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Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition
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Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2023) | Viewed by 25196

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Christine Helena F. Sawaya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Interests: medicinal plants; chromatography–mass spectrometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina Marcucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Julio de Mesquita Filho, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Interests: medicinal plants; quality control; chromatography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following a very successful first run, we are pleased to announce the launch of a second edition of the Special Issue "Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products."

Natural products have always been, and continue to be, an unending source of active biomolecules that may be applied in food, therapy, cosmetics, agriculture, and other areas. This issue welcomes research papers and reviews that evaluate the composition, properties, and applications of these products.

Although we especially welcome borderline studies in which both the chemical characterization and activity of natural products are reported, work in any related field is welcome.

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Christine Helena F. Sawaya
Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina Marcucci
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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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

  • natural products
  • bioactivity
  • chemical characterization

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1281 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts
by Gabriela Paun, Elena Neagu, Andreia Alecu, Camelia Albu, Ana-Maria Seciu-Grama and Gabriel Lucian Radu
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020326 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1595
Abstract
The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to [...] Read more.
The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (β-TC-6) by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH• scavenging (EC50 = 105.2 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and reducing power activities (EC50 = 40.98 ± 0.2 µg/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on α-amylase (IC50 = 23.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 ± 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 1461 KiB  
Article
GC Analysis, Anticancer, and Antibacterial Activities of Secondary Bioactive Compounds from Endosymbiotic Bacteria of Pomegranate Aphid and Its Predator and Protector
by Taghreed Alsufyani, Najwa Al-Otaibi, Noura J. Alotaibi, Nour Houda M’sakni and Eman M. Alghamdi
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4255; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104255 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3093
Abstract
Bacterial secondary metabolites are a valuable source of various molecules that have antibacterial and anticancer activity. In this study, ten endosymbiotic bacteria of aphids, aphid predators and ants were isolated. Bacterial strains were identified according to the 16S rRNA gene. Ethyl acetate fractions [...] Read more.
Bacterial secondary metabolites are a valuable source of various molecules that have antibacterial and anticancer activity. In this study, ten endosymbiotic bacteria of aphids, aphid predators and ants were isolated. Bacterial strains were identified according to the 16S rRNA gene. Ethyl acetate fractions of methanol extract (EA-ME) were prepared from each isolated bacterium and tested for their antibacterial activities using the disk diffusion method. The EA-ME of three bacterial species, Planococcus sp., Klebsiella aerogenes, Enterococcus avium, from the pomegranate aphids Aphis punicae, Chrysoperia carnea, and Tapinoma magnum, respectively, exhibited elevated antibacterial activity against one or several of the five pathogenic bacteria tested. The inhibition zones ranged from 10.00 ± 0.13 to 20.00 ± 1.11 mm, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.156 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL. The most notable antibacterial activity was found in the EA-ME of K. aerogenes against Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli, with an MIC value of 0.156 mg/mL. The cytotoxic activity of EA-ME was dependent on the cell line tested. The most significant cytotoxicity effect was observed for extracts of K. aerogenes and E. avium, at 12.5 µg/mL, against the epithelial cells of lung carcinoma (A549), with a cell reduction of 79.4% and 67.2%, respectively. For the EA-ME of K. aerogenes and Pantoea agglomerans at 12.5 µg/mL, 69.4% and 67.8% cell reduction were observed against human colon cancer (Hct116), respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of three EA-ME revealed the presence of several bioactive secondary metabolites that have been reported previously to possess antibacterial and anticancer properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the biological activities of endosymbiotic bacteria in aphids, aphid predators and ants. The promising data presented in this study may pave the way for alternative drugs to overcome the continued emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and find alternative drugs to conventional cancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4542 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Production of Active Photosynthetic and Biochemical Molecules in Silybum marianum L. Using Biotic and Abiotic Elicitors in Hydroponic Culture
by Bismillah Mubeen, Ammarah Hasnain, Wang Jie, Hanxian Zheng, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Shahril Efzueni Rozali, Rabia Rasool, Syed Atif Hasan Naqvi, Muhammad Junaid Rao, Muhammad Amir Sohail, Mahmoud Moustafa, Mohammed Al-Shehri and Sally Negm
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041716 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2381
Abstract
