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Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red...
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Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2021) | Viewed by 43388

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christophe El-Nakhel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
Interests: horticultural crops; microgreens; protected cultivation; hydroponics; plant biostimulants; nutrient eustress; biofortification; space farming; nutrient recovery from urine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Leo Sabatino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences (SAAF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: vegetable production; vegetable grafting; soilless cultivation; nutritional and nutraceutical vegetable fruit quality linked to cultivation conditions and practices; biofortification of leafy and fruiting vegetable crops, propagation of ornamental plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants, including vegetables, are an essential element of the human diet, considering their dense nutritional content, concomitant with low-calorie values and bioactive content that could assist in boosting nutritional quality and food security. Plants are exhibiting a colossal rebound in the context of healthier lifestyles, especially as functional foods empowered with bioactive phytochemicals. Impelled by nature’s endowment as suppliers of healthier nutritional foods, a prominent orientation towards plant consumption is thriving. Plants synthesize uncountable “ecochemichals” via secondary metabolism, which command medical and socio-economic significance. Among these secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds are of prime interest and are largely present in medicinal plants, herbs, vegetables, and flowers. These metabolites are at the helm of the bitterness, color, and scent of plants, and are correlated to the beneficial health qualities expressed by the antioxidant capacity. The accretion of these health-promoting phytochemicals depends chiefly on the genetic material and the maturity harvest stage, but notwithstanding the main role that is played by the pre-harvest factors, i.e., eustress, fertilization, irrigation, light, and other agronomic practices.

This Special issue of Horticulturae will gather scientific research that explores innovations or recent studies in boosting plant nutritional qualities including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Therefore, any review, scientific research, short note, or opinion article that deals with the phytochemical content of plants and boosting methods is appreciated for submission.

Dr. Christophe El-Nakhel
Dr. Leo Sabatino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Horticulturae 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 2200 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

  • Secondary metabolites
  • phytochemicals
  • beneficial stress
  • functional food
  • pre-harvest factors
  • specialty crops
  • fruit and leafy vegetables

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 196 KiB  
Editorial
Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants
by Christophe El-Nakhel
Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050461 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Plants, including vegetables are a well-known source of health-promoting phytochemicals (plant secondary metabolites) that take part in several physiological processes and play a major role in plant defense and adaptation, in particular plant–environment interactions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)

Research

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17 pages, 1031 KiB  
Article
Protein Hydrolysate Combined with Hydroponics Divergently Modifies Growth and Shuffles Pigments and Free Amino Acids of Carrot and Dill Microgreens
by Christophe El-Nakhel, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Antonio Pannico, Maria Giordano, Beniamino Riccardo Gentile, Giovanna Marta Fusco, Marios C. Kyriacou, Petronia Carillo and Youssef Rouphael
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090279 - 3 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3555
Abstract
Microgreens are the new sophisticated commodity in horticulture that boost the human diet with bioactive metabolites and garnish it with colors and tastes. Microgreens thrive well when cultivated in soilless systems, of which closed-loop soilless systems combined with biostimulant application can provide a [...] Read more.
Microgreens are the new sophisticated commodity in horticulture that boost the human diet with bioactive metabolites and garnish it with colors and tastes. Microgreens thrive well when cultivated in soilless systems, of which closed-loop soilless systems combined with biostimulant application can provide a sustainable, innovative method of growing microgreens. Daucus carota L. and Anethum graveolens L. microgreens were grown in greenhouse conditions implementing a floating raft system combined with a protein hydrolysate of leguminous origin as root application (0.3 mL L−1 nutrient solution). Growth, colorimetric parameters, macronutrients, chlorophylls, carotenoids, carbohydrates, free amino acids, and soluble proteins were assessed. The use of a protein hydrolysate in the nutrient solution engendered an increase in anthocyanins (+461.7%) and total phenols (+12.4%) in carrot, while in dill, the fresh yield (+13.5%) and ascorbic acid (+17.2%) increased. In both species, soluble proteins and total free amino acids increased by 20.6% and 18.5%, respectively. The floating raft system proved to be promising for microgreens and can ease the application of biostimulants through root application. Future research should also investigate the yield and nutritional parameter responses of other species of microgreens with the aim of large-scale sustainable production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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15 pages, 944 KiB  
Article
Optical Characteristics of Greenhouse Plastic Films Affect Yield and Some Quality Traits of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Subjected to Different Nitrogen Doses
by Ida Di Mola, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Leo Sabatino, Maria Isabella Sifola, Pasquale Mormile, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael and Mauro Mori
Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070200 - 18 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3273
Abstract
Light and nitrogen strongly affect the growth, yield, and quality of food crops, with greater importance in green leafy vegetables for their tendency to accumulate nitrate in leaves. The purpose of this research was to explore the effect of two greenhouse films (Film [...] Read more.
