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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 (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 20136

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Manuela Pintado

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Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology and biochemistry; development and compositional characterization and validation of bioactivity of functional ingredients (proteins and biopeptides, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobials); development of novel functional foods; obtain high-added value products; microbiology and biochemistry
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Dr. Ezequiel Coscueta

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Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: molecular biology; biotechnology; food science and technology; food chemistry
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Dr. María Emilia Brassesco

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Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: material characterization; food chemistry; enzyme purification; biotechnological techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health and sustainability must go hand in hand in the efforts to build a promising future. Marine, forestry, agriculture, and food systems are important sources of bioproducts used in health applications. Exploring these sources of biodiversity and their potential for the discovery of natural products with biological activities is necessary for developing new technological strategies. Despite the range of natural compounds already on the market, there is a need to identify bioactive molecules (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols) from different natural sources with favorable health properties, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antimicrobial, antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, immune-modulatory, relaxing, and satiety-inducing effects. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the supply of a sustainable and circular economy in food and industry systems. This third edition of the Special Issue aims to identify and gather works on the latest varied sources of bioproducts, the biological and functional activities of these bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and the methods used for extraction and purification without losing our focus of alignment with a concept of green technology. We also expect to identify methodologies for re-educating consumers to implement a healthier diet and introduce innovative technology in the whole industry chain.

Dr. Manuela Pintado
Dr. Ezequiel Coscueta
Dr. María Emilia Brassesco
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
health applications
natural sources
purification
downstream processing
sustainability

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Related Special Issues

Bioproducts for Health in Molecules (11 articles)
Bioproducts for Health II in Molecules (10 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid-State ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Soluble and Insoluble β-Glucans Extracted from Candida lusitaniae

by Ruslan Bikmurzin, Arūnas Maršalka and Lilija Kalėdienė

Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8066; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248066 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1240

Abstract

β-glucans are widely known for their biological activities. However, the choice of extraction method can significantly influence their structural characteristics, thereby potentially impacting their biological functions. In this paper, three fractions of β-glucans were obtained from Candida lusitaniae yeast via alkali and hot-water extraction methods and were analyzed using solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy was used as a nondestructive technique that preserves the structure of the analyzed molecules. The results suggest that differences in the β-glucan structure are affected by the choice of extraction method. The main difference occurred in the 82–92 ppm region with signal presence suggesting that β-glucans have a linear structure when hot-water-extracted, which is absent in alkali-extracted fractions resulting in the acquisition of β-glucans with an ordered, possibly helical structure. A hot-water extracted water-insoluble (HWN) fraction consists of linear β-1,3-glucans with other signals indicating the presence of β-1,6-linked side chains, chitin and small amounts of α-glucan impurities. For those that are alkali-extracted, alkali-insoluble (AN) and water-soluble (AWS) fractions are structurally similar and consist of an ordered β-1,3-glucan structure with β-1,6-linked side chains and a significant amount of α-glucan and chitin in both fractions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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16 pages, 2979 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Potential Biological Properties of Lycopene in a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System

by Sônia Nair Báo, Manuela Machado, Ana Luisa Da Silva, Adma Melo, Sara Cunha, Sérgio S. Sousa, Ana Rita Malheiro, Rui Fernandes, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Andreanne G. Vasconcelos, João Relvas and Manuela Pintado

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031219 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

In recent years, lycopene has been highlighted due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with a beneficial effect on human health. The aim of this study was to advance the studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms on human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) loaded with lycopene purified from red guava (nanoLPG). The characteristics of nanoLPG were a hydrodynamic diameter of 205 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.21 and a zeta potential of −20.57, providing physical stability for the nanosystem. NanoLPG demonstrated antioxidant capacity, as shown using the ORAC methodology, and prevented DNA degradation (DNA agarose). Proinflammatory activity was evaluated by quantifying the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, with only IL-8 showing a significant increase (p < 0.0001). NanoLPG showed greater inhibition of the tyrosinase and elastase enzymes, involved in the skin aging process, compared to purified lycopene (LPG). In vitro treatment for 24 h with 5.0 µg/mL of nanoLPG did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells. The ultrastructure of HaCaT cells demonstrated the maintenance of morphology. This contrasts with endoplasmic reticulum stresses and autophagic vacuoles when treated with LPG after stimulation or not with LPS. Therefore, the use of lycopene in a nanoemulsion may be beneficial in strategies and products associated with skin health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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16 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fish By-Products: A Source of Enzymes to Generate Circular Bioactive Hydrolysates

by Sandra Borges, Joana Odila, Glenise Voss, Rui Martins, Ana Rosa, José António Couto, André Almeida and Manuela Pintado

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031155 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

Fish viscera are usually discarded as waste, causing environmental problems, or as low-value by-products. This study describes a self-sufficient and zero waste approach to obtain enzymes and protein hydrolysates from fish by-products. Firstly, recovery steps of viscera enzymatic extract were applied, and the resulting raw extract was stable at a pH range of 8–9 and at temperatures between 40 and 50 °C. The application of the extracted enzymes and alcalase on fish by-products hydrolysis was also determined. The selected conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis were 10% (E/S) for 6 h using viscera enzymatic extract and 3% (E/S) for 2 h using alcalase. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) proved to have a notable antioxidant capacity with similar activity, ~11 mg ascorbic acid/g dry extract (ABTS assay) and ~150 mg Trolox/g dry extract (ORAC assay). FPH were also able to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, however, alcalase hydrolysates revealed a higher antihypertensive potential, IC₅₀ of 101 µg of protein/mL. In general, FPH obtained by both enzymes systems maintained these bioactivities after the passage throughout a simulated gastrointestinal tract. The hydrolysates also displayed important technological properties, namely oil absorption capacity (~1 g oil/g sample) and emulsifying property (~40%). Therefore, it will be conceivable to use fish by-products based on a circular economy approach to generate added value compounds for animal and human nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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Review

