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Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties

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A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 59538

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Dr. Joanna Kolniak-Ostek

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Department of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology, The Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: bioactive compounds; mass spectrometry; atioxidants; plant nutraceuticals; microencapsulation; functional foods; health-promoting properties
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Dear Colleagues,

The diet has a significant impact on the functioning of the human body. Despite advanced genetic, biological, and medical research, there are still many diet-related factors of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, obesity, overweight, and some cancers. By selecting suitable ingredients in the diet, and their appropriate proportions, this risk can be significantly reduced. Intensive research in recent years has shown the significant influence of non-nutrients found in plant raw materials which have a positive effect on the human body. The presence of health-promoting ingredients in foods of plant origin plays a supporting role in preventing certain diseases.

Carrying out activities promoting pro-health behavior is one of the important elements of a nutrition strategy. This Special Issue aims to help readers understand the role of various food ingredients in maintaining good health. It is dedicated to original research and review articles which cover the latest findings on health-promoting ingredients, methods for their determination, their bioavailability, and their pro-health effects on the human body. We are also open to original documents assessing technological issues, describing modern methods used in the processing and preservation of health-promoting food, and the transformation of nutraceuticals that occur during processing and storage.

Dr. Joanna Kolniak-Ostek
Guest Editor

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Keywords

plant nutraceuticals
health-promoting properties
occurrence
bioavailability
chemical transformations
processing
preservation
determination

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 35380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coffee Bioactive N-Methylpyridinium Attenuates Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α-Mediated Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Human Adipocytes

by Stefano Quarta, Egeria Scoditti, Maria Annunziata Carluccio, Nadia Calabriso, Giuseppe Santarpino, Fabrizio Damiano, Luisa Siculella, Martin Wabitsch, Tiziano Verri, Claudia Favari, Daniele Del Rio, Pedro Mena, Raffaele De Caterina and Marika Massaro

Biomolecules 2021, 11(10), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101545 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4197

Abstract

Although coffee consumption has been historically associated with negative health outcomes, recent evidence suggests a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes among regular coffee drinkers. Among the plethora of minor organic compounds assessed as potential mediators of coffee health benefits, trigonelline and its pyrolysis product N-methylpyridinium (NMP) were preliminary shown to promote glucose uptake and exert anti-adipogenic properties. Against this background, we aimed at characterizing the effects of trigonelline and NMP in inflamed and dysfunctional human adipocytes. Human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes were treated with NMP or, for comparison, trigonelline, for 5 h before stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. NMP at concentrations as low as 1 µmol/L reduced the stimulated expression of several pro-inflammatory mediators, including C-C Motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, C-X-C Motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-10, and intercellular adhesion Molecule (ICAM)-1, but left the induction of prostaglandin G/H synthase (PTGS)2, interleukin (IL)-1β, and colony stimulating factor (CSF)1 unaffected. Furthermore, NMP restored the downregulated expression of adiponectin (ADIPOQ). These effects were functionally associated with downregulation of the adhesion of monocytes to inflamed adipocytes. Under the same conditions, NMP also reversed the TNF-α-mediated suppression of insulin-stimulated Ser473 Akt phosphorylation and attenuated the induction of TNF-α-stimulated lipolysis restoring cell fat content. In an attempt to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms of its action, we show that NMP restores the expression of the master regulator of adipocyte differentiation peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and downregulates activation of the pro-inflammatory mitogen-activated protein jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In conclusion, NMP reduces adipose dysfunction in pro-inflammatory activated adipocytes. These data suggest that bioactive NMP in coffee may improve the inflammatory and dysmetabolic milieu associated with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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13 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Fe-EDTA and Sodium Silicate Affects the Polyphenols Content in Broccoli and Radish Sprouts

by Henryk Dębski, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik and Marcin Horbowicz

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081190 - 11 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2559