Light and nitrogen strongly affect the growth, yield, and quality of food crops, with greater importance in green leafy vegetables for their tendency to accumulate nitrate in leaves. The purpose of this research was to explore the effect of two greenhouse films (Film A and B) on yield, and quality of spinach grown under different nitrogen regimes (not fertilized—N0%; sub-optimal N dose—N50%; optimal N dose—N100%). Film A and Film B were used as clear and diffused light films, with 75% and 87% thermicity, and 85% and 90% total transmittivity, respectively, where only Film B had a UV-B window. Film B elicited an increase in yield (22%) and soil–plant analysis development (SPAD) index (4.6%) compared to the clear film, but did not affect chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. In addition, the diffuse film significantly decreased ascorbic acid in the crop but had no effect on lipophilic antioxidant activity and phenols content, but decreased ascorbic acid content. Finally, nitrate content was strongly increased both by nitrogen dose (about 50-fold more than N0%) and greenhouse films (about six-fold higher under diffuse light film), but within the legal limit fixed by European Commission. Therefore, irrespective of N levels, the use of diffuse-light film in winter boosts spinach yield without depressing quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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23 pages, 2194 KiB  
Article
Development of Frozen Pulps and Powders from Carrot and Tomato by-Products: Impact of Processing and Storage Time on Bioactive and Biological Properties
by Helena Araújo-Rodrigues, Diva Santos, Débora A. Campos, Modesta Ratinho, Ivo M. Rodrigues and Manuela E. Pintado
Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070185 - 5 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3974
Abstract
Vegetables and fruits have an interesting nutritional profile, rich in bioactive metabolites, holding a high antioxidant potential and health associated benefits. However, their functional properties, the shorter shelf-life due to their high-water content, and their seasonality nature lead to extensive food losses and [...] Read more.
Vegetables and fruits have an interesting nutritional profile, rich in bioactive metabolites, holding a high antioxidant potential and health associated benefits. However, their functional properties, the shorter shelf-life due to their high-water content, and their seasonality nature lead to extensive food losses and waste. The valorization of vegetables and fruits by-products through the development of value-added products and the application of preservation methods is of utmost importance to prevent food losses and waste. In this study, based on a circular economy approach, pulps and powders of baby carrot and cherry tomato by-products were prepared. Freezing, hot air drying and storage time impact on antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds were studied. Microbiological quality and pulps viscosity were also monitored for 6 months. During the freezing storage, TPC and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and ORAC assays decreased. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH method and carotenoid content increased during the first months of freezing, but then decreased. The drying process negatively affected the antioxidant capacity as well as carotenoid and polyphenolic content compared with the fresh vegetables. Both processing methodologies positively impacted the vitamin E content. During drying storage, there were no key variations in antioxidant capacity and bioactive content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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13 pages, 1000 KiB  
Article
Influence of Berry Ripening Stages over Phenolics and Volatile Compounds in Aged Aglianico Wine
by Alessandro Genovese, Boris Basile, Simona Antonella Lamorte, Maria Tiziana Lisanti, Giandomenico Corrado, Lucia Lecce, Daniela Strollo, Luigi Moio and Angelita Gambuti
Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070184 - 5 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2728
Abstract
The harvest time of grapes is a major determinant of berry composition and of the wine quality, and it is usually established through empirical testing of main biochemical parameters of the berry. In this work, we studied how the ripening stage of Aglianico [...] Read more.
