Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Antioxidants in Plant Sciences

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2021) | Viewed by 31937

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Szewczyk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Medicinal Plant and Mushroom Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Interests: plant biotechnology; phytochemistry; pharmaceutical botany; HPLC analyses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Inga Kwiecien

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Medicinal Plant and Mushroom Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
Interests: plant biotechnology; phytochemistry; pharmaceutical botany; biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Free radicals are the cause of many civilization diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Plants provide us with a great tool to fight free radicals, namely antioxidants. Research on the antioxidant potential of plants is an important and still developing branch of science. This Special Issue aims to provide a forum for dissemination of the latest information on this area. Research on the antioxidant potential of extracts from plants, both soil and in vitro, as well as research into metabolites with antioxidant activity are our focus. We look forward to receiving your contribution to this Special Issue.

Dr. Agnieszka Szewczyk
Dr. Inga Kwiecien
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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

Antioxidant activity
Secondary metabolites
Phytochemistry
Plant in vitro cultures
HPLC-analysis
Spectral analysis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oat (Avena sativa) Extract against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Human Keratinocytes

by Sooji Song, Yoon-Mi Lee, Yu Young Lee and Kyung-Jin Yeum

Molecules 2021, 26(18), 5564; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185564 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3902

Abstract

Oat (Avena sativa) is well known for its various health benefits. The protective effect of oat extract against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes HaCaT was determined. First, extracts of two varieties of oat, Daeyang and Choyang, were analyzed for fat-soluble antioxidants such as α-tocotrienol, γ-oryzanols, lutein and zeaxanthin using an UPLC system and for antioxidant activity using a DPPH assay. Specifically, an 80% ethanol extract of Daeyang oat (Avena sativa cv. Daeyang), which had high amounts of antioxidants and potent radical scavenging activity, was further evaluated for protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cell death, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, the phosphorylation of DNA damage mediating genes such as H2AX, checkpoint kinase 1 and 2, and p53 and the activation of apoptotic genes such as cleaved caspase-3 and 7 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in HaCaT cells. The Daeyang and Choyang oat 80% ethanol extracts had 26.9 and 24.1 mg/100 g γ-oryzanols, 7.69 and 8.38 mg/100 g α-tocotrienol, 1.25 and 0.34 mg/100 g of lutein and 1.20 and 0.17 mg/100 g of zeaxanthin, respectively. The oat 80% ethanol extract treatment (Avena sativa cv. Daeyang) had a protective effect on oxidative stress-induced cell death in HaCaT cells. In addition, the oat 80% ethanol extracts led to a significant decrease in the intracellular ROS level at a concentration of 50–200 μg/mL, the attenuation of DNA damage mediating genes and the inhibition of apoptotic caspase activities in a dose dependent manner (50–200 μg/mL). Thus, the current study indicates that an oat (Avena sativa cv. Daeyang) extract rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, avenanthramides, γ-oryzanols, tocotrienols and carotenoids, has a protective role against oxidative stress-induced keratinocyte injuries and that oat may a useful source for oxidative stress-associated skin damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenylalanine Increases the Production of Antioxidant Phenolic Acids in Ginkgo biloba Cell Cultures

by Agnieszka Szewczyk, Inga Kwiecień, Mariusz Grabowski, Karolina Rajek, Emilia Cavò, Maria Fernanda Taviano and Natalizia Miceli

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4965; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164965 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3149

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant properties, to investigate the content of major secondary metabolites in Ginkgo biloba cell cultures, and to determine the change in the production of phenolic acids by adding phenylalanine to the culture medium. Three in vitro methods, which depend on different mechanisms, were used for assessing the antioxidant activity of the extract: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), reducing power and Fe²⁺ chelating activity assays. The extract showed moderate activity both in the DPPH and in the reducing power assays (IC₅₀ = 1.966 ± 0.058 mg/mL; ASE/mL = 16.31 ± 1.20); instead, it was found to possess good chelating properties reaching approximately 70% activity at the highest tested dose. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, and condensed tannin content of G. biloba cell culture extract was spectrophotometrically determined. The phenolic acid content was investigated by RP-HPLC, and the major metabolites—protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids—were isolated and investigated by ¹H NMR. The results showed that phenylalanine added to G. biloba cell cultures at concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 mg/150 mL increased the production of phenolic acids. Cultures that were grown for 3 weeks and collected after 4 days of phenylalanine supplementation at high concentration showed maximal content of phenolic acids (73.76 mg/100 g DW). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Components, Volatile Profile and In Vitro Antioxidative Properties of Taxus baccata L. Red Arils