Abstract

The effects of elicitors on broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts were evaluated. Seeds and then sprouts were soaked daily for 30 min over 6 days in water (control) or a mixture of FeEDTA and sodium silicate or sodium silicate alone. The contents of the flavonoids and phenolic acids (free, esters, and glycosides) were determined using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds were released from the esters after acid hydrolysis and from the glycosides using alkaline hydrolysis. Quercetin, kaempferol, (‒)-epicatechin, naringenin, apigenin, and luteolin derivatives were found in broccoli and radish sprouts, while derivatives of iso-rhamnetin, orientin, and vitexin were not present at measurable levels. The flavonoid contents, especially derivatives of quercetin, were considerably higher in the broccoli sprouts than in the radish sprouts. The quantitatively major phenolic acid content in the sprouts of both species was found to be p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its content in the radish sprouts was several times higher than in the broccoli sprouts. The total flavonoid content of broccoli sprouts was 507–734 µg/g DW, while that of the radish sprouts ranged from 155 µg/g DW to 211 µg/g DW. In contrast, total phenolic acids were higher in radish sprouts, ranging from 11,548 to 13,789 µg/g DW, while in broccoli sprouts, they ranged from 2652 to 4527 µg/g DW, respectively. These differences resulted radish sprouts having higher antioxidant activity compared to broccoli sprouts. The applied elicitors increased the content of the total phenolic acids and the antioxidant activity of radish and broccoli sprouts, while they decreased the level of the total flavonoids in broccoli sprouts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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16 pages, 6821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Antioxidative Activity and the Content of Phenolics and Iridoids during Fermentation and Aging of Natural Fruit Meads

by Kinga Adamenko, Joanna Kawa-Rygielska, Alicja Z. Kucharska, Adam Głowacki and Narcyz Piórecki

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081113 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the content of biologically active compounds during the fermentation and aging of natural meads with the addition of three Cornelian cherry juices from three cultivars: ‘Koralovyi’, ‘Podolski’ and ‘Yantarnyi’, in the amount of 10% v/v. After the fermentation process the content of gallic and ellagic acids significantly increased, in relation to wort. Whereas the greatest losses were observed among unstable anthocyanins. The three-month aging process also reduced the content of the analyzed compounds except for ellagic acid, the content of which increased by up to 90%. The content of biologically active compounds, including iridoids and antioxidant phenolics, are constantly changing in the process of fermentation and aging of fruit meads. The studies proved that the addition of Cornelian cherry juice allows significantly enriched classic meads with new biologically active compounds, such as: exceptional iridoids (loganic acid, cornuside, loganine, sweroside), flavonols, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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16 pages, 3635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hair Growth Stimulation Effect of Centipeda minima Extract: Identification of Active Compounds and Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

by Byoung Ha Kim, Myong Jin Lee, Won-Yung Lee, Jaesung Pyo, Myoung-Sook Shin, Gwi Seo Hwang, Dongchul Shin, Chang Eop Kim, Eun-Seok Park and Ki Sung Kang

Biomolecules 2021, 11(7), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11070976 - 2 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5621

Abstract

Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch is a well-studied plant in Chinese medicine that is used for the treatment of several diseases. A recent study has revealed the effects of extract of Cetipeda minima (CMX) standardized by brevilin A in inducing hair growth. However, the mechanism of action of CMX in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) has not yet been identified. We aimed to investigate the molecular basis underlying the effect of CMX on hair growth in HFDPCs. CMX induced the proliferation of HFDPCs, and the transcript-level expression of Wnt family member 5a (Wnt5a), frizzled receptor (FZDR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was upregulated. These results correlated with an increase in the expression of growth-related factors, such as VEGF and IGF-1. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry further revealed that the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK was enhanced by CMX in HFDPCs, and β-catenin accumulated significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, CMX substantially induced the expression of Wnt signaling-related proteins, such as GSK phosphorylation and β-catenin. This study supports the hypothesis that CMX promotes hair growth and secretion of growth factors via the Wnt/β-catenin, ERK, and JNK signaling pathways. In addition, computational predictions of drug-likeness, together with ADME property predictions, revealed the satisfactory bioavailability score of CMX compounds, exhibiting high gastrointestinal absorption. We suggest that CMX could be used as a promising treatment for hair regeneration and minimization of hair loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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16 pages, 4495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethanolic Extracts of Adlay Testa and Hull and Their Active Biomolecules Exert Relaxing Effect on Uterine Muscle Contraction through Blocking Extracellular Calcium Influx in Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies

by Yun-Ju Huang, Yu-Chieh Chen, Hsin-Yuan Chen, Yi-Fen Chiang, Mohamed Ali, Wenchang Chiang, Cheng-Pei Chung and Shih-Min Hsia

Biomolecules 2021, 11(6), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060887 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3756

