also of interest.

This Special Issue offers a platform for researchers to share original research articles and reviews that advance the current knowledge on phenolic compounds, from sustainable extraction to bioactivity validation and functional applications.

Dr. Francisco Vázquez-Armenta
Dr. Ariadna Thalia Bernal-Mercado
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Compounds is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • phenolic compounds
  • extraction methods
  • sustainable sourcing
  • chemical profiling
  • bioactivity
  • functional foods
  • antioxidant activity
  • natural preservatives
  • bioactive properties

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 769 KB  
Article
Heartwood Chemistry Predicts Natural Durability in Pinus nigra Clones: The Critical Role of Resin Acid over Stilbenes in Decay Resistance
by Kostas Ioannidis, Nikoleta Soulioti, Polyxeni Koropouli, Eleni Melliou, Prokopios Magiatis and Georgios Menexes
Compounds 2026, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6010013 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 679
Abstract
The natural durability of wood, determined primarily by its chemistry, meets the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to toxic wood preservatives. This study assessed the relationship between the fungitoxic acetone extractive content, in particular resin acids and stilbenes, and heartwood decay resistance [...] Read more.
The natural durability of wood, determined primarily by its chemistry, meets the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to toxic wood preservatives. This study assessed the relationship between the fungitoxic acetone extractive content, in particular resin acids and stilbenes, and heartwood decay resistance among fifty-two Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold clones from a clonal seed orchard in Greece. Quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy was employed to determine total stilbenes (TSs) and total resin acids (TRAs) in heartwood samples, while decay resistance was evaluated through standardized weight loss tests using the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst. (1865) and the white-rot fungus Porodaedalea pini (Brot.) Murrill (1905). The heartwood exhibited exceptionally high extractive content (mean TAE = 304.15 mg gdhw−1), with resin acids (68.26%) predominating over stilbenes (22.31%). Regression analysis showed that the TAE and TRAs were the strongest predictors of decay resistance, explaining 33% of the variance, while stilbenes exhibited weaker and more variable associations. P. pini caused significantly higher mean weight loss (11.43%) than C. puteana (3.55%), indicating species-specific fungal aggressiveness. Among individual resin acids, abietic acids were the most influential contributors to decay resistance. The results demonstrate that resin acids have a dominant role over stilbenes in determining the natural durability of P. nigra (Black pine) heartwood and could serve as effective biochemical markers for selective breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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15 pages, 1437 KB  
Article
Efficient Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Salvia dumetorum Leaves
by Yana K. Levaya, Karakoz Zh. Badekova, Mussa E. Zholdasbayev, Gulnissa K. Kurmantayeva, Gayane A. Atazhanova, Daniyar T. Sadyrbekov and Ainabayev Assanali
Compounds 2025, 5(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040058 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 690
Abstract
Salvia dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser is a promising non-pharmacopoeial plant species with traditional medicinal potential. This study aimed to determine the optimal microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions for obtaining a polyphenol-rich ethanolic extract from the S. dumetorum leaves. Dried and powdered leaves were extracted [...] Read more.