by Małgorzata Tabaszewska, Agata Antoniewska, Jaroslawa Rutkowska, Łukasz Skoczylas, Jacek Słupski and Radosława Skoczeń-Słupska

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4474; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154474 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2917

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the composition of bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids and polyphenols, the volatile compound profile and the antioxidant activity of red arils (RAs) of Taxus baccata L. grown in diverse locations in Poland. Among the carotenoids assayed in high quantities (3.3–5.42 μg/g), the lycopene content (2.55–4.1 μg/g) was remarkably higher than that in many cultivated fruits. Samples collected from three sites were distinguished by higher amounts of ascorbic acid (125 mg/100 g, on average) than those found in many cultivated berries. Phenylpropanoids quantitatively dominated among the four groups of phenolic compounds. Chromatographic separation enabled the detection of two phenylpropanoid acids: ferulic and p-coumaric. Irrespectively of the growth site, RAs contained substantial amounts of (-)-epicatechin (1080 μg/100 g, on average). A higher ability to scavenge DPPH^● and ABTS^●+ radicals was found in the hydrophilic fraction of RAs from two sites (Warsaw and Koszalin) compared with the other two sites. The volatile compound profile of RAs was dominated by alcohols, followed by ketones, esters and aldehydes. The presence of some volatiles was exclusively related to the specific growth site, which may be regarded as a valuable indicator. The combination of bioactive and volatile compounds and the fairly good antioxidant potential of RAs render them an attractive source for preparing functional foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity and Molecular Docking Study of Volatile Constituents from Different Aromatic Lamiaceous Plants Cultivated in Madinah Monawara, Saudi Arabia

by Amr Farouk, Mohamed Mohsen, Hatem Ali, Hamdy Shaaban and Najla Albaridi

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4145; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144145 - 7 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3614

Abstract

A comparative study of volatile constituents, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking was conducted between essential oils from Mentha longifolia L., Mentha spicata L., and Origanum majorana L., widely cultivated in Madinah. The investigation of volatile oils extracted by hydrodistillation was performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total number of 29, 42, and 29 components were identified in M. longifolia, M. spicata, and O. majorana representing, respectively, 95.91, 94.62, and 98.42, of the total oils. Pulegone (38.42%), 1,8-cineole (15.60%), menthone (13.20%), and isopulegone (9.81%) were the dominant compounds in M. longifolia oil; carvone (35.14%), limonene (27.11%), germacrene D (4.73%), and β-caryophyllene (3.02%) were dominant in M. spicata oil; terpin-4-ol (42.47%), trans-sabinene hydrate (8.52%), γ-terpinene (7.90%), α-terpineol (7.38%), linalool (6.35%), α-terpinene (5.42%), and cis-sabinene hydrate (3.14%) were dominant in O. majorana oil. The antioxidant activity, assessed using DPPH free radical–scavenging and ABTS assays, was found to be the highest in O. majorana volatile oil, followed by M. spicata and M. longifolia, which is consistent with the differences in total phenolic content and volatile constituents identified in investigated oils. In the same context, molecular docking of the main identified volatiles on NADPH oxidase showed a higher binding affinity for cis-verbenyl acetate, followed by β-elemene and linalool, compared to the control (dextromethorphan). These results prove significant antioxidant abilities of the investigated oils, which may be considered for further analyses concerning the control of oxidative stress, as well as for their use as possible antioxidant agents in the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aloe djiboutiensis: Antioxidant Activity, Molecular Networking-Based Approach and In Vivo Toxicity of This Endemic Species in Djibouti

by Abdirahman Elmi, Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif, Rosella Spina, François Dupire, Stéphanie Philippot, Champy Marie-France, Hugues Jacobs and Dominique Laurain-Mattar

