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Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 37617

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nieves Baenas

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Technology, Food Sciences and Nutrition, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
Interests: bioactive compounds of vegetable origin; nutrition and health; development of new plant foods and natural products; pharmacology applications; in vitro and in vivo animal models; bioaccessibility, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds
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Dr. Sonia Medina

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Guest Editor

Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
Interests: Plant-based foods; Bioactive compounds; Functionality; Analytical methods; LC-MS; Metabolomics
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Dr. Raúl Domínguez-Perles

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Guest Editor

Research Group on Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Spanish National Research Council (CEBAS-CSIC), University Campus of Espinardo, Edif. 25, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Interests: lipidomics; plant oxylipins; bioaccessibility; bioavailability; bioactivity; structure-activity relationship (SAR); in vitro models of biological activity; inflammation; oxidative stress; immune system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research on bioactive compounds of plant origin is essential to understand the extent and mechanisms of action by which these phytochemicals provide desirable chemical and functional properties to plant-based foods.

There is an increased awareness of the prophylactic effect of varied and balanced diets including a high proportion of vegetables that have been associated with the decrease of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. The main compounds responsible for these benefits are bioactive nutrients (carbohydrates, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and peptides, vitamins, and minerals) and non-nutrients ((poly)phenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and glucosinolates, among others). Furthermore, plant extracts rich in these compounds can be used as ingredients or technological coadjutants and, thus, incorporated into other food matrices to enhance their physical and chemical properties (such as antioxidants or dye compounds). In this regard, plant-based extracts enriched in specific compounds can be used as functional ingredients that contribute to enhanced quality of manufactured food products, while providing health-promoting properties to novel foods. In addition, these compounds can be extracted and used as nutraceuticals by the pharmaceutical industry and can be explored as co-treatments for disease management.

Based on these premises, this Special Issue will gather original works (reviews and research articles) that deal with uncovering breakthrough applications of bioactive compounds from plant-derived foods, the development of new analytical methods, and the evaluation of their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity through in vitro and in vivo (pre-clinical and clinical interventions) studies focused on addressing their health-effects.

Dr. Nieves Baenas
Dr. Sonia Medina
Dr. Raúl Domínguez-Perles
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

Plant bioactive compounds
Phytochemicals characterization
Bioactivity
Bioaccessibility
Bioavailability
Biological features of bioactive compounds
Technological applications

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ATR-FTIR-MIR Spectrometry and Pattern Recognition of Bioactive Volatiles in Oily versus Microencapsulated Food Supplements: Authenticity, Quality, and Stability

by Ramona Maria Popa, Florinela Fetea and Carmen Socaciu

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4837; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164837 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3586

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on the middle infrared region (ATR-FTIR-MIR) proved to be a convenient and reliable technique to evaluate foods’ quality and authenticity. Plants’ essential oils are bioactive mixtures used as such or in different oily or microencapsulated formulations, beneficial to human health. Six essential oils (thyme, oregano, juniperus, tea tree, clove, and cinnamon) were introduced in three oily formulations (Biomicin, Biomicin Forte, and Biomicin urinary) and these formulations were microencapsulated on fructose and maltodextrin matrices. To study their stability, the microencapsulated powders were kept under light irradiation for 14 days at 25 °C or introduced in biopolymer capsules. All variants were analysed by ATR-FTIR-MIR, recording wavenumbers and peak intensities (3600–650 cm⁻¹). The data were processed by Unscrambler and Metaboanalyst software, with specific algorithms (PCA, PLSDA, heatmaps, and random forest analysis). The results demonstrated that ATR-FTIR-MIR can be successfully applied for fingerprinting and finding essential oil biomarkers as well as to recognize this pattern in final microencapsulated food supplements. This study offers an improved ATR-FTIR-MIR procedure coupled with an adequate chemometric analysis and accurate data interpretation, to be applied for the evaluation of authenticity, quality, traceability, and stability during storage of essential oils incorporated in different matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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14 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in the Plasma of a Healthy Population: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial

by Raúl Arcusa, Juan Ángel Carrillo, Raquel Xandri-Martínez, Begoña Cerdá, Débora Villaño, Javier Marhuenda and María Pilar Zafrilla

Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3604; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123604 - 12 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4628

Abstract

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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16 pages, 1191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Phenological Stage and Harvest Date on the Bioactive Compounds Content of Green Pepper Fruit

by Alicia Dobón-Suárez, María J. Giménez, Salvador Castillo, María E. García-Pastor and Pedro J. Zapata

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3099; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113099 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3371

Abstract

Green pepper fruit is often consumed before it is completely ripe. However, the influence of the phenological stage in which the green pepper is consumed as a potential influencing factor in its bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity remains unknown. In addition, no literature is available concerning the bioactive compounds changes in ‘Lamuyo’ green peppers along its developmental and growth cycle. For this, two different approaches have been carried out, one using twelve different phenological stages (S1 to S12), and in the other, seven different harvest dates (from 27 February to 20 April). Moreover, bioactive compounds changes during 21 days of postharvest storage at 8 °C were investigated. In this study, bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, and total phenolic content) and the total hydrophilic and lipophilic (TAA-H and TAA-L) antioxidant activity were analysed. In addition, total soluble solids, total acidity, individual sugars, and organic acids were determined. Vitamin C levels increased along the phenological stages and harvest dates due to significant increases in ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid levels. Our results show that the total phenol content decreases as vegetables develop and subsequently increases both as ripening begins and by the last harvest date. Furthermore, TAA-H was also greater by the phenological stage S12 and the 20 April harvest date. In conclusion, the phenological stage and harvest date are key factors that significantly influence the bioactive compounds of green peppers, and those that appear by S12 and 20 April could be more beneficial to health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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14 pages, 1194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Harvest Use of Ultraviolet Light (UV) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) to Enhance Bioactive Compounds in Refrigerated Tomatoes

by Nieves Baenas, Celia Iniesta, Rocío González-Barrio, Vanesa Nuñez-Gómez, María Jesús Periago and Francisco Javier García-Alonso

