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Materials
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Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds
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Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2022) | Viewed by 23067

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zorita Diaconeasa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: food chemistry; analytic biochemistry; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Phytochemicals extracted from different medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment of various human diseases. Dietary plants and herbs constitute a rich source of phytochemical compounds. The major content is represented by phenolic compounds, which are bioactive substances, responsible for the antioxidant property of the plant and its medicinal values. Polyphenols are a group of such phytochemical substances, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. They are classified into different subgroups, such as monophenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other non-flavonoid polyphenolics. All are highly diversified pigments synthetized by plants as secondary metabolites, which occur ubiquitously in nature, being responsible for the color of leaves, flowers, and fruits. There are several thousands of naturally occurring herbs which constitute a rich source of phytochemical compounds. The major content is represented by phenolic compounds, representing one of the largest groups of natural products.

To date, organic solvent extraction has been the main method used to extract phenolics. For their phytochemical characterization, the latest spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques are used.

Moreover, phenolic compounds are antioxidant substances capable of scavenging free radicals. This way, they protect biological systems against the harmful effects of oxidative processes on macromolecules and DNA, thereby reducing the risk of dreadful diseases. In addition to their antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds possess different biological activities that are attributed to their role in protection against human diseases.

Dr. Zorita Diaconeasa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • phenolic compounds
  • LC–MS
  • food industry
  • health benefits

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 1489 KiB  
Article
A Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Sambucus nigra L. Reduced Lipid Peroxidation in a Rat Experimental Model of Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity
by Rodica Ana Ungur, Ileana Monica Borda, Răzvan Andrei Codea, Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Bogdana Adriana Năsui, Sevastița Muste, Orsolya Sarpataky, Miuța Filip, Laszlo Irsay, Elena Cristina Crăciun, Simona Căinap, Delia Bunea Jivănescu, Anca Lucia Pop, Victoria Emilia Singurean, Maria Crișan, Oana Bianca Groza and Georgiana Smaranda Martiș (Petruț)
Materials 2022, 15(3), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030772 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3275
Abstract
The use of gentamicin (GM) is limited due to its nephrotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a flavonoid-rich extract of Sambucus nigra L. elderflower (SN) to inhibit lipoperoxidation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The HPLC analysis of the [...] Read more.
The use of gentamicin (GM) is limited due to its nephrotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a flavonoid-rich extract of Sambucus nigra L. elderflower (SN) to inhibit lipoperoxidation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The HPLC analysis of the SN extract recorded high contents of rutin (463.2 ± 0.0 mg mL−1), epicatechin (9.0 ± 1.1 µg mL−1), and ferulic (1.5 ± 0.3 µg mL−1) and caffeic acid (3.6 ± 0.1 µg mL−1). Thirty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into four groups: a control group (C) (no treatment), GM group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM), GM+SN group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM and 1 mL SN extract day−1), and SN group (1 mL SN extract day−1). Lipid peroxidation, evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes activity—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)—were recorded in renal tissue after ten days of experimental treatment. The MDA level was significantly higher in the GM group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), and was significantly reduced by SN in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p = 0.021). SN extract failed to improve SOD, CAT, and GPX activity in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p > 0.05), and its action was most probably due to the ability of flavonoids (rutin, epicatechin) and ferulic and caffeic acids to inhibit synthesis and neutralize reactive species, to reduce the redox-active iron pool, and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. In this study, we propose an innovative method for counteracting GM nephrotoxicity with a high efficiency and low cost, but with the disadvantage of the multifactorial environmental variability of the content of SN extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds)
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10 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
Effect of Recombinant Human Erythroferrone Protein on Hepcidin Gene (Hamp1) Expression in HepG2 and HuH7 Cells
by Min Min Than, Pimpisid Koonyosying, Jetsada Ruangsuriya, Sunhawit Junrungsee, Chairat Uthaipibull and Somdet Srichairatanakool
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216480 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1964
Abstract
Iron is essential for all living organisms. It is strictly controlled by iron transporters, transferrin receptors, ferroportin and hepcidin. Erythroferrone (ERFE) is an iron-regulatory hormone which is highly expressed in erythroblasts by erythropoietin (EPO) stimulation and osteoblasts independently of EPO by sequestering bone [...] Read more.
Iron is essential for all living organisms. It is strictly controlled by iron transporters, transferrin receptors, ferroportin and hepcidin. Erythroferrone (ERFE) is an iron-regulatory hormone which is highly expressed in erythroblasts by erythropoietin (EPO) stimulation and osteoblasts independently of EPO by sequestering bone morphogenetic proteins and inhibiting hepatic hepcidin expression. Although the hepcidin suppressive function of ERFE is known, its receptors still require investigation. Here, we aim to identify ERFE receptors on the HepG2 and Huh7 cells responsible for ERFE. Recombinant ERFE (rERFE) was first produced in HEK293 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 + ERFE, then purified and detected by Western blot. The liver cells were treated with an rERFE-rich medium of transfected HEK293 cells and a purified rERFE-supplemented medium at various time points, and hepcidin gene (Hamp1) expression was determined using qRT-PCR. The results show that 37-kD rERFE was expressed in HEK293 cells. Hamp1 was suppressed at 3 h and 6 h in Huh7 cells after rERFE treatments (p < 0.05), then restored to the original levels. Hamp1 was activated after treatment with purified rERFE for 24 h and 48 h. Together, these results reveal that ERFE suppressed Hamp1 expression in liver cells, possibly acting on membrane ERFE receptor, which in Huh7 cells was more sensitive to the ERFE concentrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds)
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24 pages, 10624 KiB  
Article
Natural Cinnamic Acid Derivatives: A Comprehensive Study on Structural, Anti/Pro-Oxidant, and Environmental Impacts
by Kamila Gryko, Monika Kalinowska, Piotr Ofman, Renata Choińska, Grzegorz Świderski, Renata Świsłocka and Włodzimierz Lewandowski
Materials 2021, 14(20), 6098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14206098 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5622
Abstract
Cinnamic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-HCA), caffeic acid (3,4-vdihydroxycinnamic acid, 3,4-dHCA), and 3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamic acid (3,4,5-tHCA) were studied for their structural, anti-/pro-oxidant properties and biodegradability. The FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV/Vis, 1H and 13C NMR, and quantum chemical calculations in B3LYP/6-311++G** [...] Read more.
Cinnamic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-HCA), caffeic acid (3,4-vdihydroxycinnamic acid, 3,4-dHCA), and 3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamic acid (3,4,5-tHCA) were studied for their structural, anti-/pro-oxidant properties and biodegradability. The FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV/Vis, 1H and 13C NMR, and quantum chemical calculations in B3LYP/6-311++G** were performed to study the effect on number and position of hydroxyl group in the ring on the molecular structure of molecules. The antioxidant properties of the derivatives were examined using DPPH● and HO● radicals scavenging assays, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, as well as the biological antioxidant assay with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, the pro-oxidant activity of compounds in Trolox oxidation assay was estimated. The effect of the derivatives on environment on the basis of increasing the carbon and nitrogen compounds transformation processes occurring in biological wastewater treatment was studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds)
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Review