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent disorders in gynecology. Historically, adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. Ma-yuen Stapf.) has been explored for its anti-tumor, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adlay seeds on the inhibition of uterine contraction and thus dysmenorrhea relief, in vitro and in vivo. HPLC-MS and GC were used to elucidate the ethyl acetate fraction of adlay testa ethanolic extract (ATE-EA) and ethyl acetate fraction of adlay hull ethanolic extract (AHE-EA). Elucidation yielded flavonoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Uterine leiomyomas and normal adjacent myometrial tissue were evaluated by oxytocin- and PG-induced uterine contractility. ATE-EA and AHE-EA suppressed uterine contraction induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF_2α), oxytocin, carbachol, and high-KCl solution ex vivo. In addition, the external calcium (Ca²⁺) influx induced contraction, and increased Ca²⁺ concentration was inhibited by ATE-EA and AHE-EA on the uterine smooth muscle of rats. Furthermore, ATE-EA and AHE-EA effectively attenuated the contraction of normal human myometrium tissues more than adjacent uterine leiomyoma in response to PGF_2α. 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-Heptamethoxyflavone and chrysoeriol produced a remarkable inhibition with values of IC₅₀ = 24.91 and 25.59 µM, respectively. The experimental results showed that treatment with ATE-EA at 30 mg/day effectively decreased the writhing frequency both on the oxytocin-induced writhing test and acetic acid writhing test of the ICR mouse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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16 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iridoids, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cornus mas, C. officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis Fruits

by Svitlana Klymenko, Alicja Zofia Kucharska, Anna Sokół-Łętowska, Narcyz Piórecki, Dominika Przybylska and Olga Grygorieva

Biomolecules 2021, 11(6), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060776 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4741

Abstract

The fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis have been known and appreciated in folk medicine for years and have a high biological value, which is mainly connected with their polyphenols and iridoids content. However, hybrids of C. mas × C. officinalis have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols content, and antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis. Iridoids and flavonoids were quantified by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Antioxidant capacity (AC) was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Among the C. mas cultivars and C. officinalis genotypes, there was considerable variation in the content of iridoids, flavonoids, and AC. Interspecific hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis contained more iridoids than C. mas and more anthocyanins than C. officinalis and additionally had higher AC and TPC than C. officinalis and most C. mas. AC, TPC, and the presence of iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols in hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis are reported for the first time. The Cornus species deserve special attention due to their highly biologically active substances, as well as useful medicinal properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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17 pages, 7726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardamonin Attenuates Experimental Colitis and Associated Colorectal Cancer

by Shirley James, Jayasekharan S. Aparna, Anu Babu, Aswathy Mary Paul, Manendra Babu Lankadasari, Subha R. Athira, Sreesha S. Kumar, Yadu Vijayan, Narayanan N. Namitha, Sabira Mohammed, Girijadevi Reshmi and Kuzhuvelil B. Harikumar

Biomolecules 2021, 11(5), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050661 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3436

Abstract

Cardamonin is a naturally occurring chalcone, majorly from the Zingiberaceae family, which includes a wide range of spices from India. Herein, we investigated the anti-inflammatory property of cardamonin using different in vitro and in vivo systems. In RAW 264.7 cells, treatment with cardamonin showed a reduced nitrous oxide production without affecting the cell viability and decreased the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6, and inhibited NF-kB signaling which emphasizes the role of cardamonin as an anti-inflammatory molecule. In a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, cardamonin treatment protected the mice from colitis. Subsequently, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of this chalcone in a colitis-associated colon cancer model. We performed microRNA profiling in the different groups and observed that cardamonin modulates miRNA expression, thereby inhibiting tumor formation. Together, our findings indicate that cardamonin has the potential to be considered for future therapy against colorectal cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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14 pages, 3587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Paeoniflorin Enhances Endometrial Receptivity through Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

by Hye-Rin Park, Hee-Jung Choi, Bo-Sung Kim, Tae-Wook Chung, Keuk-Jun Kim, Jong-Kil Joo, Dongryeol Ryu, Sung-Jin Bae and Ki-Tae Ha

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11030439 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3666

