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Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 13471

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Dr. Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah

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School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
Interests: phytochemicals; liquid and gas chromatographies; bioactive compounds; functional ingredients; analytical methods
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Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit original articles to the Special Issue entitled “Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries”.

Interest has grown around natural plant extracts in food and beverage applications, their roles in food technology as well as quality, and their therapeutic use in inhibiting several diseases. The protecting effects of healthy diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are due not only to fiber, vitamins, and minerals but also to a diversity of phytochemicals, particularly phenolics, which are considered among the most important classes originating in plant-derived secondary metabolites. Phenolics are renowned for their possession of a wide array of remarkable biochemical and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The above being the case, these compounds can be functional in the prevention of many diseases as well as in health maintenance, besides phenolic-varied applications in the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, due to their importance in the pharma- and nutraceutical arenas. This Special Issue will gather the most recent contributions to their chemistry, extraction methods, and analytical techniques, along with their biological activities. The interpretation of phytochemical bioactivities on a molecular basis by means of both well-established and advanced bioanalytical techniques is also welcome. We would like to invite researchers to participate in this Special Issue by submitting a contribution in their field of expertise. Both original research papers and global or specialized critical reviews are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Advanced analytical methodologies for the isolation, purification, and analysis of phytochemicals from food, food wastes, and medicinal plants;
Phytochemicals and metabolites in plants, food, and biological samples;
Biological activities and mechanisms of action;
Health benefits, in vivo evaluation;
Development of novel antioxidants and phenolic-based nutraceuticals as well as functional ingredients.

Dr. Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah
Guest Editor

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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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

phytochemical identification
biological activity
fingerprint
secondary metabolites
liquid and gas chromatographies
mass spectrometry
analytical methods
phenolic compounds
bioactives
functional ingredients

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4094 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Optimized Ultrasonic Extraction of Essential Oil from the Biomass of Lippia graveolens Kunth Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Their Effect on Colletotrichum asianum

by Juan Pablo Manjarrez-Quintero, Octavio Valdez-Baro, Raymundo Saúl García-Estrada, Laura Aracely Contreras-Angulo, Pedro de Jesús Bastidas-Bastidas, J. Basilio Heredia, Luis Angel Cabanillas-Bojórquez and Erick Paul Gutiérrez-Grijalva

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071525 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 534

Abstract

Essential oils are emerging as alternatives to conventional pest control chemicals. Lippia graveolens Kunth (Mexican oregano) is a source of essential oils and during conventional extraction, the biomass generated is discarded as waste; however, reports show that this biomass is still a rich source of essential oils. Conventional essential oil extraction causes contamination and utilizes toxic solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer low toxicity, biodegradability, high selectivity, and yields comparable to organic solvents. This study obtained essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass via hydrodistillation with ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass using ultrasound-assisted DESs and assess its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect on C. asianum. The response variables were extraction yield and total reducing capacity. Optimal conditions were determined using a central composite rotatable design, considering solid-to-liquid ratio (0.38 g/mL), ultrasonic amplitude (45.05%), and time (7.47 min). The optimized oil, with thymol (48%) as the predominant component, exhibited more volatile compounds than conventional hydrodistillation. Fungicidal assays highlighted its potential in controlling anthracnose in papaya fruits caused by C. asianum, making ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment a promising alternative for obtaining essential oil from botanical byproducts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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15 pages, 1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Antiproliferative Potential on Glioblastoma Cells of Selected Stone Fruit Juices

by Drazen Raucher, Mandy Rowsey, James Hinson, Ina Ćorković, Mary Ann Lila, Josip Šimunović and Mirela Kopjar

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071310 - 24 Jun 2024

Viewed by 633

Abstract

Glioblastoma presents one of the most formidable challenges in cancer treatment, remaining persistently incurable. There is a pressing need to explore less toxic alternatives, particularly natural remedies that could be applied in glioblastoma therapy. The aim of this research is to investigate the antiproliferative potential of selected stone fruit juices—tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)—on U87-MG and GBM43 glioblastoma cells. Their effects were compared with temozolomide (TMZ), the current standard treatment. Additionally, the juices were assessed for their bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. Unlike the other two juices, blackthorn juice did not exhibit an antiproliferative effect on U87-MG cells. However, all three juices, including blackthorn, demonstrated antiproliferative potential against TMZ-resistant GBM43 cells. Cornelian cherry exhibited an even stronger inhibitory effect than TMZ. This observation correlated with cornelian cherry being rich in iridoids, while tart cherry juice contained significant amounts of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. This research sheds light on the potential of cornelian cherry juice as a source of bioactive compounds with antiproliferative effects against glioblastoma cells, particularly TMZ-resistant GBM43 cells. Further research is warranted to explore the potential development of these compounds into therapeutic agents, either as single entities or in combination therapies for glioblastoma treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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21 pages, 4770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ammoides pusilla Aerial Part: GC-MS Profiling and Evaluation of In Vitro Antioxidant and Biological Activities

by Meriam Belaiba, Mohamed Marouane Saoudi, Manef Abedrabba and Jalloul Bouajila

Processes 2024, 12(6), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061274 - 20 Jun 2024