The harvest time of grapes is a major determinant of berry composition and of the wine quality, and it is usually established through empirical testing of main biochemical parameters of the berry. In this work, we studied how the ripening stage of Aglianico grapes modulates key secondary metabolites of wines, phenolics and volatile compounds. Specifically, we analyzed and compared four berry ripening stages corresponding to total soluble solids of 18, 20, 22, and 25 °Brix and related aged wines. Wine color intensity, anthocyanins level and total trans-resveratrol (free + glycosidic form) increased with grape maturity degree. Wines obtained from late-harvested grapes significantly differed from the others for a higher content of aliphatic alcohols, esters, acetates, α-terpineol and benzyl alcohol. The content of glycosidic terpene compounds, such as nerol, geraniol and α-terpineol, was higher in wines obtained with grapes harvested at 25 °Brix compared to the earlier harvests. Our work indicated that the maturity of the grape is a determining factor in phenolic and volatile compounds of red Aglianico wines. Moreover, extending grape ripening to a sugar concentration higher than 22 °Brix improves the biochemical profile of aged wine in terms of aroma compounds and of phytochemicals with known health-related benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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14 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Nutrient Solution Feeding Regime on Yield, Mineral Profile, and Phytochemical Composition of Spinach Microgreens
by Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giulia Graziani, Marios C. Kyriacou and Youssef Rouphael
Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070162 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
Microgreens are receiving increasing popularity as functional and healthy foods due to their nutritional value and high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nutrient deprivation through the regulation of nutrient solution (NS) feeding [...] Read more.
Microgreens are receiving increasing popularity as functional and healthy foods due to their nutritional value and high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nutrient deprivation through the regulation of nutrient solution (NS) feeding days on the plant growth and chemical composition of spinach microgreens. For this purpose, spinach microgreens were subjected to four different fertigation treatments—namely, 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 NS feeding days before harvesting—and harvested tissues were evaluated with regard to fresh and dry yield, color of true leaves, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phenolic compound contents. The results of our study revealed that prolonged NS feeding (20 NS) resulted in the highest fresh yield and photosynthetic pigment contents (chlorophylls, lutein, and β-carotene). In contrast, mineral concentrations (P, K, Ca, and Mg) were the lowest for the 20 NS, whereas the control (0 NS) and 5 NS recorded the highest concentrations. Apart from that, spinach microgreens subjected to 10 NS treatment recorded 70.7% less nitrates, better mineral concentrations, 7.0% higher total ascorbic acid, similar polyphenol contents, higher DM%, and only 12.6% yield decrease compared to 20 NS treatment. In conclusion, although the highest overall fresh yield was recorded with the 20 NS treatment, the highest nitrate concentrations and the lowest mineral concentrations may raise food safety concerns. On the other hand, 10 NS treatment seems to be the most promising, since it combined high yields with high mineral concentrations and low nitrate concentrations, without compromising bioactive compound (e.g., polyphenols) contents, presenting a cost-effective and sustainable practice for microgreen cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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12 pages, 1544 KiB  
Article
Effect of Spaceflight on Tomato Seed Quality and Biochemical Characteristics of Mature Plants
by Elena Dzhos, Nadezhda Golubkina, Marina Antoshkina, Irina Kondratyeva, Andrew Koshevarov, Anton Shkaplerov, Tatiana Zavarykina, Galina Nechitailo and Gianluca Caruso
Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050089 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2899
Abstract
Intensive space exploration includes profound investigations on the effect of weightlessness and cosmic radiation on plant growth and development. Tomato seeds are often used in such experiments though up to date the results have given rather vague information about biochemical changes in mature [...] Read more.
Intensive space exploration includes profound investigations on the effect of weightlessness and cosmic radiation on plant growth and development. Tomato seeds are often used in such experiments though up to date the results have given rather vague information about biochemical changes in mature plants grown from seeds subjected to spaceflight. The effect of half a year of storage in the International Space Station (ISS) on tomato seeds (cultivar Podmoskovny ranny) was studied by analyzing the biochemical characteristics and mineral content of mature plants grown from these seeds both in greenhouse and field conditions. A significant increase was recorded in ascorbic acid, polyphenol and carotenoid contents, and total antioxidant activity (AOA), with higher changes in the field conditions compared to greenhouse. Contrary to control plants, the ones derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated a significant decrease in root AOA. The latter plants also showed a higher yield, but lower content of fruit dry matter, sugars, total dissolved solids and organic acids. The fruits of plants derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated decreased levels of Fe, Cu and taste index. The described results reflect the existence of oxidative stress in mature tomato plants as a long-term consequence of the effect of spaceflight on seed quality, whereas the higher yield may be attributed to genetic modifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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16 pages, 5592 KiB  
Article
Iodine Biofortification Counters Micronutrient Deficiency and Improve Functional Quality of Open Field Grown Curly Endive
by Leo Sabatino, Francesca Di Gaudio, Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Youssef Rouphael, Christophe El-Nakhel, Salvatore La Bella, Sonya Vasto, Rosario Paolo Mauro, Fabio D’Anna, Giovanni Iapichino, Rosalia Caldarella and Claudio De Pasquale
Horticulturae 2021, 7(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7030058 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3649
Abstract
Human iodine (I) shortage disorders are documented as an imperative world-wide health issue for a great number of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends I consumption through ingestion of seafood and biofortified food such as vegetables. The current work was carried out [...] Read more.