Molecules 2021, 26(10), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26103046 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6324

Abstract

For the first time, the study of the antioxidant activity, the characterization of the phytoconstituants, and the evaluation of in vitro and in vivo toxicity of A. djiboutiensis leave and latex are performed. The antioxidant activity of both latex (ADL) and the methanolic extract of leaves (ADM) is determined using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging radical methods and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The phytochemical study of latex is done using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and a molecular networking-based approach. The evaluation of in vivo toxicity is performed on mice by oral gavage with a suspension of ADL. Our results show that weak antioxidant activity of ADL and ADM in opposition to their high polyphenol, 83.01 mg and 46.4 mg expressed in gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dry weight (DW), respectively, and flavonoid contents 13.12 mg and 4.25 mg expressed in quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight (DW), respectively. Using the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) website, nine (9) anthraquinones derivatives, ten (10) chromones derivatives, two (2) flavonols/ chromones isomers are annotated in the molecular network. The treated mice do not display abnormalities in their general physical appearance and biochemistry parameters, compared to the controls. Only glucose and calcium levels are slightly higher in male treated mice compared to the vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

γ-Aminobutyric Acid Enhances Heat Tolerance Associated with the Change of Proteomic Profiling in Creeping Bentgrass

by Zhou Li, Weihang Zeng, Bizhen Cheng, Ting Huang, Yan Peng and Xinquan Zhang

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184270 - 18 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) participates in the regulation of adaptability to abiotic stress in plants. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of GABA priming on improving thermotolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) based on analyses of physiology and proteome using iTRAQ technology. GABA-treated plants maintained significantly higher endogenous GABA content, photochemical efficiency, performance index on absorption basis, membrane stability, and osmotic adjustment (OA) than untreated plants during a prolonged period of heat stress (18 days), which indicated beneficial effects of GABA on alleviating heat damage. Protein profiles showed that plants were able to regulate some common metabolic processes including porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, glutathione metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, carbon fixation, and amino acid metabolism for heat acclimation. It is noteworthy that the GABA application particularly regulated arachidonic acid metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis related to better thermotolerance. In response to heat stress, the GABA priming significantly increased the abundances of Cu/ZnSOD and APX4 that were consistent with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. The GABA-upregulated proteins in relation to antioxidant defense (Cu/ZnSOD and APX4) for the reactive oxygen species scavenging, heat shock response (HSP90, HSP70, and HSP16.9) for preventing denatured proteins aggregation, stabilizing abnormal proteins, promoting protein maturation and assembly, sugars, and amino acids metabolism (PFK5, ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase 5; FK2, fructokinase 2; BFRUCT, β-fructofuranosidase; RFS2, galactinol-sucrose galactosyltransferase 2; ASN2, asparagine synthetase 2) for OA and energy metabolism, and transcription factor (C2H2 ZNF, C2H2 zinc-finger protein) for the activation of stress-defensive genes could play vital roles in establishing thermotolerance. Current findings provide an illuminating insight into the new function of GABA on enhancing adaptability to heat stress in plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

29 pages, 2103 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide

by Hanjo Hellmann, Aymeric Goyer and Duroy A. Navarre

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092446 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 8230

Abstract

With a growing world population, accelerating climate changes, and limited arable land, it is critical to focus on plant-based resources for sustainable food production. In addition, plants are a cornucopia for secondary metabolites, of which many have robust antioxidative capacities and are beneficial for human health. Potato is one of the major food crops worldwide, and is recognized by the United Nations as an excellent food source for an increasing world population. Potato tubers are rich in a plethora of antioxidants with an array of health-promoting effects. This review article provides a detailed overview about the biosynthesis, chemical and health-promoting properties of the most abundant antioxidants in potato tubers, including several vitamins, carotenoids and phenylpropanoids. The dietary contribution of diverse commercial and primitive cultivars are detailed and document that potato contributes much more than just complex carbohydrates to the diet. Finally, the review provides insights into the current and future potential of potato-based systems as tools and resources for healthy and sustainable food production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Plant Sciences)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Antioxidants in Plant Sciences

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI