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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 19801

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Przemysław Kowalczewski

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-624 Poznań, Poland
Interests: bioactive compounds; medicinal plants; antioxidants; edible insects; functional food; plant-based food additives; waste management in food system; plant-based meat analogues; biopolymers
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Dr. Joanna Zembrzuska

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Guest Editor

Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of Technology, 4 Berdychowo Street, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Interests: LC-MS/MS; ITP; solid phase extraction; liquid–liquid extraction; non-ionic surfactant; selenium speciation; pharmaceutical residues
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue titled “Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts” focuses on the biological activity of plant extracts. From time immemorial, plant extracts and essential oils from plants have been used for therapeutic purposes. A number of phytochemicals—secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, carotenoids, polysaccharides, or volatile oils—are responsible for their medicinal properties. These bioactive phytochemicals from plants can limit or regulate the imbalance generated by reactive oxygen species, which can lead to inflammatory, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic dysfunctions, or even to the appearance of tumors. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of certain plant extracts are exploited to fight pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Plant extracts are an important source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and are always of scientific interest. Many studies are being conducted in order to identify their mechanism of action. Considering the above-mentioned worldwide circumstances, we would like to encourage leading scientists working on the topics of bioactive food, as well as studying biological activities of novel plant extracts, to submit original research or review papers. In particular, we welcome those that address any aspect of the use of novel bioactive compounds for food production and human nutrition. Papers on the study of medicinal plant bioactivity are also welcome.

Dr. Przemyslaw Lukasz Kowalczewski
Dr. Joanna Zembrzuska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biological activity
plant extracts
bioactive food
biological compounds
natural products
medicinal plants bioactivity

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts

by Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski and Joanna Zembrzuska

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9324; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169324 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3429

Abstract

For centuries, plants have been part of human civilisation, serving as food, healing substances and treatments for various diseases [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

Research

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30 pages, 6389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke Leaves and Stems: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity

by Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Johnson Lin, Aliscia Nicole Daniels and Nóra Mendler-Drienyovszki

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8331; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188331 - 16 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1348

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have increasingly gained attention owing to their distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The objective of the investigation was to biologically synthesize AgNPs using plant extracts from Barleria albostellata. The synthesized AgNPs, obtained from B. albostellata (leaves and stems), were characterized through various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated utilizing the disk diffusion method. The cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized AgNPs were determined using the MTT assay (3-[(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide]) in cervical cancer (HeLa), embryonic kidney (HEK293), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The results indicate that B. albostellata extracts could serve as eco-friendly biofactories for the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of the leaf and stem extracts revealed absorption peaks within the range of 400–450 nm, thereby confirming the synthesis of AgNPs. Elemental Ag was highest in the methanol leaf extracts (16.87 ± 0.89%) and lowest in the powdered stem extracts (7.13 ± 1.44%). Synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape. HRTEM revealed that synthesized AgNPs from the methanolic stem extracts (34.32 ± 16.99 nm) were larger in size, while those from the powdered stem extracts were smaller (16.57 ± 5.55 nm). AgNPs synthesized from both the leaf and stem extracts exhibited zeta potential values between −8.8 and −32.1 mV, with hydrodynamics diameters ranging from 34.3 to 111.3 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of various functional groups on the AgNPs. AgNPs synthesized from the leaf and stem extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity and were sensitive to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity (diameter of the zone of inhibition) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.67 ± 2.87 mm) in the leaf methanolic extract. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited selective in vitro cytotoxicity against HEK293, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of the AgNPs synthesized from the various extracts were all above 9 µg/mL. Significant cytotoxic levels (IC50 16.11 and 27.23 µg/mL) were observed for the MCF-7 cell line upon exposure to the methanolic leaf and stem AgNPs. This study recommends the use of medicinal plant extracts in producing economically effective AgNPs, due to their efficient capping. Overall, AgNPs synthesized from B. albostellata extracts comprised novel antibacterial and anticancer agents, and warrant further investigation. Bio-synthesized AgNPs show great potential in the area of nanotechnology and may be used as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative for the delivery of conventional therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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16 pages, 1346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Ajuga reptans L. Leaf and Root Extracts

by Anna Dziki, Magdalena Anna Malinowska, Agnieszka Szopa and Elżbieta Sikora

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125105 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 762

