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Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2024) | Viewed by 11921

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Prof. Dr. Diamanto Lazari

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Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: medicinal and aromatic plant; bioactive compounds; chromatography; spectroscopy; antioxidant activity; phenolic compounds; bioactivity; chemistry of natural substances; isolation, structural determination, characterization and biological evaluation of potentially interesting; secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical; alimentary and cosmetic fields; food chemistry; essential oils from aromatic plants
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Dr. Hsinjung Ho

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Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Interests: renal diseases, oxidative stress, vitamins, glycemic response, mitochondrial function
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue highlights the growing interest in active molecules found in plant extracts and their applications. Plant extracts are widely used in food, health supplements, and medicines, due to the presence of natural nutrients and active compounds. The chemical composition and active molecules of plant extracts have been extensively researched, and active molecules such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, phenolic acids, and volatile oils have been detected. These bioactive molecules possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood pressure-lowering, and blood sugar-lowering properties, among others. Some extracts also have antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergic, and analgesic properties.

Overall, plant extracts and natural compounds have an abundance of promising bioactive substances that can benefit human health and well-being. We welcome submissions of original articles, reviews, and communications. This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Lazari Diamanto, who is assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Olga Tsiftsoglou, <[email protected]> (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

Please note: Papers describing the effects of mixed extraction from a natural origin and substances without clear ingredients, such as complex prescriptions, crude extracts, and herbal mixtures, do not fall within the scope of IJMS. Therefore, the identification of the components is necessary.

The Volume I of the Special Issue "Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts"

Prof. Dr. Diamanto Lazari
Dr. Hsinjung Ho
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

bioactive substances
plant extracts
polysaccharides
flavonoids
alkaloids
saponins
terpenes
phenolic acids
volatile oils
antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/anti-cancer
blood pressure lowering
blood sugar lowering
antibacterial
antiviral
antiallergic

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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12 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Secondary Metabolites and Their Biological Evaluation from the Aerial Parts of Staehelina uniflosculosa Sibth. & Sm. (Asteraceae)

by Maria Lazanaki, George Tsikalas, Olga S. Tsiftsoglou, Haralambos Katerinopoulos, Dimitra Hadjipavlou-Litina and Diamanto Lazari

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910586 - 1 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 510

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of Staehelina uniflosculosa Sibth. & Sm. resulted in the isolation of twenty-two natural products: eleven sesquiterpene lactones, artemorin (1), tamirin (2), tanachin (3), reynosin (4), baynol C (5), desacetyl-β-cyclopyrethrosin (6), 1β-hydroxy-4α-methoxy-5α,7α,6β-eudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (7), 1β,4α,6α-trihydroxyeudesm-11-en-8α,12-olide (8), 1β-hydroxy-arbusculin A (9), methyl-1β,4α,6α-trihydroxy-5α,7αH-eudesm-11(13)-en-12-oate (10) and methyl-1β,6α,8α-trihydroxy-5α,7αH-eudesma-4(15),11(13)-dien-12-oate (11); one lignan, pinoresinol (12); one norisoprenoid, loliolide (13); six flavonoids (four genins and two glycosides), hispidulin (14), nepetin (15), jaceosidin (16), eriodictyol (17), eriodictyol-3′-O-β-D-glucoside (18) and eriodictyol-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (19); and three phenolic derivatives (one phenolic acid and two phenolic glucosides), protocatechuic acid (20), arbutin (21) and nebrodenside A (22). From the isolated compounds, only nepetin (15) has been reported previously from the Staehelina genus and, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that compound (18) has been identified in Asteraceae. A number of these substances were tested for (a) inhibition of lipoxygenase and acetylocholinesterase, (b) their antioxidant activity using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method or/and (c) inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The tested components exhibited low antioxidant activity with the exception of 5 and 22, while the effectiveness of these compounds in the inhibition of acetylocholinesterase is limited. Furthermore, Molinspiration, an online computer tool, was used to determine the bioactivity ratings of the isolated secondary metabolites. The compounds’ bioactivity ratings for potential therapeutic targets were very promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 6146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of Odorant-Binding Protein Genes Associated with Host-Seeking Behavior in Oides leucomelaena

by Ning Zhao, Kai Li, Huifen Ma, Lianrong Hu, Yingxue Yang and Ling Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179436 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 578