Viewed by 587

Abstract

The study of Ammoides pusilla, a Tunisian medicinal plant, explored its chemical composition and biological activities, highlighting its under-exploited therapeutic potential. The essential oil, obtained by steam distillation, reveals twenty major compounds, including perilic aldehyde, β-phellandrene, and o-cymene. Two new natural constituents were identified in the cyclohexane extract and four in the dichloromethane extract. DPPH and ABTS tests showed that methanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, giving values of 78.9% and 65.5%, respectively, at 50 µg/mL. Its anti-diabetic activity (IC50 = 25.0 µg/mL) exceeds that of acarbose. The anti-SOD activity of methanol extract also showed promise, at 73.3% at 50 µg/mL. Essential oil and ethyl acetate extract showed notable inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity, reaching 69.0%. In addition, the essential oil demonstrated strong anti-AChE (63.23% at 50 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 31.0 µg/mL) activity. In terms of cytotoxicity, the methanol extract was effective against the HCT116 cell line (IC50 = 20.9 µg/mL), and all extracts showed activity against MCF7, OVCAR-3, and IGROV-1 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 4.0 to 25.0 µg/mL. This result underlines the potential of Ammoides pusilla extracts as important sources of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to fully exploit these activities in drug development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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12 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response Surface Methodology: An Optimal Design for Maximising the Efficiency of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic Compounds from Coriandrum sativum Leaves

by Soraya Hihat, Noureddine Touati, Abdelhakim Sellal and Khodir Madani

Processes 2024, 12(5), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12051031 - 19 May 2024

Viewed by 1072

Abstract

The optimization of total phenolic compounds (TPC) extraction yield and maximization of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from coriander leaves were investigated using response surface methodology. The extraction of TPC was carried out using microwave-assisted extraction. A Box-Behnken design was used to study the effects of the three independent variables, solvent concentration (ethanol/water 20–80%), microwave power (100–500 watt) and irradiation time (30–150 s) on the response. A second-order polynomial model was used to predict the reaction. The regression analysis showed that about 99% of the variations could be explained by the models. The predicted values were 50.97 GAE/g dw and 5.75 mg GAE/g dw for TPC and TAC, respectively. The reaction surface analysis showed that the optimum extraction parameters that maximized the extraction of antioxidants yield were 52.62% ethanol, 452.12 watt and 150 s. Under optimal conditions, the experimental values for TPC and TAC were 49.63 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g dw and 5.55 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The experimental values are in agreement with the predicted values, indicating the suitability of the model used and the success of the response surface methodology in optimizing the extraction conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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18 pages, 2652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Salt-Processing Parameters of Achyranthes bidentata and Their Correlation with Anti-Osteoarthritis Effect

by Jieqiang Zhu, Lisha Shen, Guofang Shen and Yi Tao

Processes 2024, 12(3), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12030434 - 21 Feb 2024

Viewed by 913

Abstract

Achyranthes bidentata is always salt-processed before being prescribed for treating osteoarthritis. Yet the salt-processing parameters have not been optimized, and the specific bioactive constituents responsible for the osteoarthritis effect of salt-processed A. bidentata have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a Box–Behnken experimental design was chosen for the optimization of the salt-processing parameters of A. bidentata, including stir-frying time, concentration of brine, and soak time. Meanwhile, HPLC–Q-TOF-MS was utilized to analyze the chemical profiles of various batches of raw and salt-processed A. bidentata. The anti-inflammatory potential of nine batches of both raw and salt-processed A. bidentata was assessed via a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory assay. A gray correlation analysis was conducted to correlate the peak areas of the compounds in raw and salt-processed A. bidentata with their COX-2 inhibitory effects. Finally, the optimal salt-processing conditions are as follows: soak time: 29 min; concentration of brine: 1.8%; stir-frying time: 4.4 min. Twenty-nine compounds were identified. Eight compounds were found to have a strong positive correlation with anti-inflammatory activity, as confirmed by the COX-2 inhibitory assay. Notably, this is the first report of the COX-2 inhibitory effects of sanleng acid, stachysterone D, dihydroactinidiolide, N-cis-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine, 9,12,13-trihydroxy-10-octadecenoic acid, azelaic acid, and dehydroecdysone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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12 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Glioblastoma Potential and Phenolic Profile of Berry Juices

by Mirela Kopjar, Drazen Raucher, Mary Ann Lila and Josip Šimunović

Processes 2024, 12(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12020242 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1404

Abstract

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal brain tumors. Due to the failure of conventional chemotherapies and targeted drugs pursuit of natural, less toxic agents is on the rise as well as their utilization in glioblastoma treatment. Consequently, this study explores the antiproliferative potential of selected berry juices (wild blackberry (Rubus discolor), dwarf elderberry (Sambucus ebulus), and raspberry (Rubus idaeus)) on glioblastoma cells (U87-MG and GBM43) in comparison to temozolomide. The juices were assessed for total phenolic content, proanthocyanins, polyphenol profiles, and antioxidant activity. Wild blackberry and dwarf elderberry juices exhibited higher total polyphenols, proanthocyanins, and monomeric anthocyanins compared to raspberry juice. HPLC analysis revealed distinctive anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in each juice. With the DPPH assay, the highest antioxidant potential had wild blackberry juice, while with other assays dwarf elderberry juice had the highest potential. Antiproliferative effects were dose-dependent, with wild blackberry juice demonstrating the highest potency, surpassing temozolomide in inhibiting GBM43 cell proliferation. In U87 cells, all juices exhibited antiproliferative effects, with wild blackberry showing the strongest impact. This study highlights the potential of wild blackberry juice as a potent natural agent against glioblastoma, suggesting its superiority over the conventional treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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18 pages, 8041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Troxerutin

by Yahya F. Jamous, Najla A. Altwaijry, Mohamed T. S. Saleem, Aljoharah F. Alrayes, Sara M. Albishi and Mashael A. Almeshari

Processes 2023, 11(10), 3039; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11103039 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1757

Abstract

Troxerutin (TXR), a naturally derived compound with diverse therapeutic potential, faces limitations in clinical efficacy due to poor bioavailability and rapid plasma clearance. This study focuses on troxerutin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TXR-SLNs) and their physicochemical properties, intending to enhance drug release. TXR-SLNs were prepared via high-shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication, yielding optimized nanoparticles with an average size of 140.5 ± 1.02 nm, a uniform distribution (polydispersity index: 0.218 ± 0.01), and a stable emulsion (zeta potential: 28 ± 8.71 mV). The formulation exhibited 83.62% entrapment efficiency, indicating improved drug-loading capacity and extended drug release. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic analyses confirmed component compatibility. Despite a decline in entrapment efficiency induced by temperature after one month of storage at 23 °C, the formulation may retain acceptable stability. This study provides insight into SLNs as effective carriers for enhancing troxerutin’s release profile, motivating further in vivo investigations to optimize therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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24 pages, 4029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Profiling (LC–MS²) of Flowers and Bee Honey of Dzidzilche (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe) and Jabin (Piscidia piscipula L. Sarg.) from Yucatán, México

by Andrea Elizabeth Mendoza-Osorno, Kevin Alejandro Avilés-Betanzos, Alberto Uc-Varguez, Rommel Carballo-Castañeda, Aldo Moreno-Ulloa, Manuel Octavio Ramírez-Sucre and Ingrid Mayanin Rodríguez-Buenfil

Processes 2023, 11(10), 3028; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11103028 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1522

Abstract

Yucatan, Mexico, is renowned for its rich plant diversity, with ~40% melliferous plants. Yucatan bee honey (BH) constitutes ~15.83% of Mexico’s annual BH production, giving high international value. Major melliferous families in Yucatan include Fabaceae, with Piscidia piscipula (“Jabin”) as an example, and Polygonaceae, with Gymnopodium floribundum (“Dzidzilche”), crucial for BH production. This study aimed to profile the metabolome of Jabin and Dzidzilche flowers and their associated BH to identify metabolites for each flower coming from two regions (Tahdziu and Acanceh) of Yucatán. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS²), total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) were implemented. As many as 101 metabolites (69 in flowers, 55 in BH) were tentatively identified using spectral libraries and in silico predictions, predominantly flavonoids, which accounted for 50.7% of the total identified metabolites in flower and 16.4% in BH. Samples exhibited variations in TPC, AC, secondary metabolites, and chemical classes depending on geography and botanical origin. Dzidzilche flowers from Acanceh displayed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC, 1431.24 ± 15.38 mg GAE/100 g dry matter) and antioxidant capacity (AC, 93.63% inhibition). Among the metabolites detected in flowers (Piscidia piscipula, Gymnopodium floribundum), 50.7% were found to be part of the flavonoid chemical class, whereas in their respective honey samples, only 16.4% of the identified metabolites were categorized as flavonoids. Vanillin and vitexin were tentatively identified as potential markers for the botanical origin identification of honey from Piscidia piscipula and Gymnopodium floribundum, respectively. Recognizing botanical and geographic BH origin is important for product authentication, identification, and traceability. This study offers chemical insights that can be valuable and complementary to melissopalynology, aiding in determining the origin and quality of Yucatan BH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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16 pages, 1982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant-Derived Essential Oils and Aqueous Extract as Potential Ingredients for a Biopesticide: Phytotoxicity in Soybean and Activity against Soybean Mosaic Virus