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16 pages, 2176 KiB  
Review
Bioactives from Mushroom: Health Attributes and Food Industry Applications
by Aarti Bains, Prince Chawla, Sawinder Kaur, Agnieszka Najda, Melinda Fogarasi and Szabolcs Fogarasi
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247640 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7427
Abstract
It is well-known that the utilization of mushrooms as therapeutic agents is not new. Over the past years, they have been used by local individuals as food, as well as medicines, throughout the world. Nowadays, mushrooms are excessively used in the medicine, pharmacy, [...] Read more.
It is well-known that the utilization of mushrooms as therapeutic agents is not new. Over the past years, they have been used by local individuals as food, as well as medicines, throughout the world. Nowadays, mushrooms are excessively used in the medicine, pharmacy, food, and fermentation fields as well. Wild mushrooms are of particular interest, especially Trametes versicolor (commonly known as turkey mushrooms) due to their various uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They represent not only a huge storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but they are also an important source of bioactive polysaccharides. They are widely used in traditional oriental therapies. The fruiting bodies are used in the preparation of health tonics and tea. The present review is necessary to explore more about this mushroom-like classical taxonomy, morphology, nutritional value, bioactivity, various health attributes, mechanism of bioactive components against various diseases, and food applications. The influence of processing processes on the nutritional properties and bioactivity of the fungus is discussed. Potential bioactive components promising health attributes of Trametes versicolor are extensively described. Additionally, several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK) on the aspects related to immune function and inflammation, also presenting an anticancerous effect. Moreover, PSP and PSK were successfully described to decrease several life-threatening diseases. The potential food applications of Trametes versicolor were detailed to signify the effective utilization of the mushroom in functional food formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds)
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15 pages, 348 KiB  
Review
Can Ultrasound Therapy Be an Environmental-Friendly Alternative to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment?
by Rodica Ana Ungur, Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Laszlo Irsay, Alina Deniza Ciubean, Bogdana Adriana Năsui, Răzvan Andrei Codea, Victoria Emilia Singurean, Oana Bianca Groza, Simona Căinap, Georgiana Smaranda Martiș (Petruț), Cristin Borda and Ileana Monica Borda
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112715 - 21 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3288
Abstract
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most used drugs in knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Despite their efficiency in pain and inflammation alleviation, NSAIDs accumulate in the environment as chemical pollutants and have numerous genetic, morphologic, and functional negative effects on plants and [...] Read more.
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most used drugs in knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Despite their efficiency in pain and inflammation alleviation, NSAIDs accumulate in the environment as chemical pollutants and have numerous genetic, morphologic, and functional negative effects on plants and animals. Ultrasound (US) therapy can improve pain, inflammation, and function in knee OA, without impact on environment, and with supplementary metabolic beneficial effects on cartilage compared to NSAIDs. These features recommend US therapy as alternative for NSAIDs use in knee OA treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Application and Potential Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds)
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