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Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species
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Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 14869

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Spyridon Petropoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
Interests: vegetable production; fruit production; essential oils; bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Wild edible species have been collected and consumed for thousands of years due to their ability to enhance and complement the flavour and aroma of a wide range of foods or even for consumption in traditional and gourmet dishes. They also possess valuable nutritional properties, including a high content of macro- and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals as well as numerous bioactive compounds.

Many of these species are key ingredients in dietary patterns throughout the world, and although they are consumed in low amounts, they can play an important role in preventing chronic diseases that plague the modern world, as well as improving well-being. Among the various known phytochemicals, polyphenols show prominent bioactivities and contribute highly to the overall health benefits of dietary products. Although they are not classified as nutrients, the regular dietary intake of these secondary metabolites is associated with various health protective effects. They are widespread throughout the plant kingdom, serving in defence mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stressors or other plant processes, and they present wide variation in their chemical structures. Apart from polyphenols, other phytochemicals include flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanidins, phytoestrogens, terpenoids, carotenoids, limonoids, phytosterols, glucosinolates, and fibres, which are equally important in terms of their bioactivity and beneficial health effects. Finally, wild edible species are also rich in several compounds, such as fatty acids, free sugars, tocopherols and other vitamins, and organic acids, which may contribute to human health through their intrinsic bioactive properties.  

Considering the wide distribution of phytochemicals in plant tissues, the present Special Issue is focused on revealing the chemical composition of wild and/or underutilized edible species, including wild edible species, further identifying bioactive properties related to phytochemicals’ composition and biosynthesis, and revealing the mechanisms of action behind these activities. Moreover, this Special Issue aims to investigate the effect that pre- and post-harvest factors may have on phytochemicals’ composition, as well as the bioavailability of the detected compounds and their possible practical applications for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes and/or in functional food products. This Special Issues will cover a wide range of multidisciplinary topics, including crop production and plant physiology, analytical chemistry and biochemistry, food chemistry, food processing, and pharmacology, among others. Reviews and research papers are both welcome.

Dr. Spyridon Petropoulos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • wild edible species
  • bioactive properties
  • polyphenols
  • antioxidant activity
  • antimicrobial properties
  • carotenoids
  • vitamins

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 167 KiB  
Editorial
Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species
by Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133226 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Wild edible species are usually collected from the wild, and they have been included in the human diet beyond the advent of agriculture, as confirmed by several ethnobotanical surveys [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

11 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
Perennial Baki™ Bean Safety for Human Consumption: Evidence from an Analysis of Heavy Metals, Folate, Canavanine, Mycotoxins, Microorganisms and Pesticides
by Evan B. Craine, Muhammet Şakiroğlu, Spencer Barriball, Tessa E. Peters and Brandon Schlautman
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081777 - 13 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1604
Abstract
Global food production relies on annual grain crops. The reliability and productivity of these crops are threatened by adaptations to climate change and unsustainable rates of soil loss associated with their cultivation. Perennial grain crops, which do not require planting every year, have [...] Read more.
Global food production relies on annual grain crops. The reliability and productivity of these crops are threatened by adaptations to climate change and unsustainable rates of soil loss associated with their cultivation. Perennial grain crops, which do not require planting every year, have been proposed as a transformative solution to these challenges. Perennial grain crops typically rely on wild species as direct domesticates or as sources of perenniality in hybridization with annual grains. Onobrychis spp. (sainfoins) are a genus of perennial legumes domesticated as ancient forages. Baki™ bean is the tradename for pulses derived from sainfoins, with ongoing domestication underway to extend demonstrated benefits to sustainable agriculture. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence characterizing the nutritional quality of Baki™ bean. Through two studies, we investigated the safety of Baki™ bean for human consumption. We quantified heavy metals, folate, and canavanine for samples from commercial seed producers, and we quantified levels of mycotoxins, microorganisms, and pesticides in samples from a single year and seed producer, representing different varieties and production locations. The investigated analytes were not detectable or occurred at levels that do not pose a significant safety risk. Overall, this study supports the safety of Baki™ bean for human consumption as a novel pulse crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)
13 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
Hibiscus acetosella: An Unconventional Alternative Edible Flower Rich in Bioactive Compounds
by Laila Yasmim dos Santos Silva, Andrezza da Silva Ramos, Débora Nogueira Cavalcante, Valdely Ferreira Kinupp, João Vitor da Silva Rodrigues, Bianca Muniz Lacerda Ventura, Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes, Edgar Aparecido Sanches, Pedro Henrique Campelo and Jaqueline de Araújo Bezerra
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4819; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124819 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2543
Abstract
The interest in the consumption of edible flowers has increased since they represent a rich source of bioactive compounds, which are significantly beneficial to human health. The objective of this research was to access the bioactive compounds and antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of [...] Read more.
The interest in the consumption of edible flowers has increased since they represent a rich source of bioactive compounds, which are significantly beneficial to human health. The objective of this research was to access the bioactive compounds and antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of unconventional alternative edible flowers of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. Ex Hiern. The edible flowers presented pH value of 2.8 ± 0.00, soluble solids content of 3.4 ± 0.0 °Brix, high moisture content of about 91.8 ± 0.3%, carbohydrates (6.9 ± 1.2%), lipids (0.90 ± 0.17%), ashes (0.4 ± 0.0%), and not detectable protein. The evaluation of the scavenging activity of free radicals, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), of the flower extract was better than the results observed for other edible flowers (507.8 ± 2.7 μM TE and 783.9 ± 30.8 μM TE, respectively) as well as the total phenolic composition (TPC) value (568.8 ± 0.8 mg GAE/g). These flowers are rich in organic acids and phenolic compounds, mainly myricetin, and quercetin derivatives, kaempferol, and anthocyanins. The extract showed no cytotoxicity for the cell lineages used, suggesting that the extract has no directly harmful effects to cells. The important bioactive compound identified in this study makes this flower especially relevant in the healthy food area due to its nutraceutical potential without showing cytotoxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)
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17 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Wild Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)—Effects of Geographic Origin
by Dalia Urbonaviciene, Ramune Bobinaite, Pranas Viskelis, Jonas Viskelis, Aistis Petruskevicius, Viktorija Puzeryte, Laima Cesoniene, Remigijus Daubaras, Linards Klavins and Ceslovas Bobinas
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4589; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124589 - 6 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
In recent years, much attention has been devoted to Vaccinium L. berries because of their substantial potential to be adapted for the development of innovative food and pharmaceutical applications. The accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is extremely dependent on climate and other environmental [...] Read more.
In recent years, much attention has been devoted to Vaccinium L. berries because of their substantial potential to be adapted for the development of innovative food and pharmaceutical applications. The accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is extremely dependent on climate and other environmental conditions. In order to increase the reliability of the findings, this study was conducted with samples collected in four regions in Northern Europe (Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania) and analyzed in a single laboratory using a standardized methodology. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional (biologically active compounds (phenolic (477–775 mg/100 g fw), anthocyanins (20–57 mg/100 g fw), pro-anthocyanidins (condensed tannins (141–269 mg/100 g fw)) and antioxidant activity in different systems (ABTS•+, FRAP). Physicochemical properties (acidity, soluble solids, color) of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. were also evaluated. The results may contribute to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with potential health benefits in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the evaluation of the biologically active compounds of wild lingonberries from different Northern European countries based on one laboratory’s validated methods. The results indicated a geomorphological influence on the biochemical and physicochemical composition of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. depending on their place of geographical origin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