Salvia dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser is a promising non-pharmacopoeial plant species with traditional medicinal potential. This study aimed to determine the optimal microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions for obtaining a polyphenol-rich ethanolic extract from the S. dumetorum leaves. Dried and powdered leaves were extracted using 40% ethanol with different power of microwaves varying from 200 to 800 W and time of extraction 2–8 min. The extract was filtered, concentrated, and evaluated for yield, identification of phenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Extraction yields ranged from 2.20% to 25.80% based on dry weight. TPC and TFC were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively, and are expressed as mg GAE/g and mg RUE/g of dry extract. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay. According to HPLC analysis, the main phenolic components of the extracts were rosmarinic acid (1.78–2.95 mg/mL), chlorogenic acid (0.31–0.54 mg/mL), caffeic acid (0.11–0.20 mg/mL), rutin (up to 0.47 mg/mL) and ferulic acid (0.13–0.33 mg/mL); traces of myricetin were found only in isolated samples. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 400 W microwave power, 8 min extraction time, one MAE cycle, and a 1:30 g/mL solvent-to-material loading ratio; TPC and TFC were evaluated as 35.23 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g DW and 19.94 ± 0.14 mg RuE/g DW, respectively, indicating the highest yield of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant potential inhibiting 96.68% ± 0.27 of DPPH radicals, and IC50 = 10.24 µg/mL. These findings highlight the efficiency of MAE in producing a bioactive ethanolic extract of S. dumetorum, which can be further explored for potential applications as a natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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18 pages, 527 KB  
Article
Mexican Fruits of the Stenocereus Genus: Characterization, Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Content of Bioactive Compounds
by Alma Delia Noriega-Juárez, Yolanda Nolasco-González, Oswaldo Alejandro Arellano-Machuca, Diego Rafael Montoya-Carvajal, Brandon Alexis López-Romero, Javier Alberto Navarro-Mendoza and Efigenia Montalvo-González
Compounds 2025, 5(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040055 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 826
Abstract
Stenocereus fruits are appreciated for their flavor and color, and their cultivation is highly sustainable, as they grow in arid zones without the need for fertilizers or agrochemicals. However, their nutritional and bioactive composition remains underexplored. This study evaluated the physicochemical and nutritional [...] Read more.
Stenocereus fruits are appreciated for their flavor and color, and their cultivation is highly sustainable, as they grow in arid zones without the need for fertilizers or agrochemicals. However, their nutritional and bioactive composition remains underexplored. This study evaluated the physicochemical and nutritional properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant capacity (AOX) of Stenocereus thurberi (red, white, purple, and orange), Stenocereus martinezzi (red), and Stenocereus gummosus (red). All fruits exhibited low total soluble solids (12.6 ± 0.2–14.7 ± 0.3 °Brix), acidity (0.81 ± 0.03–1.12 ± 0.03%), and moderate dietary fiber content (3.71 ± 0.05–4.86 ± 0.09%). S. martinezzi stood out for its high levels of betalains (33.7 ± 0.65 mg/100 g_fw), vitamin E (84.7 ± 0.2 µg/100 g_fw), and vitamin C (147.6 ± 11.4 mg/100 g_fw). At the same time, potassium, magnesium, and calcium were the predominant minerals in all samples. S. gummosus showed the highest total soluble phenols (120.6 ± 2.2 mg/100 g_fw) and was also notable for its flavonoid content. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were detected in all fruits. Red fruits had the highest AOX levels, followed by white, orange, and purple varieties. In conclusion, these fruits are nutritious, low in sugars, and rich in bioactive compounds, suggesting their potential as functional foods, particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic degenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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20 pages, 3564 KB  
Article
Optimization of Green Processes for Catechin Extraction and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Shan Tuyet Tea Leaves in Vietnam
by Xuyen Thi Nguyen, Phuong Thi Thu Pham, Uyen Thu Pham, Duong Thanh Nguyen, Doanh Van Nguyen and Tung Quang Nguyen
Compounds 2025, 5(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040046 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1818
Abstract
Aged green tea leaves, particularly from Shan Tuyet trees, represent an underutilized source of catechins—key antioxidant compounds with known health benefits. This study aims to optimize and compare three green extraction methods—Hot Water Extraction (HWE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), and Ethanol–Water Extraction (EthE)—for catechin [...] Read more.
Aged green tea leaves, particularly from Shan Tuyet trees, represent an underutilized source of catechins—key antioxidant compounds with known health benefits. This study aims to optimize and compare three green extraction methods—Hot Water Extraction (HWE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), and Ethanol–Water Extraction (EthE)—for catechin recovery from mature tea leaves. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of different extraction conditions. Total catechin content was quantified by HPLC, and antioxidant activities were measured using DPPH, FRAP, ORAC, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Results showed that while UAE and HWE produced total catechin yields of 206.0 mg/g and 202.0 mg/g, respectively, their biological efficacy was profoundly different. HWE, operating at a higher temperature (82 °C), induced significant thermal degradation, evidenced by high levels of catechin epimerization (EGCG/GCG ratio = 3.62) and hydrolysis. This loss of structural integrity resulted in the lowest cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of 98.3 µmol QE/g. In contrast, the optimized UAE process (78 °C, 55 min, 290 W) preserved catechin stereochemistry (EGCG/GCG ratio = 9.86), yielding the highest CAA (185.2 µmol QE/g). These findings demonstrate that UAE acts as the optimal green strategy for producing high-yield, functionally superior extracts from mature tea leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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16 pages, 1077 KB  
Article
Synthesis of Acetylated Phenolic Compounds with Promising Antifouling Applications: An Approach to Marine and Freshwater Mussel Settlement Control
by Míriam C. Pérez, Mónica García, Gustavo Pasquale, María V. Laitano, Gustavo Romanelli and Guillermo Blustein
Compounds 2025, 5(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5040045 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Biofouling by mussels is responsible for serious economic losses worldwide. In Argentina, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) and Brachidontes rodriguezii (d’Orbigny, 1842) are common and abundant bivalve species of great interest, inhabiting freshwater and marine coasts, respectively. Both species are considered fouling pests for [...] Read more.
Biofouling by mussels is responsible for serious economic losses worldwide. In Argentina, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) and Brachidontes rodriguezii (d’Orbigny, 1842) are common and abundant bivalve species of great interest, inhabiting freshwater and marine coasts, respectively. Both species are considered fouling pests for coastal industrial facilities that use untreated water as part of their processes. To chemically control mussel biofouling, it is necessary to find efficient and environmentally friendly non-biocidal compounds. In this work, we report the antifouling activity of three phenolic compounds (hydroquinone, resorcinol, and catechol) and their respective acetylated derivatives against L. fortunei and B. rodriguezii mussels. Classic ecotoxicity tests with Artemia salina were also performed. Acetylated phenolic compounds were synthesized in the laboratory by sustainable chemistry procedures. Results revealed the importance of hydroquinone, resorcinol, and catechol and their diacetylated derivatives for preventing the settlement of both these mussels, in a non-biocide way. Ecotoxicity bioassays revealed that these compounds were not toxic, with the exception of resorcinol. We propose the incorporation of these compounds in solution into closed circuits and water sprinkler anti-fire systems to prevent the settlement of L. fortunei and their inclusion in antifouling paints to prevent the settlement of B. rodriguezii. These results highlight a new friendly alternative for controlling mussels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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Review

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21 pages, 7084 KB  
Review
Phenolic Compound Transport from Gut to Brain: Their Chemical Interactions and Transport Pathways
by Francisco Jonathan Pérez-Delgado, J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila, Gustavo A. González-Aguilar, Jesús Fernando Ayala-Zavala, Mónica A. Villegas-Ochoa, Alejandro Martínez-Martínez, Alejandra M. Preciado-Saldaña, Denisse García-Villa and Marcelino Montiel-Herrera
Compounds 2026, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds6020025 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 157
Abstract
Antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, are essential for mammal physiology. Significant research made on the gut–brain axis has produced volumes of evidence indicating that some plant-derived phenolic compounds can reach brain cells to exert protective effects on them, mainly by maintaining and/or restoring [...] Read more.
Antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, are essential for mammal physiology. Significant research made on the gut–brain axis has produced volumes of evidence indicating that some plant-derived phenolic compounds can reach brain cells to exert protective effects on them, mainly by maintaining and/or restoring redox homeostasis. Their systemic uptake and transport might be determined by the phenolic’s physicochemical properties, along with complex interactions with protein transporters and carriers, including GLUT, SGLT1, ABC transporters (P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein), albumin, fibrinogen, organic anion and cation transporters, and MATE1. The present work focuses on the chemical interactions and transport pathways of some phenolic compounds to reach brain cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity)
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