Abstract

In this work, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of the ethanolic extracts obtained from Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) leaves and roots (growing in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland) were compared. The phytochemical composition of the extracts were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) method. The dominant compounds in both extracts were verbacoside, isoverbacoside, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and rosmarinic acid. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2’-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) tests. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the total polyphenolic content. Additionally, enzyme (tyrosinase, collagenase) inhibition tests and metal chelating ability were studied to assess the anti-aging properties of the extracts. Moreover, the A. reptans extracts’ capacity to absorb the whole range of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible (HEV) light was evaluated. The skin irritation test (SIT) EpiDerm was applied to evaluate the safety of the bugle extracts. The noteworthy point is that there is a lack of literature on the assessment of A. reptans root extract activity. Our study is the only one that compares the quantitative composition and biological activity of extracts from the root and leaves of A. reptans. The obtained results indicated that both of the extracts exhibit high antioxidant, chelating and photoprotective activity, but the extract from A. reptans roots showed a higher enzyme inhibition effect for mature skin. The A. reptans root extract, similarly to the leaf extract, could be applied as potentially multi-functional, safe and sensitive cosmetic raw materials, especially in anti-aging and anti-pollution cosmetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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20 pages, 1957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Red Potato Pulp and Cherry Pomace for Pasta Enrichment: Health-Promoting Compounds, Physical Properties and Quality

by Dorota Gumul, Eva Ivanišová, Joanna Oracz, Renata Sabat, Anna Wywrocka-Gurgul and Rafał Ziobro

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4873; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114873 - 4 Jun 2024

Viewed by 656

Abstract

Cherry pomace and red potato pulp were examined as a source of nutritional and health-promoting compounds in pasta products, which could gain popularity among consumers. An attempt was made to obtain such pasta with the help of low-temperature extrusion (50 °C). The purpose of the study was to demonstrate which additive and in what quantity would have a more favorable effect on the nutritional, pro-health and physical quality of pasta. It was found that all pasta samples obtained with cherry pomace had a higher content of fat (10%), ash (3%), fiber (2 times) and polyphenols (22%), together with α tocopherols, than pasta with red potato pulp. Nonetheless, it had a lower water-binding capacity (20%) and higher optimum cooking time. Pasta with cherry pomace was characterized by a good taste and an attractive smell, so this additive should be recommended to obtain products with better nutritional and pro-health value and quality, especially at 30%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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28 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Response Surface Methodology for Fermented Plant Extract from Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Optimisation of Antioxidant Activity, Total Polyphenol Content, and Lactic Acid Efficiency

by Edyta Kucharska, Martyna Zagórska-Dziok, Paweł Bilewicz, Sebastian Kowalczyk, Martyna Jurkiewicz, Dominika Wachura, Piotr Miądlicki and Robert Pełech

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114763 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 989

Abstract

Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae is one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on the skin. Fermented plant extracts (FPEs) obtained from this plant have recently been exploited as new cosmetic ingredients. The concept of our study was related to the use of clove buds in the fermentation process in order to obtain new cosmetic raw materials with high antioxidant potential. The focus was on evaluating antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and lactic acid efficiency (LA_e). For this purpose, the most favourable technological parameters of the fermentation process of clove buds were determined, including the type of microorganisms, initial sugar content, plant raw material content, and fermentation time. The most favourable parameters were correlated with the optimal parameters, which were determined based on response surface methodology (RSM). Based on DPPH and Folin–Ciocalteu assays and GC-MS analysis, optimal points of antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species (analysed with RSM) were successfully selected, enabling quantitative mathematical representations. The optimisation revealed that using a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MI-0272 in lactic fermentation and plant material (6.40%) and beet molasses (3.20%) results in the highest antioxidant potential of FPE (33.90 mmol Tx/L) and yielding LA with the highest efficiency (96%). The optimised FPE had higher polyphenol content (11.60 mmol GA/L ± 0.14), chelating and antioxidant activity (0.32 mmol Fe²⁺/L ± 0.01 and 11.60 mmol Tx/L ± 0.09), and Fe³⁺ ion reduction (49.09 mmol Fe³⁺/L ± 0.16) than the PE. In addition, the possibility of using the spent plant material remaining after the extraction process to prepare activated carbons capable of treating wastewater was investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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12 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Effects of Fermented Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus Extract

by Ju Yeon Kim, Min Joo Chae, Yun Gon Son, Su Min Jo, Na Rae Kang, Seong Doo Kang, Kwang Dong Kim, Sang Won Lee and Jeong Yoon Kim

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104074 - 10 May 2024

Viewed by 914

Abstract

In this study, a microbial strain was isolated from humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as the Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited antifungal effects against four types plant pathogen, P. carotorum, B. cinerea, C. fructicola Sau-3, and C. gloeosporioides, according to incubation time. In particular, the fermented plant extracts showed the most activity for Colletotrichum genus in inhibiting mycelium growth. Metabolite changes in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts were confirmed through LC-Q-TOF/MS. Flavonoid and peptide derivatives were improved in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts compared to their unfermented counterparts. This study suggested that isolated Bacillus microbial fermentation could be a valuable tool in improving the bioactivity of S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts, with the potential to form more environmentally friendly antifungal agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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15 pages, 1957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiles and Anti-Glioma Activity of Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Leaf Extracts

by Piotr Sugier, Joanna Jakubowicz-Gil, Adrian Zając, Danuta Sugier, Małgorzata Wójcik, Joanna Czarnecka, Rafał Krawczyk, Danuta Urban and Łukasz Sęczyk

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083418 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 880

Abstract

The use of diversified raw materials and various extractant types is justified because the varied chemical composition of extracts obtained via extraction determines their biological activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was (i) to characterize the chemical profile of two types of bearberry extracts (70% ethanolic and water) and (ii) to investigate the biological activity of the analyzed extracts through an assessment of their possible proapoptotic effects on glioma cell lines. The HPLC-UV analysis of individual compounds was performed for the determination of the phytochemical profile of the bearberry extracts, and their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined spectrophotometrically. The induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis in anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM and human glioblastoma LN229 cell lines were investigated. The results indicated that the ethanolic (Et) and aqueous (Aq) extracts had different chemical profiles. The TPC in the Et was ca. 60% higher than in the Aq. Similarly, the TFC and methylarbutin (mARB) concentrations were significantly higher in the Et. On the other hand, the concentration of hydroquinone (HQ) was ca. 70% and that of corilagin (COR) was ca. 100% higher in the Aq. In turn, the presence of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) was confirmed solely in the Et. In contrast to Aq, Et demonstrated high proapoptotic activity. At the concentration of 2 µL/mL, the level of apoptosis varied between 14.7% and 26% in the case of the MOGGCCM cells and between 12.3% and 33.3% in the case of the LN229 cell line. The knowledge and information obtained in this study indicate a need for further research on the anticancer effect of the studied bearberry phytochemicals on the MOGGCCM and LN229 cell lines and for the elucidation of their molecular anticancer mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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24 pages, 3808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Silybum marianum Extract and Bio-Ferment for Biodegradable Cosmetic Formulations to Enhance Antioxidant Potential and Effect of the Type of Vehicle on the Percutaneous Absorption and Skin Retention of Silybin and Taxifolin

by Edyta Kucharska, Richard Sarpong, Anna Bobkowska, Joanna Ryglewicz, Anna Nowak, Łukasz Kucharski, Anna Muzykiewicz-Szymańska, Wiktoria Duchnik and Robert Pełech

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010169 - 24 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

In the present study, extract (E) and bio-ferment (B) were obtained from ground and defatted thistle seeds of Silybum marianum. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP techniques, while total polyphenols were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. High antioxidant activity was found in both the E (0.91 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) and B (1.19 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) using DPPH methods, so the obtained cosmetic raw materials were incorporated into hydrogel and organogel substrates to obtain cosmetic formulations with antioxidant activity. However, there is a scarcity of research providing information on the skin penetration of the main active components of S. marianum, which have an antioxidant effect. Therefore, we assessed in vitro the penetration through pig skin of the main components contained in the obtained B and E, such as silybin and taxifolin, which are part of the silymarin complex. We also used pure silymarin (S) for comparison. Among the tested preparations, H-S showed the utmost significant penetration of taxifolin, having a cumulative permeation of 87.739 ± 7.457 μg/cm². Biodegradation tests of the prepared formulations were also performed, containing cosmetic raw materials and S. Studies of the effect of the cosmetic formulations on aerobic biodegradation showed a good level of degradation for the prepared formulations, some of which (O-B and O-S) were classified as easily degradable (OECD). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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14 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Comparison of Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities between Full Flowering and Late Flowering of Hypericum perforatum L.

by Diletta Piatti, Riccardo Marconi, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Massimo Ricciutelli, Gokhan Zengin, Filippo Maggi, Luca Pagni and Gianni Sagratini

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13304; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413304 - 16 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of full and late flowering stages on the polyphenols and enzyme inhibitory properties of Hypericum perforatum from Poland. Recognizing the significance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and melatonin’s emerging protective role, we employed an UHPLC-MS/MS system to quantify 38 phenolic compounds, not typical of St. John’s wort, and to develop a new method for melatonin quantification. Afterward, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant capabilities (using phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and ferrous chelating assays). Moreover, we investigated enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase) involved in neurodegenerative disorders and (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) in diabetes. This study recognized the importance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and explored the emerging protective role of melatonin, taking into account the floral ontogeny of the plant. Indeed, the full-flowering plant contained the greatest concentration of phenolic compounds (a total of 65,276.5 µg/g): hyperoside (18,726.59 µg/g), isoquercitrin (11,895.02 µg/g) and delphindin-3.5-diglucoside (10,619.51 µg/g), and showed the highest inhibitory enzyme activity. Moreover, only full-flowering St. John’s wort contained melatonin (40 ng/g). Our results offer additional perspectives on the chemical-biological characteristics of H. perforatum and scientific knowledge that testifies to the importance of considering plant growth conditions for the development of nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 4700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Metallic/Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Beta vulgaris L. Extract and Assessments of Their Potential Biological Activities

by Khaled M. Elattar, Abeer A. Ghoniem, Fatimah O. Al-Otibi, Mohammed S. El-Hersh, Yosra A. Helmy and WesamEldin I. A. Saber