Abstract

The identification of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) involved in host location by Oides leucomelaena (O. leucomelaena Weise, 1922, Coleoptera, Galerucinae) is significant for its biological control. Tools in the NCBI database were used to compare and analyze the transcriptome sequences of O. leucomelaena with OBP and other chemosensory-related proteins of other Coleoptera insects. Subsequently, MEGA7 was utilized for OBP sequence alignment and the construction of a phylogenetic tree, combined with expression profiling to screen for candidate antennae-specific OBPs. In addition, fumigation experiments with star anise volatiles were conducted to assess the antennae specificity of the candidate OBPs. Finally, molecular docking was employed to speculate on the binding potential of antennae-specific OBPs with star anise volatiles. The study identified 42 candidate OBPs, 8 chemosensory proteins and 27 receptors. OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 were identified as classic OBP family members specific to the antennae, which was confirmed by volatile fumigation experiments. Molecular docking ultimately clarified that OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 all exhibit a high affinity for β-caryophyllene among the star anise volatiles. We successfully obtained three antennae-specific OBPs from O. leucomelaena and determined their high-affinity volatiles, providing a theoretical basis for the development of attractants in subsequent stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 6461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Potential of Rosa davurica Pall. Root Extract as an Antidiabetic Agent: A Comprehensive Analysis from Molecular Mechanisms to In Vivo Efficacy

by Du Hyeon Hwang, Ravi Deva Asirvatham, Ramachandran Loganathan Mohan Prakash, Changkeun Kang and Euikyung Kim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8944; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168944 - 16 Aug 2024

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Rosa davurica Pall. is widely used in traditional oriental herbal therapy, but its components and molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of Rosa davurica Pall. root extract (RDR) and elucidates its underlying molecular mechanisms with in vitro and in vivo models. Data from the current study show that RDR exhibits strong antioxidant activity and glucose homeostasis regulatory effects. It significantly impacts glucose homeostasis in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity. Further molecular mechanistic studies revealed that RDR promoted glucose uptake by phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), but not Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/Akt in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. These actions increased the expression and translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane. In addition, RDR treatment in the STZ-induced diabetic rats remarkably improved the low body weight, polydipsia, polyphagia, hyperglycemia, and islet architecture and increased the insulin/glucose ratio. The liver (ALT and AST) and kidney marker enzyme (BUN and creatinine) levels were restored by RDR treatment as well. Phytochemical analysis identified eight major constituents in RDR, crucial for its antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Through the molecular docking of representative glucose transporter GLUT4 with these compounds, it was confirmed that the components of RDR had a significantly high binding score in terms of structural binding. These findings from the current study highlight the antidiabetic effects of RDR. Collectively, our data suggest that RDR might be a potential pharmaceutical natural product for diabetic patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 5060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy and Molecular Mechanism of Quercetin on Constipation Induced by Berberine via Regulating Gut Microbiota

by Mengyao Cui, Ying Li, Tingting Zheng, Huan Chen, Jinrui Wang, Yifan Feng, Hanyi Ye, Zhengqi Dong and Geng Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116228 - 5 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1878

