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Metabolites
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Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products
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Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 4038

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aikaterini Koutsaviti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pharmacy Programme, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: natural product chemistry; isolation; structure elucidation; evaluation of bioactivity
Dr. Christos Petrou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pharmacy Programme, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: peptides; peptide synthesis; natural products; pharmacognosy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to the “Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products”. Specialized metabolites, also known as secondary metabolites, play crucial roles in organisms–environment interactions, contributing to defense mechanisms, signaling, and adaptation. These compounds, often unique to specific species, are characterized by remarkable biological and pharmacological properties. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and reviews that explore the diverse methodologies and technologies employed in the isolation of these compounds and the determination and evaluation of their structure, pharmacological properties, and drug potential. We invite contributions that cover a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to analytical techniques, metabolite identification and characterization, bioactivity evaluation, and applications in natural product research. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the field and highlight future directions and challenges.

Dr. Aikaterini Koutsaviti
Dr. Christos Petrou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Metabolites 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 2700 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

  • structure elucidation
  • isolation
  • evaluation of activity
  • plant bioactive secondary metabolites
  • methodology development

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2980 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals the Metabolic Characteristics and Biomarkers of Antioxidant Properties of Gardeniae Fructus from Different Geographical Origins in China
by Wu Jiang, Lingling Jiang, Xiaoli Yin, Shuhui Zhang, Xiaojing Duan, Jiadong Chen, Yingying Liu, Hong Zheng and Zhengming Tao
Metabolites 2025, 15(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15010038 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Gardeniae Fructus (GF) has been widely used as both food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, but their antioxidant properties and potential metabolite biomarkers remain unclear. Methods: The purposes of this study were to examine antioxidant activities of 21 GF [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Gardeniae Fructus (GF) has been widely used as both food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, but their antioxidant properties and potential metabolite biomarkers remain unclear. Methods: The purposes of this study were to examine antioxidant activities of 21 GF varieties from different geographical origins in China and identify potential biomarkers of antioxidant properties using an untargeted LC–MS-based metabolomics approach. Results: The results demonstrate that metabolomics had the ability to trace the geographical origins of GF. We found that antioxidant activities varied with different varieties of GF, which was dependent on their chemical compositions. The key chemical categories were obtained as the primary contributors of the antioxidant activity, including prenol lipids, flavonoids, coumarins and derivatives, as well as steroids and steroid derivatives. In addition, adouetine Y, coagulin R 3-glucoside and epicatechin 3-glucoside were identified as potential biomarkers for the antioxidant activity of GF. Conclusions: Therefore, our study sheds light on the metabolic characteristics and biomarkers of the antioxidant properties of GF, contributing to the selection and cultivation of a high antioxidant variety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products)
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13 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Impact of Babaco (Vasoncelea x pentagona (Heilborn) Mabb.) Fruit Ripening Stages on Phytochemical Composition and Biological Properties
by Raluca A. Mihai, Mauricio G. Canchignia Guacollantes, Ramiro F. Vivanco Gonzaga, Nelson S. Cubi-Insuaste and Rodica D. Catana
Metabolites 2024, 14(12), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14120718 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 816
Abstract
Background: This research article delves into Babaco fruit’s—an Ecuadorian product with immense nutraceutical potential phytochemical composition and biological activity—in different maturation fruit stages. Bridging the gap between food and medicine, nutraceuticals offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Methods: Specifically, this study investigates Babaco’s [...] Read more.
Background: This research article delves into Babaco fruit’s—an Ecuadorian product with immense nutraceutical potential phytochemical composition and biological activity—in different maturation fruit stages. Bridging the gap between food and medicine, nutraceuticals offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Methods: Specifically, this study investigates Babaco’s antioxidant and its phenolic and flavonoid content across different ripening stages: physiological maturity, organoleptic quality immaturity, and commercial maturity. Results: This last stage of maturity exhibits the highest antioxidant activity, making it the optimal phase for marketing Babaco as a nutraceutical product. Further LC-MS analysis reveals the specific secondary metabolites responsible for this potent antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: By introducing Babaco as a nutraceutical fruit, Ecuador can showcase its unique phytochemical profile, which is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Consumers stand to gain from Babaco’s antioxidant properties, supporting overall health and well-being. Recognizing Babaco’s antioxidant potential aligns perfectly with Ecuador’s diverse biodiversity and offers a promising avenue for health-conscious choices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products)
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14 pages, 1597 KiB  
Article
Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi—Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variation in Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds
by Mara Junqueira Carneiro, Guilherme Perez Pinheiro, Elisa Ribeiro Miranda Antunes, Leandro Wang Hantao, Thomas Moritz and Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland Sawaya
Metabolites 2024, 14(11), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14110612 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 928
Abstract
Context: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive [...] Read more.
Context: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive compounds as well. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in volatile and non-volatile composition of S. terebinthifolia leaves using untargeted metabolomics. Material and Methods: The leaves of four trees were collected over one year; ethanolic extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and fresh leaves were analyzed by GC-MS using HS-SPME. The data were processed using online software. Results: The results suggest seasonality interfered little with the chemical composition of leaves. On the other hand, the sex of the plant clearly determined the chemical composition of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Discussion and conclusions: Chemical variability between plants with male and female flowers is fundamental information for the standardized use of its leaves. Compounds with important biological activities were putatively identified, confirming the potential use of S. terebinthifolia leaves as a source of bioactive compounds, reducing waste and increasing economic gains for local farmers throughout the year. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products)
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15 pages, 3313 KiB  
Article
Modulatory L-Alliin Effect on Acute Inflammatory Cytokines in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice
by Daniel Ulises Torres-Reyes, Marina Alma Sánchez-Sánchez, Carmen de la Rocha, Argelia Esperanza Rojas-Mayorquín, Rocío Ivette López-Roa, Daniel Ortuño-Sahagún and Lucrecia Carrera-Quintanar
Metabolites 2024, 14(11), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14110580 - 27 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The inflammatory response has evolved as a protective mechanism against pathogens and tissue damage. However, chronic inflammation can occur, potentially leading to severe disease. Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with obesity, and the Th1 cytokine profile plays an important role in this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The inflammatory response has evolved as a protective mechanism against pathogens and tissue damage. However, chronic inflammation can occur, potentially leading to severe disease. Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with obesity, and the Th1 cytokine profile plays an important role in this proinflammatory environment. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) can lead to persistent dysbiosis and maintain high concentrations of circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) over prolonged periods of time, resulting in metabolic endotoxemia. In this context, the study of natural immunomodulators has recently increased. Objective: The aim of this study is improve scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory role of L-Alliin in obesity and inflammation. Methods: In the present work, we describe the effect of L-Alliin on serum levels of cytokines in DIO mice after an acute inflammatory challenge. L-Alliin is the main organosulfurized molecule of garlic that has been studied for its numerous beneficial physiological effects in health and disease and is beginning to be considered a nutraceutical. Two situations are simulated in this experimental model, health and chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs in obesity, both of which are confronted with an acute, inflammation-inducing challenge. Results: Based on our findings, L-Alliin seems to somehow stimulate the cellular chemotaxis by eliciting the release of key molecules, including IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-9, and G-CSF. However, the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. This, in turn, mitigates the risk of severe inflammatory symptoms by preventing the release of IL-1β and its downstream molecules such as IL-1α, GM-CSF, and RANTES. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that L-Alliin can boost immunity in healthy organisms and act as an immunomodulator in low-grade inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Specialized Metabolites in Natural Products)
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