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071847 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3186

Abstract

Different strategies have been developed to increase the concentration of bioactive compounds in tomatoes during post-harvest, with ultraviolet light (UV) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) being interesting tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet (UVA at 366 nm and UVC at 254 nm) pre-treatment (1 kJ/m²) and red–blue LED light (25.4 µmol/m²/s) on the concentration of carotenoids, (poly)phenols and hydrophilic/lipophilic antioxidant capacity during 7 days of refrigeration storage of green tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar “Raf”. In addition, special attention was paid to quality parameters (weight loss, colour, acidity, soluble solids and ripening index). Tomatoes exposed to LED light at 6 °C for 7 days increased up to three times the total carotenoids content (mainly β-carotene and E-lycopene) compared to tomatoes refrigerated in the dark, while UV treatments alone did not significantly affect the carotenoid content. Besides, exposure to LEDs increased the hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity of tomatoes by 30%, without affecting phenolic contents. Thus, LED treatments alone during refrigerated storage fostered ripening and improved the nutritional value of tomatoes, without compromising quality parameters. Further studies must be carried out to evaluate the impact on sensory attributes and consumer acceptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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12 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of a Polyphenolic Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora) for Reducing Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Type 1 Hypertensive Subjects

by Javier Marhuenda, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Raúl Arcusa, Desirée Victoria-Montesinos, Fernando Cánovas, Maravillas Sánchez-Macarro, Ana María García-Muñoz, María Querol-Calderón and Francisco Javier López-Román

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061783 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8920

Abstract

Hypertension is an important factor of cardiovascular diseases and contributes to their negative consequences including mortality. The World Health Organization estimated that 54% of strokes and 47% of cases of ischemic heart illness are related to high blood pressure. Recently, Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Lippia citriodora (LC) have attracted scientific interest, and they are recognized for their high content of polyphenols as these may prevent several disease factors, such as hypertension. The aim of the present study is to determine if supplementation with an HS-LC blend (MetabolAid^®) may be effective for the treatment of type 1 hypertensive sedentary populations. A total of 80 type 1 hypertensive subjects of both sexes were included in the study and were treated with placebo or the HS-LC extract, and both groups were treated over 84 days. The blood pressure (diastolic, systolic, and pulse pressure) was measured throughout the day, for each of the days of the study duration and determined using Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). Physical activity was determined throughout the study to ensure similar conditions related to exercise. The results showed the capacity for reducing the blood pressure parameters in the case of the HS-LC extract. The daily consumption of the HS-LC extract but not the placebo over 84 days was able to reduce the daytime parameters related to blood pressure. The most remarkable results were observed in the measurements performed during the daytime, especially in the systolic blood pressure showing statistically significant variation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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Review

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21 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Sweetpotato as a Functional Food in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Implications for Health: A Review

by Flora C. Amagloh, Benard Yada, Gaston A. Tumuhimbise, Francis K. Amagloh and Archileo N. Kaaya

Molecules 2021, 26(10), 2971; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102971 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7485

Abstract

Increasing urbanization in developing countries has resulted in busier lifestyles, accompanied by consumption of fast foods. The consequence is an increased prevalence in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Food-based approaches would be cheaper and more sustainable in reducing these NCDs compared to drugs, which may have side effects. Studies have suggested that consuming functional foods could potentially lower NCD risks. Sweetpotato is regarded as a functional food because it contains bioactive compounds. Recently, sweetpotato has gained attention in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but research has focused on its use in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, particularly the orange-fleshed variety of sweetpotato. Some studies conducted in other parts of the world have investigated sweetpotato as a functional food. There is a need to characterize the sweetpotato varieties in SSA and determine how processing affects their bioactive components. This review highlights some of the studies conducted in various parts of the world on the functionality of sweetpotato, its bioactive compounds, and how these are influenced by processing. In addition, the potential health benefits imparted by sweetpotato are expounded. The knowledge gaps that remain in these studies are also addressed, focusing on how they can direct sweetpotato research in SSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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15 pages, 12453 KiB

Open AccessReview

Solanum anguivi Lam. Fruits: Their Potential Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by Aisha Musaazi Sebunya Nakitto, John H. Muyonga, Yusuf Byenkya Byaruhanga and Anika E. Wagner

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26072044 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5260

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder of glucose homeostasis associated with a status of insulin resistance, impaired insulin signaling, β-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, sub-clinical inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals with potential antidiabetic effects may prevent T2DM and/or support a conservative T2DM treatment while being safer and more affordable for people from low-income countries. Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits (SALF) have been suggested to exhibit antidiabetic properties, potentially due to the presence of various phytochemicals, including saponins, phenolics, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids. For the saponin fraction, antidiabetic effects have already been reported. However, it remains unclear whether this is also true for the other phytochemicals present in SALF. This review article covers information on glucose homeostasis, T2DM pathogenesis, and also the potential antidiabetic effects of phytochemicals present in SALF, including their potential mechanisms of action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contributions of Bioactive Compounds to Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods)

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