Human iodine (I) shortage disorders are documented as an imperative world-wide health issue for a great number of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends I consumption through ingestion of seafood and biofortified food such as vegetables. The current work was carried out to appraise the effects of different I concentrations (0, 50, 250, and 500 mg L−1), supplied via foliar spray on curly endive grown in the fall or spring–summer season. Head fresh weight, stem diameter, head height, and soluble solid content (SSC) were negatively correlated to I dosage. The highest head dry matter content was recorded in plants supplied with 250 mg I L−1, both in the fall and spring–summer season, and in those cultivated in the fall season and supplied with 50 mg I L−1. The highest ascorbic acid concentration was recorded in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and biofortified with the highest I dosage. The highest fructose and glucose concentrations in leaf tissues were obtained in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and treated with 250 mg I L−1. Plants sprayed with 250 mg I L−1 and cultivated in the fall season had the highest I leaf concentration. Overall, our results evidently suggested that an I application of 250 mg L−1 in both growing seasons effectively enhanced plant quality and functional parameters in curly endive plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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13 pages, 1084 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Value of Apiaceae Seeds as Affected by 11 Species and 43 Cultivars
by Nadezhda Golubkina, Viktor Kharchenko, Anastasia Moldovan, Vladimir Zayachkovsky, Viktor Stepanov, Viktor Pivovarov, Agnieszka Sekara, Alessio Tallarita and Gianluca Caruso
Horticulturae 2021, 7(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7030057 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3150
Abstract
The fragmentary literature data on Apiaceae seed antioxidant potential elicited a comparative evaluation work of seed biochemical profile between 11 species and 43 cultivars grown in similar conditions: anise, lovage, fennel, coriander, caraway, parsley, celery, dill, carrot, parsnip and chervil. Among the different [...] Read more.
The fragmentary literature data on Apiaceae seed antioxidant potential elicited a comparative evaluation work of seed biochemical profile between 11 species and 43 cultivars grown in similar conditions: anise, lovage, fennel, coriander, caraway, parsley, celery, dill, carrot, parsnip and chervil. Among the different solvents, temperature and duration regimes applied, 70% EtOH, 80 °C and 1 h running showed the best extraction efficiency of antioxidants. Total antioxidant activity (AOA) decreased as follows: lovage > anise > parsley > celery > fennel = dill > coriander > caraway > parsnip > carrot > chervil. Lovage, anise and fennel demonstrated the highest levels of total phenolics (TP), AOA and potassium. A positive correlation was recorded between total dissolved solids (TDS) and K and between AOA and TP content (r = 0.86 and r = 0.79 respectively, at p < 0.001). Varietal differences in AOA and TP levels were much lower than those relevant to TDS, K and water soluble protein (WSP), while the highest differences were found for selenium (Se). Two parsley cultivars showed anomalously high Se content and four dill cultivars unusually high levels of TDS and potassium. A positive correlation arose between Se and WSP levels in parsley seeds (r = 0.85 at p < 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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17 pages, 3271 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Glucosinolates and Anthocyanins in Kale Leaves Grown in a Plant Factory Using Spectral Reflectance
by Milon Chowdhury, Viet-Duc Ngo, Md Nafiul Islam, Mohammod Ali, Sumaiya Islam, Kamal Rasool, Sang-Un Park and Sun-Ok Chung
Horticulturae 2021, 7(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7030056 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4431
Abstract
The spectral reflectance technique for the quantification of the functional components was applied in different studies for different crops, but related research on kale leaves is limited. This study was conducted to estimate the glucosinolate and anthocyanin components of kale leaves cultivated in [...] Read more.
