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Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 32298

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Prof. Dr. Andreea Stănilă

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Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănă¸Stur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: food chemistry; bioinorganic chemistry; analytical chemistry; biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Carmen Socaciu

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Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: food chemistry; infrared spectroscopy; food biochemistry; food science; plant physiology; antioxidants; polyphenols; anthocyanins; high-pressure liquid chromatography
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Dr. Zorita Diaconeasa

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Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: phenolic compounds; anthocyanins; melanoma; chromatography; food chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antioxidants are specific compounds that protect the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.

In terms of health properties, many studies have demonstrated their various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Specific bioactive compounds from plants were described to function as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, or even suppressors in some signaling pathways.

Throughout the years, researchers have been focused mainly on the antioxidant activity of plants’ bioactive compounds, because it targets an important niche in today’s society: pollution. Every day, we are exposed to radiation, air pollutants, and water and food pollutants, all representing some of the leading causes of oxidative stress. Our cells produce persistently reactive species, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), that can cause many cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer and metabolic diseases. Antioxidants are specific compounds that protect the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Phytochemicals are known to act as free-radical scavengers and metal chelators. Although there are plenty in vitro studies that demonstrate that phytochemicals are some of the most important antioxidant molecules in animal cells, the antioxidant efficacy of some phytochemicals in vivo is less documented due to the poor knowledge of their uptake and bioavailability. However, it is known that the high daily consumption of phytochemicals in the form of vegetables, fruits, and beverages may be helpful for scavenging the ROS, preventing free-radical damage to biological molecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA.

Phytochemical such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and vitamins have been shown to possess a variety of health benefits, and many studies suggest that they may be promising candidates in the treatment of various chronic diseases, including cancer.

This Special Issue of Plants entitled “Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts” welcomes original research and reviews with a particular focus on the extraction, purification, and phytochemical characterization of antioxidant activities of plant bioactive compounds and their potential health benefits in vivo and in vitro.

Prof. Dr. Andreea Stănilă
Prof. Dr. Carmen Socaciu
Dr. Zorita Diaconeasa
Guest Editors

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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. Plants 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

phytochemicals
antioxidants
bioactive compounds
health benefits

Related Special Issue

Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts—Volume II in Plants (4 articles)

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Centella Asiatica Extracts: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Flavonoids

by Anbazhakan Kandasamy, Kanakaraj Aruchamy, Praveena Rangasamy, Deepha Varadhaiyan, Chandrasekar Gowri, Tae Hwan Oh, Subramaniyan Ramasundaram and Balasankar Athinarayanan

Plants 2023, 12(20), 3547; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203547 - 12 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3186

Abstract

Centella asiatica (CA) is a medicinal plant widely used in the East, with many of its phytoconstituents remaining unexplored. In this study, compounds were extracted and identified from C. asiatica to determine its medicinal properties. Phytochemical screening was conducted on shoot, callus, and cell suspension extracts, revealing the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and steroids in all three cultures, with no alkaloids detected. IC50 values were determined to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts, with the highest value observed for cell suspension culture (20 µg/mL), followed by shoot culture (19 µg/mL), and then callus extract (10 µg/mL), with ascorbic acid as the standard at an IC50 value of 26.25 µg/mL. Finally, density functional theory was used to analyze the structure–activity relationships of the identified compounds from C. asiatica extract. The results suggest that ultrasonic-assisted extraction yielded the highest recovery and antioxidant activity, with a scavenging activity of 79%. This study provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of C. asiatica, which may have implications for its use in traditional medicine and future drug development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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18 pages, 1730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Potentilla indica on Kidney Mitochondria of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

by Cinthia I. Landa-Moreno, Cristian M. Trejo-Hurtado, Jenaro Lemus-de la Cruz, Donovan J. Peña-Montes, Marina Murillo-Villicaña, Maribel Huerta-Cervantes, Rocío Montoya-Pérez, Rafael Salgado-Garciglia, Salvador Manzo-Avalos, Christian Cortés-Rojo, Juan Luis Monribot-Villanueva, José Antonio Guerrero-Analco and Alfredo Saavedra-Molina

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3196; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183196 - 7 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1065