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10110; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810110 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

The synthesis of novel nanomedicines through eco-friendly protocols has been applied on a large scale with the prediction of discovering alternate therapies. The current work attained phytogenic synthesis of Ag-mNPs, AgSeO₂-bmNPs, and Ag-TiO₂-bmNPs through bio-reduction using an aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris (red beetroot). The phytochemical profile of the eco-friendly synthesized metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles was studied. The optical properties of nano-solutions were studied via UV-visible spectroscopy. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectral analyses revealed that stretching vibrations at wavenumbers 3303.81–3327.81 cm⁻¹ attributed to phenolic hydroxyl groups documented shifts in the values in this range owing to proton dissociation through the bio-reduction of the metal ions. The surface morphology and the charge of the nanoparticles were investigated using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and zeta potential analyses. The prepared nano-solutions showed lower antioxidant activity (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) and phosphomolybdate assays) than the plant extract. These results together with phytochemical analyses support the participation of the reactive species (phenolic contents) in the bio-reduction of the metal ions in the solutions through the formation of metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles. Ag-mNPs, AgSeO₂-bmNPs, and Ag-TiO₂-bmNPs showed antibacterial potentiality. AgSeO₂-bmNPs were superior with inhibitory zone diameters of 34.7, 37.7, 11.7, and 32.7 mm against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. Applying the Methylthiazole Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, the Ag-TiO₂ bmNPs revealed potent cytotoxicity against the HePG2 tumor cell line (IC₅₀ = 18.18 ± 1.5 µg/mL), while Ag-SeO₂ bmNPs revealed the most potent cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell line (IC₅₀ = 17.92 ± 1.4 µg/mL). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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20 pages, 6570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Culturable Diversity and Biological Properties of Bacterial Endophytes Associated with the Medicinal Plants of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd

by Niu Litao, Nigora Rustamova, Paiziliya Paerhati, Hui-Xia Ning and Abulimiti Yili

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9797; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179797 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1403

Abstract

As one of the important traditional medicinal plants listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd has been shown to possess various biological activities. In this study, we characterized culturable endophytic bacteria associated with the medicinal plant V. anthelmintica collected from Hotan within the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. Bacterial endophytes were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and compared to similar sequences from the GenBank. Isolated strains exhibited 99.08–100% similarity to Bacillus haynesii XJB-5, Bacillus proteolyticus XJB-16, Bacillus halotolerans XJB-35, Bacillus safensis XJB-71, Pseudomonas punonensis XJB-7, Lysinibacillus fusiformis XJB-17, Streptococcus lutetiensis XJB-66, Leclercia adecarboxylata XJB-12, Paenibacillus alvei XJB-14, and Pantoea agglomerans XJB-62. The ethyl acetate extracts of the bacterial endophytes demonstrated various pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity, according to a melanin content assay and have shown tyrosinase activity in murine B16 cells. A crude extract of B. halotolerans XJB-35 displayed more powerful biological activities than other bacterial endophytes; therefore, this strain was studied further in order to select the optimized parameters for enhancing the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The optimal culture medium was found to be nutrient broth (NB) medium, using peptone as its carbon source and yeast extract as its nitrogen source. A 24 h incubation time produced the optimal conditions for the maximum growth of B. halotolerans XJB-35 and the production of bioactive compounds. Moreover, we investigated the volatile chemical component of the dichloromethane fraction using GC-MS analysis. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the synthesize of bioactive natural products by B. halotolerans XJB-35 for use by the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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Review

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28 pages, 3377 KiB

Open AccessReview

D-Limonene: Promising and Sustainable Natural Bioactive Compound

by Haoran Lin, Ziyu Li, Yue Sun, Yingyue Zhang, Su Wang, Qing Zhang, Ting Cai, Wenliang Xiang, Chaoyi Zeng and Jie Tang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4605; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114605 - 27 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

The discovery of antibiotics and pesticides has greatly contributed to the social and economic development of human society but, due to the long-term irrational application, it has led to drug-resistant microorganisms, environmental damage, and other hazards, so the selection of alternative natural, safe, and non-hazardous bioactive substances is an effective solution for this problem. D-limonene is a bioactive compound widely present in various plant essential oils, exhibiting excellent broad-spectrum bioactivity and promising prospects for development and clinical application. This review provides a detailed overview of the biological activities of D-limonene, emphasizing its antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, and medicinal potential. While nanoencapsulation technology shows promise in improving the physicochemical properties of D-limonene and enhancing its practical applications, it is also crucial to comprehensively evaluate the potential side effects of D-limonene before use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

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