Abstract

Berberine (BBR) is used to treat cancer, inflammatory conditions, and so on. But the side effects of BBR causing constipation should not be ignored. In clinical application, the combination of Amomum villosum Lour. (AVL) and BBR can relieve it. However, the effective ingredients and molecular mechanism of AVL in relieving constipation are not clear. A small intestine propulsion experiment was conducted in constipated mice to screen active ingredients of AVL. We further confirmed the molecular mechanism of action of the active ingredient on BBR-induced constipation. Quercetin (QR) was found to be the effective ingredient of AVL in terms of relieving constipation. QR can efficiently regulate the microbiota in mice suffering from constipation. Moreover, QR significantly raised the levels of substance P and motilin while lowering those of 5-hydroxytryptamine and vasoactive intestinal peptide; furthermore, it also increased the protein expression levels of calmodulin, myosin light-chain kinase, and myosin light chain. The use of QR in combination with BBR has an adverse effect-reducing efficacy. The study provides new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of constipation induced by BBR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ability of Selected Monoterpenes to Reduce Fe(III) Ions Being Pro-Neurodegenerative Factors: Tests Based on a FRAP Reaction Extended to 48 Hours

by Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza and Anna Oniszczuk

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042191 - 12 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1014

Abstract

Monoterpenes are secondary plant metabolites, and such volatile compounds have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and enzyme inhibitory properties. These compounds are also able to reduce the potentially pro-neurodegenerative trace metal ions that can be sources of free radicals. One basic method used to evaluate the ability of chemical compounds to reduce Fe(III) is FRAP. To date, most studies based on a FRAP assay were performed within several dozen minutes. However, taking into account the diversity of compounds, it is justified to observe their activity over a much longer period of time. The present study aimed to observe the activity of isopulegol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, linalool, carvone, citral, and α-phellandrene over a 48 h period. Our study indicates that the lengthened reaction period enhanced activity from several dozen to several hundred percent. The obtained results also revealed an explicit high correlation of the increase in the activity of compounds with the increase in monoterpene concentration. Due to the hydrophobic character of monoterpenes, the FRAP method was modified by the addition of Tween 20. The highest activity was obtained for α-terpinene and γ-terpinene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 12986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Properties of Extracts Obtained from In Vitro Culture of Plectranthus scutellarioides in a Cell Model

by Tomasz Kowalczyk, Joanna Sikora, Anna Merecz-Sadowska, Wirginia Kukula-Koch, Ewelina Synowiec, Agata Majda, Dawid Juda, Tomasz Śliwiński and Przemysław Sitarek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021043 - 15 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1866

Abstract

Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as abscesses, ulcers, and ear and eye infections. It is known to have a wide range of biological properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we established in vitro cultures from both the aerial parts and roots of Plectranthus scutellarioides. Subsequently, we compared the basic phytochemical profile of the obtained extracts and conducted a biological analysis to assess their potential for inducing apoptosis in breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis by HPLC-MS revealed the presence of compounds belonging to phenolic acids (ferulic, syringic, vanillic, rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caffeic, coumaric, dihydroxybenzoic acids), flavonoids (eriodyctiol and cirsimaritin), and terpenes such as 6,11,12,14,16-Pentahydroxy-3,17diacetyl-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one, 6,11,12,14,16-Pentahydroxy-3,17-diacetyl5,8,11,13-abietatetraen-7-one, and 3,6,12-Trihydroxy-2-acetyl-8,12-abietadien7,11,14-trione. The results show that both extracts have a cytotoxic and genotoxic effect against MCF-7 and A549 cancer cells, with a different degree of sensitivity. It was also shown that both extracts can induce apoptosis by altering the expression of apoptotic genes (Bax, Bcl-2, TP53, Fas, and TNFSF10), reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing ROS levels, and increasing DNA damage. In addition, it has been shown that the tested extracts can alter blood coagulation parameters. Our results indicate that extracts from in vitro cultures of Plectranthus scutellarioides aerial parts and roots have promising therapeutic application, but further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of their action in the in vitro model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 1764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Endothelial Tube Formation by Modulating the Secretome of Hypoxic Lung Cancer Cells—Possible Role of VEGF Downregulation

by Felix Wittig, Florian Koch, Liza Pannenberg, Sander Bekeschus, Robert Ramer and Burkhard Hinz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020810 - 9 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1745