by María Evangelina Carezzano, Pablo Gastón Reyna, Efrén Accotto, Walter Giordano, María de las Mercedes Oliva, Patricia Rodriguez Pardina and María Carola Sabini

Processes 2023, 11(8), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11082265 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1363

Abstract

Soybean mosaic disease, caused by the soybean mosaic virus (SMV), is responsible for major losses in yield and seed quality worldwide. Although resistant cultivars are used for its prevention and control, an alternative strategy could consist of applying environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents, such as extracts and essential oils (EOs) of aromatic plants. This study assessed an extract of Achyrocline satureioides and EOs of Minthostachys verticillata, Origanum vulgare, and Thymus vulgaris in terms of their phytotoxicity in soybean. Since all the concentrations tested were found to be safe, the activity of each product against SMV was then assayed in vivo, i.e., in experimentally infected soybean plants. The parameters measured were plant height, wet weight, and virus titer. All the treated plants had a greater height and weight than those in the viral control group. The EOs of M. verticillata (0.80 mg/mL) and T. vulgaris (0.71 mg/mL) inhibited the production of viral antigens, as determined by an ELISA test. These findings could encourage further studies aimed at developing an effective biopesticide against SMV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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8 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Indoor Space Disinfection Effect and Bioactive Components of Chamaecyparis obtusa Essential Oil

by Seung-Yub Song, Dae-Hun Park, Sung-Ho Lee, Chul-Yung Choi, Jung-Hyun Shim, Goo Yoon, Jin-Woo Park, Min-Suk Bae and Seung-Sik Cho

Processes 2023, 11(5), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051446 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1217

Abstract

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. (Cupressaceae) is known to produce a variety of antimicrobial substances. In the present study, components of three lots of essential oil from C. obtusa were analyzed by GCMS. It was confirmed that thujopsene and pinene were common markers. In addition, we report indoor space disinfectant effects of products containing C. obtusa essential oil (PO100, PO500, PO1000). It was confirmed that PO100 and PO500 could effectively remove airborne microorganisms in indoor spaces. Results of our study suggest that C. obtusa essential oil is effective in reducing contamination by infectious microorganisms in confined spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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Review

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19 pages, 1247 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Cnidoscolus quercifolis: A Review

by Joice Barbosa do Nascimento, Maria Inácio da Silva, Johnatan Wellisson da Silva Mendes, Alexandro Rodrigues Dantas, Fabíola Fernandes Galvão Rodrigues, Domenico Montesano, Monica Gallo, Paolo Trucillo, Gokhan Zengin and José Galberto Martins da Costa

Processes 2023, 11(7), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11072203 - 22 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1529

Abstract

Cnidoscolus quercifolius, commonly known as “favela”, “faveleira”, “urtiga-branca”, and “cansanção”, is a plant that is native to the Caatinga biome. The species is extremely tolerant to adverse weather conditions and is of great importance for the population of the semi-arid region, as it has uses in afforestation, the recovery of degraded areas, sawmills, fuels, animal feed, and food production. In addition, the species is popularly known for its medicinal uses, and it has been scientifically tested for such purposes. The objective of the research was to compile updated information about the chemical composition, biological activities, and botanical characteristics of the species, in addition to information about its use in folk medicine. It was observed that C. quercifolius has a strong usage among people in the Brazilian Caatinga for ophthalmic and other medical conditions, including inflammation in general, scarring, and infections. Studies involving the species have shown its effectiveness as antinociceptive, cytotoxic agent, antioxidant, and insecticide, as also thanks to its anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and repellent characteristics. Other tests have indicated that the vegetable oil from the seed is promising for food consumption. This work demonstrates that further investigations are still necessary to determine the chemical composition and the toxicological characteristics of the species in order to support subsidies for the possible development of new drugs. Such future investigations may include the isolation of its substances, an analysis of its pharmacological activities, and a deepening of the understanding of the mechanisms of action of its various plant products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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