29 pages, 6531 KiB  
Review
Five Underutilized Ecuadorian Fruits and Their Bioactive Potential as Functional Foods and in Metabolic Syndrome: A Review
by Rodrigo Duarte-Casar, Nancy González-Jaramillo, Natalia Bailon-Moscoso, Marlene Rojas-Le-Fort and Juan Carlos Romero-Benavides
Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122904 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1991
Abstract
The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five such fruits—Borojó (Alibertia patinoi); Chonta (Bactris gasipaes); Arazá (Eugenia stipitata); Amazon grape [...] Read more.
The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five such fruits—Borojó (Alibertia patinoi); Chonta (Bactris gasipaes); Arazá (Eugenia stipitata); Amazon grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia), a wild edible plant; and Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum)—and their applications against metabolic syndrome. This study highlights their health-promoting ingredients and validates traditional medicinal properties, emphasizing their significance in improving health and mitigating the effects of the Western diet. These fruits, integral to Ecuadorian cuisine, are consumed fresh and processed. Chonta is widely cultivated but less prominent than in pre-Hispanic times, Borojó is known for its aphrodisiac properties, Cocona is traditional in northern provinces, Arazá is economically significant in food products, and Amazon grape is the least utilized and researched. The fruits are rich in phenolics (A. patinoi, E. stipitata) and carotenoids (B. gasipaes, E. stipitata), which are beneficial in controlling metabolic syndrome. This study advocates for more research and product development, especially for lesser-known species with high phenolic and anthocyanin content. This research underscores the economic, cultural, and nutritional value of these fruits, promoting their integration into modern diets and contributing to sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and public health through functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)
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27 pages, 10611 KiB  
Review
Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis), an Iconic Mexican Fungal Resource: Biocultural Importance, Nutritional Content, Bioactive Compounds, and Potential Biotechnological Applications
by Zuamí Villagrán, Magdalena Martínez-Reyes, Horacio Gómez-Rodríguez, Uzziel Ríos-García, Efigenia Montalvo-González, Rosa Isela Ortiz-Basurto, Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza and Jesús Pérez-Moreno
Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4415; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114415 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5496
Abstract
Worldwide, the fungus known as huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda) is a phytopathogen of maize plants that causes important economic losses in different countries. Conversely, it is an iconic edible fungus of Mexican culture and cuisine, and it has high commercial value [...] Read more.
Worldwide, the fungus known as huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda) is a phytopathogen of maize plants that causes important economic losses in different countries. Conversely, it is an iconic edible fungus of Mexican culture and cuisine, and it has high commercial value in the domestic market, though recently there has been a growing interest in the international market. Huitlacoche is an excellent source of nutritional compounds such as protein, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It is also an important source of bioactive compounds with health-enhancing properties. Furthermore, scientific evidence shows that extracts or compounds isolated from huitlacoche have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiplatelet, and dopaminergic properties. Additionally, the technological uses of huitlacoche include stabilizing and capping agents for inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, removing heavy metals from aqueous media, having biocontrol properties for wine production, and containing biosurfactant compounds and enzymes with potential industrial applications. Furthermore, huitlacoche has been used as a functional ingredient to develop foods with potential health-promoting benefits. The present review focuses on the biocultural importance, nutritional content, and phytochemical profile of huitlacoche and its related biological properties as a strategy to contribute to global food security through food diversification; moreover, the biotechnological uses of huitlacoche are also discussed with the aim of contributing to the use, propagation, and conservation of this valuable but overlooked fungal resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Properties and Chemical Composition of Wild Edible Species)
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