Elicitors are stressors that activate secondary pathways that lead to the increased production of bioactive molecules in plants. Different elicitors including the fungus Aspergillus niger (0.2 g/L), methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 100 µM/L), and silver nanoparticles (1 µg/L) were added, individually and in combination, [...] Read more.
Elicitors are stressors that activate secondary pathways that lead to the increased production of bioactive molecules in plants. Different elicitors including the fungus Aspergillus niger (0.2 g/L), methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 100 µM/L), and silver nanoparticles (1 µg/L) were added, individually and in combination, in a hydroponic medium. The application of these elicitors in hydroponic culture significantly increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and total phenolic contents. The treatment with MeJA (methyl jasmonate) (100 µM/L) and the co-treatment of MeJA and AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) (100 µM/L + 1 µg/L) exhibited the highest chlorophyll a (29 µg g−1 FW) and chlorophyll b (33.6 µg g−1 FW) contents, respectively. The elicitor MeJA (100 µM/L) gave a substantial rise in chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll contents. Likewise, a significant rise in carotenoid contents (9 µg/g FW) was also observed when subjected to meJA (100 µM/L). For the phenolic content, the treatment with meJA (100 µM/L) proved to be very effective. Nevertheless, the highest production (431 µg/g FW) was observed when treated with AgNPs (1 µg/L). The treatments with various elicitors in this study had a significant effect on flavonoid and lignin content. The highest concentration of flavonoids and lignin was observed when MeJA (100 mM) was used as an elicitor, following a 72-h treatment period. Hence, for different plant metabolites, the treatment with meJA (100 µM/L) and a co-treatment of MeJA and AgNPs (100 µM/L + 1 µg/L) under prolonged exposure times of 120–144 h proved to be the most promising in the accretion of valuable bioactive molecules. The study opens new insights into the use of these elicitors, individually or in combination, by using different concentrations and compositions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1332 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of Brazilian Green Propolis Aqueous Extract against Dental Anaerobic Bacteria
by Maria Angélica de Sá Assis, Lucas de Paula Ramos, Amjad Abu Hasna, Talita Suelen de Queiroz, Thaís Cristine Pereira, Patrícia Michelle Nagai de Lima, Andresa Aparecida Berretta, Maria Cristina Marcucci, Cláudio Antonio Talge Carvalho and Luciane Dias de Oliveira
Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8128; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238128 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Green propolis may represent a promising therapeutic alternative against dental anaerobic pathogens because of its antimicrobial action. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm actions of Brazilian green propolis aqueous extract (BGP-AqExt) against dental anaerobic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) [...] Read more.
Green propolis may represent a promising therapeutic alternative against dental anaerobic pathogens because of its antimicrobial action. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm actions of Brazilian green propolis aqueous extract (BGP-AqExt) against dental anaerobic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicide concentration (MMC) of the extract were determined against the standard strains (ATCC) of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. BGP-AqExt was chemically characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis. Antibiofilm action was measured by MTT and crystal violet tests. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey (5%) tests. The extract had antimicrobial action against all tested anaerobic bacteria, with an MIC value of 55 mg/mL for all bacteria, an MMC of 27.5 mg/mL for F. nucleatum and P. micra and 55 mg/mL for P. intermedia. Chemically, BGP-AqExt is composed of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic and p-coumaric acid, drupani, kaempferol and Artepillin C. Significant reductions in biomass and metabolic action of biofilms were found after BGP-AqExt application. Therefore, BGP-AqExt has an antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect against dental anaerobic bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition)
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Review

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21 pages, 1349 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review
by Tânia Martins, Ana Novo Barros, Eduardo Rosa and Luís Antunes
Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5344; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145344 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 15260
Abstract
Chlorophylls play a crucial role in photosynthesis and are abundantly found in green fruits and vegetables that form an integral part of our diet. Although limited, existing studies suggest that these photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives possess therapeutic properties. These bioactive molecules exhibit [...] Read more.
Chlorophylls play a crucial role in photosynthesis and are abundantly found in green fruits and vegetables that form an integral part of our diet. Although limited, existing studies suggest that these photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives possess therapeutic properties. These bioactive molecules exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesogenic activities. However, it is unfortunate that leafy materials and fruit peels often go to waste in the food supply chain, contributing to the prevailing issue of food waste in modern societies. Nevertheless, these overlooked materials contain valuable bioactive compounds, including chlorophylls, which offer significant health benefits. Consequently, exploring the potential of these discarded resources, such as utilizing them as functional food ingredients, aligns with the principles of a circular economy and presents exciting opportunities for exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties and Applications of Natural Products-2nd Edition)
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