Abstract

Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology, treatment for deficient endometrial receptivity is a major clinical unmet need. In our previous study, the water extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. enhanced endometrial receptivity in vitro and in vivo via induction of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine. In the present study, we found that paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, is the major active compound of P. lactiflora. Paeoniflorin significantly improved the embryo implantation rate in a murine model of mifepristone (RU486)-induced implantation failure. In addition, paeoniflorin increased the adhesion of human trophectoderm-derived JAr cells to endometrial Ishikawa cells through the expression of LIF in vitro. Moreover, using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the human endometrium, we confirmed that LIF signaling is a key regulator for improving human endometrial receptivity. Therefore, these results suggest that paeoniflorin might be a potent drug candidate for the treatment of endometrial implantation failure by enhancing endometrial receptivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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14 pages, 4473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Qualitative Composition of Biologically-Active Substances of Extracts of In Vitro Callus, Cell Suspension, and Root Cultures of the Medicinal Plant Rhodiola rosea

by Lyudmila Asyakina, Stanislav Sukhikh, Svetlana Ivanova, Alexander Prosekov, Elena Ulrikh, Evgeny Chupahin and Olga Babich

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11030365 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3033

Abstract

The results of the qualitative composition analysis of the dried biomass extracts of in vitro callus, cell suspension, and root cultures show that the main biologically active substances (BAS) in the medicinal plant, Rhodiola rosea, are 6-C-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)aromadendrin (25 mg, yield 0.21%), 2-(3,7-dihydroxy-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)-6,7-dihydroxychroman-4-one (23 mg, yield 0.2%), 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5,7-dimethoxychroman-4-one (175 mg, yield 1.5%), 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-6-yl)phenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (45 mg, yield 0.5%), 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxyflavone (0.35 mg, 0.5%). BAS from the dried biomass extracts of in vitro callus, cell suspension, and root cultures of Rhodiola rosea will be used for the production of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements with antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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10 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of γ-mangostin Isolated from the Peel of Garcinia mangostana against Glutamate-Induced Cytotoxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neuronal Cells

by Ji Yun Baek, Kiwon Jung, Young-Mi Kim, Hyun-Young Kim, Ki Sung Kang and Young-Won Chin

Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11020170 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of γ-mangostin, a component of the mangosteen shell, against oxidative damage to nerve cells induced by excessive glutamate, a known excitatory neurotransmitter. To investigate the effect of γ-mangostin on apoptosis, 5 mM of glutamate was used to induce apoptotic cell death in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. In this study, γ-mangostin was found to exert a stronger protection than N-acetyl cysteine against glutamate-induced cell damage. γ-Mangostin showed prevented glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and stimulating the expression of heme oxygenase-1 protein. In addition, glutamate significantly induced the accumulation of intracellular calcium ions, whereas treatment with γ-mangostin markedly reduced it. Hoechst 33342 staining showed an improvement in glutamate-induced nuclear condensation following γ-mangostin treatment. Furthermore, the number of annexin V-positive cells was significantly reduced following treatment with γ-mangostin. Western blot analysis showed the inhibition of glutamate-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation by γ-mangostin. γ-mangostin also inhibited the regulation of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Thus, the results of this study suggest that γ-mangostin is an active ingredient of mangosteen and exerts neuroprotective activities in HT22 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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Review

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22 pages, 2275 KiB

Open AccessReview

Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Biological Activities

by Manoj Kumar, Sushil Changan, Maharishi Tomar, Uma Prajapati, Vivek Saurabh, Muzaffar Hasan, Minnu Sasi, Chirag Maheshwari, Surinder Singh, Sangram Dhumal, Radha, Mamta Thakur, Sneh Punia, Varsha Satankar, Ryszard Amarowicz and Mohamed Mekhemar

Biomolecules 2021, 11(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050614 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 21335

Abstract

Annona squamosa L. (custard apple) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is an important tropical fruit cultivated in the West Indies, South and Central America, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, India, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Egypt. Leaves of custard apple plants have been studied for their health benefits, which are attributed to a considerable diversity of phytochemicals. These compounds include phenol-based compounds, e.g., proanthocyanidins, comprising 18 different phenolic compounds, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Extracts from Annona squamosa leaves (ASLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiobesity, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective functions. In the current article, we discussed the nutritional and phytochemical diversity of ASLs. Additionally, ASL extracts were discussed with respect to their biological activities, which were established by in vivo and in vitro experiments. A survey of the literature based on the phytochemical profile and health-promoting effects of ASLs showed that they can be used as potential ingredients for the development of pharmaceutical drugs and functional foods. Although there are sufficient findings available from in vitro and in vivo investigations, clinical trials are still needed to determine the exact effects of ASL extracts on human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutraceuticals—Their Occurrence, Chemical Transformations and Health-Promoting Properties)

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