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This state may lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of diabetes complications, including diabetic kidney disease. Potentilla indica is a traditional medicinal herb in Asia, employed in the treatment of several diseases, including DM. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Potentilla indica both in vitro and on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Firstly, phytochemicals were identified via UPLC-MS/MS, and their in vitro antioxidant capabilities were evaluated. Subsequently, male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: normoglycemic control, diabetic control, normoglycemic treated with the extract, and diabetic treated with the extract. At the end of the treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid were estimated. Furthermore, the kidneys were removed and utilized for the determination of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. The in vitro findings showed that the major phytochemicals present in the extract were phenolic compounds, which exhibited a potent antioxidant activity. Moreover, the administration of the P. indica extract reduced creatinine and BUN levels, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation and improved mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity and GSH-Px, SODk, and CAT activities when compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, our data suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of Potentilla indica possesses renoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress on the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 3912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Meriania hexamera Sprague by Targeting Syk Kinase in NF-κB Signaling

by Ki Woong Kwon, Won Young Jang, Ji Won Kim, Jin Kyoung Noh, Dong-Keun Yi and Jae Youl Cho

Plants 2023, 12(17), 3044; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173044 - 24 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Inflammation is a protective mechanism against harmful stimuli. There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic, and severe diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer can be caused by chronic inflammation. Therefore, this research was conducted to discover new anti-inflammatory drugs. Meriania hexamera Sprague is a common herb in the Amazon region in South America. It is used as a traditional medical herb by natives, but no studies to date have investigated its anti-inflammatory activity. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), pam3CSK4 (Pam3), and poly(I:C), we studied the M. hexamera Sprague–Methanol Extract’s (Mh-ME) in vitro anti-inflammatory functions. Using RAW264.7 cells, we detected the released nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA expression extent of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with pro-inflammatory proteins like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and iterleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). It was found that Mh-ME suppressed the inflammatory activities in a dose-dependent manner. In the luciferase assay, the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of the activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway was inhibited by Mh-ME. Mh-ME especially acted as an inhibitor of Syk kinase according to the results from CETSA. We also confirmed that Mh-ME mitigates acute gastritis derived from HCl/EtOH in ICR mice, ameliorating the expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In conclusion, Mh-ME is an herb with anti-inflammatory effects that targets Syk in the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that Mh-ME could be used as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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15 pages, 2326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiling, and Antioxidant Potentials of South African and Nigerian Loranthus micranthus Linn.: The African Mistletoe Exposé

by Siyabonga Hlophe and Kokoette Bassey

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102016 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1455

Abstract

Loranthus micranthus Linn. (Loranthaceae) is a botanically significant hemiparasite that grows on tree branches or trunks and is used in traditional medicine. This study compares the antioxidant activity and qualitative phytochemical screening of Nigerian and South Africa Loranthus micranthus Linn. Standard techniques for phytochemical screening were deployed while thin layer chromatography (TLC) bio-autography was utilized to analyze antioxidants qualitatively. Quantitative antioxidant analysis was performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) free-radical scavenging; and ferric chloride reducing power. The results of qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids; glycosides; saponins; phenolic compounds; phlobatannins; tannins; and terpenoids. As for the antioxidant potentials of the four extracts—i.e., Nigerian dichloromethane (NGDCM); South African dichloromethane (SADCM); Nigerian methanol (NGMeOH); and South African methanol (SAMeOH)—the SADCM extract had more creamy bands compared to the Nigerian, thus indicating potentially more antioxidant compounds. A better complementary antioxidant potential was observed for the Nigerian methanol extracts over their South African counterparts. The DPPH quantitative analyses underpin that the SADCM exhibited greater scavenging activity compared to the NGDCM, but this was less than the gallic acid control, with the highest activity at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively. However, as the concentration increased from 0.6 to 1.0 mg/mL, the SADCM again dominated in its antioxidant potential over all the analytes. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values obtained were [SADCM = 0.31 mg/mL, NGDCM = 0.51 mg/mL, SAMeOH = 0.51 mg/mL, NGMeO = 0.17, gallic acid = 1.17 mg/mL, and BHT = 1.47 Mg/mL)]. Both the H₂O₂ scavenging and the Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ reduction assays mirrored a similar trend in the antioxidant potentials of all the analytes except for the BHT, which performed better in the ferric chloride reduction assay at a concentration of 0.2–06 mg/mL. Based on the facts gathered, it can be inferred that the South African and Nigerian Loranthus micranthus Linn. are chemically equivalent. This is in support of their similar morphology and taxonomical classification, notwithstanding the environmental, biological, and edaphic impacts experienced by each plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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20 pages, 1956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Compounds in Peach and Nectarine Cultivars

by Raffaella Petruccelli, Alessandra Bonetti, Leonardo Ciaccheri, Francesca Ieri, Tommaso Ganino and Cecilia Faraloni

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081618 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2745

Abstract

Qualitative traits and chemical properties of 32 peach cultivars (yellow flesh and white flesh fruits) and 52 nectarine cultivars (yellow flesh and white flesh fruits) of different pomological characteristics is performed, and the correlation between cultivars and chemical characteristics is analyzed. Yellow nectarines have a higher variability in soluble solids concentration (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) values. Evaluation of color parameters (a*, b*, L*) shows a significant interaction between pulp color (white vs. yellow) and types (peaches vs. nectarines) of fruit. The difference between yellow and white fruits is stronger in nectarines than in peaches. Sucrose is the main sugar detected in peach fruits, with a percentage content of 78.37% and 76.70% of the total sugar content in yellow and white peaches, respectively, and 78.29% and 78.12% in yellow and white nectarines, respectively. Variability is found among cultivars for the chemical compounds analyzed. The yellow flesh has higher amounts of total carotenoids and TPC, while white-flesh fruits present an average antioxidant value higher than yellow-flesh fruits. No significant correlation is found for polyphenol content and DPPH, while an interaction (p < 0.005) between neochlorogenic acid content and peaches and nectarines is evidenced, with a neochlorogenic acid content higher in nectarines than in peaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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11 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Constituents from Leaves of Baccharis sphenophylla (Asteraceae) and Their Antioxidant Effects

by Marcela H. Retamozo, Christian C. Silva, Cinthia I. Tamayose, Juliana C. S. Carvalho, Paulete Romoff, Oriana A. Fávero and Marcelo J. P. Ferreira

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061262 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1185

Abstract

Baccharis is one of the largest genera of Asteraceae and its species are used in folk medicine for several medicinal purposes due to the presence of bioactive compounds. We investigated the phytochemical composition of polar extracts of B. sphenophylla. Using chromatographic procedures, diterpenoids (ent-kaurenoic acid), flavonoids (hispidulin, eupafolin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, biorobin, rutin, and vicenin-2), caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid derivatives (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester) were isolated from polar fractions and are described. The extract, polar fractions, and fifteen isolated compounds were evaluated in relation to radical scavenging activity using two assays. Chlorogenic acid derivatives and flavonols exhibited higher antioxidant effects, confirming that B. sphenophylla is an important source of phenolic compounds with antiradical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 6048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Aging Effects of Ethanol Extract of the Officinal Breynia (Breynia vitis-idaea) In Vitro

by Chae Yun Shin, Jiwon Jang, Hwa Pyoung Lee, Sang Hee Park, Masphal Kry, Omaliss Keo, Byoung-Hee Lee, Wooram Choi, Sarah Lee and Jae Youl Cho

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051088 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it is also the one most exposed to external environmental contaminants. The skin is the body’s first defense against harmful environmental stimuli, including ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and hazardous chemicals. Therefore, proper care of the skin is required to prevent skin-related diseases and age-related symptoms. In this study, we analyzed anti-aging and anti-oxidative effects of Breynia vitis-idaea ethanol extract (Bv-EE) in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The Bv-EE had free radical scavenging activity and decreased the mRNA expression of MMPs and COX-2 in H₂O₂- or UVB-treated HaCaT cells. The Bv-EE also inhibited AP-1 transcriptional activity and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38), which are major AP-1 activators upon H₂O₂ or UVB exposure. Furthermore, the promoter activity and mRNA expression of collagen type I (Col1A1) increased in HDF cells treated with Bv-EE, and Bv-EE recovered the collagen mRNA expression decreased by H₂O₂ or UVB exposure. These results suggest that Bv-EE has anti-oxidative effects by inhibiting the AP-1 signaling pathway, and shows anti-aging effects by upregulating collagen synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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10 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Camellia japonica Root Extract Increases Antioxidant Genes by Induction of NRF2 in HeLa Cells

by Jung-Hwan Kim, Heejung Yang and Kee K. Kim

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212914 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447

Abstract

Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae) has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in East Asian countries. Most functional components were obtained from the upper parts of the tree, such as leaves, flowers, or seeds. Here, we report a functional effect of the 80% methanolic extract of C. japonica root (CJRE) on antioxidative stress in HeLa cells. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key transcription factor that triggers the induction of oxidative stress-relating genes and drug detoxification. As result, CJRE showed a strong anti-radical scavenging effect in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the induction of antioxidant response elements (ARE)-luciferase activity was maximized at CJRE 200 µg/mL. Furthermore, CJRE induced the mRNA levels of HO-1 and NQO1 by the nuclear NRF2 accumulation. As a possible mechanism of Nrf2 activation, the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 signaling might fortify the NRF2 induction as well as its stability. However, the phosphorylation of AKT is rather decreased. Taken together, CJRE may potentiate the antioxidant effects by increasing the NRF2 signaling through MAP kinase signaling and the properties of its radical scavenging activity. Thus, CJRE could apply for other medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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17 pages, 2567 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Edible Wild Vegetables Urtica dioica L. and Aegopodium podagraria L.–Antioxidants Affected by Processing

by Layla Engelhardt, Tobias Pöhnl and Susanne Neugart

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202710 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2413

Abstract

Urtica dioica L. and Aegopodium podagraria L., also known as stinging nettle and ground elder, are edible wild green vegetables rich in bioactive and antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidant activity assays (TEAC-, DPPH-, and TPC-assay) in combination with HPLC measurements, to qualify and quantify their chemical compositions, were used. Firstly, the drying methods affected the antioxidant activity of further processing stages, and outcomes were dependent on the species. Secondly, cooking increased the antioxidant activity due to higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, and released bound compounds through the rupture of cell structures. Furthermore, fridge storage (3 days at 7 °C) resulted in the lowest antioxidant activity, compared to freezer storage (30 days at −20 °C). Added 5-caffeoylquinic acid (0.3 mM) led to an increased antioxidant activity, most noticeably in freeze-dried samples. Synergistic effects of 5-caffeoylquinic acid were primary found in freeze-dried samples, analyzed fresh or after storage in the fridge. Metal-chelates can lower the antioxidant activity in plant matrices. Edible wild green vegetables are rich in polyphenols and processing can even increase their concentrations to boost the potential health effects. In general, selected quantified phenolics are not solely responsible for the antioxidant activity; minerals, processing, and interactions in plant matrices also contribute decisively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 6402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tentative Identification of Phytochemicals from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia Extracts by LC-QTOF/MS and Their Bioactive Potential

by Peerapong Jeeno, Sukit Tongban, Pichamon Yana, Anurak Wongta, Kunrunya Sutan, Sumed Yadoung and Surat Hongsibsong

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162089 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

The Smilacaceae family has been used as a food source and herbal medicine for a long time. This study aims to identify the phytochemicals extracted from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia by using LC-QTOF/MS analysis and determine their bioactive potential. Compounds were identified from S. glabra and S. corbularia extracts by LC–QTOF-MS and it was found that longistylin A and CAY10435 have higher degrees of matching compounds (99.66% and 99.87%). Smilax glabra showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 71.94 ± 1.46% and 59.84 ± 4.80%, respectively, and FRAP at 730.69 ± 33.62 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.017 ± 0.001, 0.015 ± 0.001, and 0.016 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents were 0.043 ± 0.002, 0.033 ± 0.002, and 0.006 ± 0.003 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 97.26% protection and 2.74% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 500 mg/mL. Smilax corbularia showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 72.24 ± 0.64% and 39.87 ± 2.37%, respectively, and FRAP at 208.33 ± 50.80 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.006 ± 0.000, 0.007 ± 0.002, and 0.002 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents of the ethanol and methanol extracts were 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.008 ± 0.000 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 96.64% protection and 3.36% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a MIC of 31.25 mg/mL and MBC of 125 mg/mL for the ethanol extract and a MIC of 125 mg/mL and MBC of 62.5 mg/mL for the methanol extract. In conclusion, Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia were found to contain several phytochemicals that can be used for further study. Both Smilax species can also be used as sources of antioxidants and herbal medicines for killing Gram-positive bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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24 pages, 6157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Capabilities of Zizyphus mauritiana Fruits: In-Vitro, In-Vivo, and Molecular Modeling Study

by Nourhan Hisham Shady, Raya Soltane, Sherif A. Maher, Entesar Ali Saber, Mahmoud A. Elrehany, Yaser A. Mostafa, Ahmed M. Sayed and Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111392 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3116

Abstract

LC-HRMS-assisted chemical profiling of Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract (ZFE) led to the dereplication of 28 metabolites. Furthermore, wound healing activity of ZFE in 24 adult male New Zealand Dutch strain albino rabbits was investigated in-vivo supported by histopathological investigation. Additionally, the molecular mechanism was studied through different in-vitro investigations as well as, studying both relative gene expression and relative protein expression patterns. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of ZFE extract was examined using two in-vitro assays including hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical scavenging activities that showed promising antioxidant potential. Topical application of the extract on excision wounds showed a significant increase in the wound healing rate (p < 0.001) in comparison to the untreated and MEBO^®-treated groups, enhancing TGF-β1, VEGF, Type I collagen expression, and suppressing inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β). Moreover, an in silico molecular docking against TNFα, TGFBR1, and IL-1β showed that some of the molecules identified in ZFE can bind to the three wound-healing related protein actives sites. Additionally, PASS computational calculation of antioxidant activity revealed potential activity of three phenolic compounds (Pa score > 0.5). Consequently, ZFE may be a potential alternative medication helping wound healing owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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15 pages, 3352 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. Essential Oil Improved Brain Function via Cholinergic Modulation and Antioxidant Effects in the Scopolamine-Induced Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model

by Razvan Stefan Boiangiu, Eyup Bagci, Gabriela Dumitru, Lucian Hritcu and Elena Todirascu-Ciornea

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081096 - 18 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. is a medicinal plant that displays antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective properties. The effect of A. purpurascens essential oil (APO) on memory impairments and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish (Danio rerio) treated with scopolamine (Sco), as well as the underlying mechanism involved, were investigated in this study. Exposure to Sco (100 μM) resulted in anxiety in zebrafish, as assessed by the novel tank diving test (NTT), whereas spatial memory and novelty response dysfunctions, as evidenced by the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR), were noticed. When zebrafish were given Sco and simultaneously given APO (25 and 150 μL/L, once daily for 13 days), the deficits were averted. An increase in brain antioxidant enzymes, a reduction of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were linked to this impact. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced in the brains of APO-treated zebrafish. The main detected components in the APO composition were β-phellandrene (33.80%), sabinene (6.80%), α-pinene (5.30%), germacrene-D (4.50%), α-phellandrene (4.20%), and p-cymene (3.80%) based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations. Our findings show that APO’s beneficial effect in a zebrafish model of Sco-induced memory impairment is mediated through multiple mechanisms, including the restoration of cholinergic system function and the improvement of the brain antioxidant state. As a result, APO could be employed as a potential source of bioactive molecules with useful biological properties and medicinal uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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Review

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15 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anthocyanins from Agro-Industrial Food Waste: Geographical Approach and Methods of Recovery—A Review

by Zoriţa Diaconeasa, Cristian I. Iuhas, Huseyin Ayvaz, Mustafa Mortas, Anca Farcaş, Mihaela Mihai, Corina Danciu and Andreea Stanilă

Plants 2023, 12(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010074 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

Drastic growth in the amount of global food waste produced is observed every year, not only due to incessant population growth but also economic growth, lifestyle, and diet changes. As a result of their increasing health awareness, people are focusing more on healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables. Thus, following worldwide fruit and vegetable consumption and their processing in various industries (juice, jams, wines, preserves), significant quantities of agro-industrial waste are produced (pomace, peels, seeds) that still contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds. Among bioactive compounds, anthocyanins have an important place, with their multiple beneficial effects on health; therefore, their extraction and recovery from food waste have become a topic of interest in recent years. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the primary sources of anthocyanins from food waste and the novel eco-friendly extraction methods, such as pulsed electric field extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques will also be covered to encourage future studies and opportunities focusing on improving these extraction techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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28 pages, 6413 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Chemical Structure, Sources and Role of Bioactive Flavonoids in Cancer Prevention: A Review

by Georgiana Drețcanu, Ioana Știrbu, Nicolae Leoplold, Daniel Cruceriu, Corina Danciu, Andreea Stănilă, Anca Fărcaș, Ileana Monica Borda, Cristian Iuhas and Zorița Diaconeasa

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091117 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3111

Abstract

There has been a major shift in the collective mindset around the world in recent decades, both in terms of food and in terms of the treatment of chronic diseases. Increasing numbers of people are choosing to prevent rather than treat, which is why many consumers are choosing plant-based diets, mainly due to their bioactive compounds. A significant case of bioactive compound is flavonoids—a wide subclass of an even wider class of phytochemicals: polyphenols. Flavonoids are a broad topic of study for researchers due to their potential in the prevention and treatment of a broad range of cancers. The aim of this review is to inform/update the reader on the diversity, accessibility and importance of flavonoids as biomolecules that are essential for optimal health, focusing on the potential of these compounds in the prevention of various types of cancer. Along with conventional sources, this review presents some of the possible methods for obtaining significant amounts of flavonoids based on a slightly different approach, genetic manipulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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