The spectral reflectance technique for the quantification of the functional components was applied in different studies for different crops, but related research on kale leaves is limited. This study was conducted to estimate the glucosinolate and anthocyanin components of kale leaves cultivated in a plant factory based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy through regression methods. Kale was grown in a plant factory under different treatments. After specific periods of transplantation, leaf samples were collected, and reflectance spectra were measured immediately from nine different points on each leaf. The same leaf samples were freeze-dried and stored for analysis of the functional components. Regression procedures, such as principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR), were applied to relate the functional components with the spectral data. In the laboratory analysis, progoitrin and glucobrassicin, as well as cyanidin and malvidin, were found to be dominating components in glucosinolates and anthocyanins, respectively. From the overall analysis, the SMLR model showed better performance, and the identified wavelengths for estimating the glucosinolates and anthocyanins were in the early near-infrared (NIR) region. Specifically, reflectance at 742, 761, 787, 796, 805, 833, 855, 932, 947, and 1000 nm showed a strong correlation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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15 pages, 1588 KiB  
Article
Modulating Vapor Pressure Deficit in the Plant Micro-Environment May Enhance the Bioactive Value of Lettuce
by Chiara Amitrano, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale and Veronica De Micco
Horticulturae 2021, 7(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7020032 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5215
Abstract
Growing demand for horticultural products of accentuated sensory, nutritional, and functional quality traits has been driven by the turn observed in affluent societies toward a healthy and sustainable lifestyle relying principally on plant-based food. Growing plants under protected cultivation facilitates more precise and [...] Read more.
Growing demand for horticultural products of accentuated sensory, nutritional, and functional quality traits has been driven by the turn observed in affluent societies toward a healthy and sustainable lifestyle relying principally on plant-based food. Growing plants under protected cultivation facilitates more precise and efficient modulation of the plant microenvironment, which is essential for improving vegetable quality. Among the environmental parameters that have been researched for optimization over the past, air relative humidity has always been in the background and it is still unclear if and how it can be modulated to improve plants’ quality. In this respect, two differentially pigmented (green and red) Salanova® cultivars (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) were grown under two different Vapor Pressure Deficits (VPDs; 0.69 and 1.76 kPa) in a controlled environment chamber in order to appraise possible changes in mineral and phytochemical composition and in antioxidant capacity. Growth and morpho-physiological parameters were also analyzed to better understand lettuce development and acclimation mechanisms under these two VPD regimes. Results showed that even though Salanova plants grown at low VPD (0.69 kPa) increased their biomass, area, number of leaves and enhanced Fv/Fm ratio, plants at high VPD increased the levels of phytochemicals, especially in the red cultivar. Based on these results, we have discussed the role of high VPD facilitated by controlled environment agriculture as a mild stress aimed to enhance the quality of leafy greens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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19 pages, 861 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and α-Glucosidase-Inhibiting Activity of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Traditional Antidiabetics from Croatian Ethnomedicine
by Kristina Bljajić, Andrea Brajković, Ana Čačić, Lovorka Vujić, Jasna Jablan, Isabel Saraiva de Carvalho and Marijana Zovko Končić
Horticulturae 2021, 7(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7020015 - 26 Jan 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3241
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence worldwide. In addition to the conventional therapy, many T2D patients use phytotherapeutic preparations. In the present study, chemical composition, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibiting activity of traditional antidiabetics from Croatian ethnomedicine ( [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence worldwide. In addition to the conventional therapy, many T2D patients use phytotherapeutic preparations. In the present study, chemical composition, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibiting activity of traditional antidiabetics from Croatian ethnomedicine (Achillea millefolium, Artemisia absinthium, Centaurium erythraea, Morusalba, Phaseolus vulgaris, Sambucus nigra, and Salvia officinalis) were assessed. The efficacy of water and 80% ethanol as extraction solvents for bioactive constituents was compared. HPLC analysis revealed that the prepared extracts were rich in phenols, especially rutin, ferulic, and chlorogenic acid. Antiradical (against DPPH and ABTS radicals), reducing (towards Mo6+ and Fe3+ ions), and enzyme inhibiting properties were in linear correlation with the content of phenolic constituents. Ethanolic extracts, richer in phenolic substances, showed dominant efficacy in those assays. Aqueous extracts, on the other hand, were better Fe2+ ion chelators and more active in the β-carotene linoleic acid assay. Extracts from S. officinalis and A. millefolium were particularly active antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitors. A. absinthium, another potent α-glucosidase inhibitor, contained chromium, a mineral that promotes insulin action. The investigated plants contained significant amounts of minerals useful in management of T2D, with negligible amounts of heavy metals deeming them safe for human use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Green, Red and Flowering Plants)
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