Abstract

β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a component of the essential oils of various spice and food plants, has been described as a selective CB₂ cannabinoid receptor agonist. In the present study, the effect of BCP on angiogenesis was investigated. It was found that conditioned media (CM) from BCP-treated hypoxic A549 lung cancer cells exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation induced by CM from vehicle-treated hypoxic A549 cells. There was an associated concentration-dependent decrease in the proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the CM, with both BCP inhibitory effects (tube formation, VEGF secretion) being CB₂ receptor-dependent. A reduction of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was furthermore detected. The antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering properties of BCP were confirmed when CM from another lung cancer cell line, H358, were tested. When directly exposed to HUVECs, BCP showed no significant effect on tube formation, but at 10 µM, impaired VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation triggered by recombinant VEGF in a CB₂ receptor-independent manner. In summary, BCP has a dual antiangiogenic effect on HUVECs, manifested in the inhibition of tube formation through modulation of the tumor cell secretome and additionally in the inhibition of VEGF-induced VEGFR2 activation. Because the CB₂ agonist has no psychoactive properties, BCP should continue to be evaluated preclinically for further antitumor effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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Review

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19 pages, 3282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Alkamides in Zanthoxylum Species: Phytochemical Profiles and Local Anesthetic Activities

by I-Cheng Lu, Pin-Yang Hu, Chia-Heng Lin, Lin-Li Chang, Hung-Chen Wang, Kuang-I Cheng, Tz-Ping Gau and Kai-Wei Lin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212228 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Zanthoxylum species have long been utilized in traditional medicine; among their various properties, they provide an analgesic effect. Central to this medicinal application are alkamides, a class of alkaloids characterized by their unsaturated fatty acid chains. These compounds are particularly noted for their distinctive alleviation of tingling and numbing effects, which are beneficial in dental pain management and local anesthesia. This review synthesizes the existing phytochemical research on alkamides derived from 11 Z. species, focusing on their chemical properties, pharmacodynamics and clinical implications. The analysis includes an examination of the structure–activity relationships (SARs), pharmacokinetics and mechanisms by which these compounds modulate sensations such as pungency and numbness, contributing to their analgesic and local anesthetic efficacy. This systemic review identifies significant research gaps, including the need for comprehensive evaluations of alkamide efficacy, detailed explorations of their pharmacological mechanisms and expanded clinical applications. These areas represent key opportunities for future investigations to enhance the understanding and utilization of alkamides in medical treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 2969 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adjuvant Properties of Caffeic Acid in Cancer Treatment

by Nicole Cortez, Cecilia Villegas, Viviana Burgos, Jaime R. Cabrera-Pardo, Leandro Ortiz, Iván González-Chavarría, Vaderament-A. Nchiozem-Ngnitedem and Cristian Paz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147631 - 11 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1415

Abstract

Caffeic acid (CA) is a polyphenol belonging to the phenylpropanoid family, commonly found in plants and vegetables. It was first identified by Hlasiwetz in 1867 as a breakdown product of caffetannic acid. CA is biosynthesized from the amino acids tyrosine or phenylalanine through specific enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Extensive research since its discovery has revealed various health benefits associated with CA, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These effects are attributed to its ability to modulate several pathways, such as inhibiting NFkB, STAT3, and ERK1/2, thereby reducing inflammatory responses, and activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway to enhance antioxidant cell defenses. The consumption of CA has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, mitigation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced toxicity, and reversal of resistance to first-line chemotherapeutic agents. This suggests that CA could serve as a useful adjunct in cancer treatment. Studies have shown CA to be generally safe, with few adverse effects (such as back pain and headaches) reported. This review collates the latest information from Google Scholar, PubMed, the Phenol-Explorer database, and ClinicalTrials.gov, incorporating a total of 154 articles, to underscore the potential of CA in cancer prevention and overcoming chemoresistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Natural Compounds and Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)

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