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34 pages, 1382 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Characteristics and Processing Technologies of Dairy Products from Non-Traditional Species

by Isabela Pérez Núñez, Rommy Díaz, John Quiñones, Ailín Martínez, Lidiana Velázquez, Rodrigo Huaiquipán, Daniela Tapia, Alex Muñoz, Marcos Valdés, Néstor Sepúlveda and Erwin Paz

Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5427; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225427 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1846

Abstract

Non-bovine dairy animals, commonly referred to as non-traditional dairy species, include goats, sheep, yaks, buffalo, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, and other less commonly farmed species. These animals have been integral to livestock systems since ancient times, providing milk and other essential products. Despite their historical significance, dairy production from many of these species remains predominantly confined to rural areas in developing countries, where scientific advancements and technical improvements are often limited. As a consequence of this, the scientific literature and technological developments in the processing and characterization of dairy products from these species have lagged behind those for cow’s milk. This review aims to compile and analyze existing research on dairy products derived from non-traditional animals, focusing on their molecular characteristics, including proteins (alpha, beta, kappa, and total casein), fats (cholesterol and total fat), lactose, albumin, ash, total solids, and somatic cell count, among others, for each of these species. Additionally, we discuss emerging technologies employed in their processing, encompassing both non-thermal methods (such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound processing, UV-C irradiation, gamma radiation, microfiltration, and cold plasma processing) and thermal methods (such as ohmic heating). This review also explores the specific potential applications and challenges of implementing these technologies. By synthesizing recent findings, we aim to stimulate further research into innovative technologies and strategies that can enhance the quality and yield of non-bovine dairy products. Understanding the unique properties of milk from these species may lead to new opportunities for product development, improved processing methods, and increased commercialization in both developing and developed markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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32 pages, 2314 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genus Stachys—Phytochemistry, Traditional Medicinal Uses, and Future Perspectives

by Stela Pashova, Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Kalin Ivanov and Stanislava Ivanova

Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5345; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225345 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1105

Abstract

The genus Stachys represents one of the most extensive genera within the subfamily Lamioideae and ranks as one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family. Many Stachys species are associated with a rich history in traditional medicine across various cultures, and their extracts and essential oils are rich in non-volatile and volatile compounds. Because of their complex profile of bioactive substances, Stachys members are considered to possess an extensive spectrum of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and wound-healing effects, as well as benefits for memory enhancement, lipid profile regulation, blood glucose control, and weight management. Despite the wide distribution and chemical diversity of the genus, studies on its biological activities remain limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant data from studies on the bioactive compounds, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Stachys species found in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus. Specific keywords were used in the search strategy, including “bioactive compounds”, “Stachys”, “Lamiaceae”, “Stachys extract”, “Stachys essential oil”, “traditional uses”, “chemical composition”, “therapeutic potential”, “clinical trials”, “in vivo studies”, “in vitro studies”. The search strategy was performed according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data from 171 studies were included. The manuscript highlights the drug-discovery potential of Stachys species, emphasizing their potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and the food industry. Moreover, it provides important data that could assist Stachys research programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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24 pages, 2466 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anti-Cancer Potential of Phytochemicals: The Regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

by Shuangyu Liu, Lingyu Li and Dongmei Ren

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5069; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135069 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

A biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows epithelial cells to change into mesenchymal cells and acquire some cancer stem cell properties. EMT contributes significantly to the metastasis, invasion, and development of treatment resistance in cancer cells. Current research has demonstrated that phytochemicals are emerging as a potential source of safe and efficient anti-cancer medications. Phytochemicals could disrupt signaling pathways related to malignant cell metastasis and drug resistance by suppressing or reversing the EMT process. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological properties and the molecular mechanisms of EMT in the progression of cancers, then summarize phytochemicals with diverse structures that could block the EMT process in different types of cancer. Hopefully, these will provide some guidance for future research on phytochemicals targeting EMT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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22 pages, 1447 KiB

Open AccessReview

Canthin-6-Ones: Potential Drugs for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases by Targeting Multiple Inflammatory Mediators

by Zongying Zhang, Anqi Wang, Yunhan Wang, Weichen Sun, Xiaorong Zhou, Qiuyun Xu, Liming Mao and Jie Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083381 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2177

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory disease (CID) is a category of medical conditions that causes recurrent inflammatory attacks in multiple tissues. The occurrence of CID is related to inappropriate immune responses to normal tissue substances and invading microbes due to many factors, such as defects in the immune system and imbalanced regulation of commensal microbes. Thus, effectively keeping the immune-associated cells and their products in check and inhibiting aberrant activation of the immune system is a key strategy for the management of CID. Canthin-6-ones are a subclass of β-carboline alkaloids isolated from a wide range of species. Several emerging studies based on in vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that canthin-6-ones may have potential therapeutic effects on many inflammatory diseases. However, no study has yet summarized the anti-inflammatory functions and the underlying mechanisms of this class of compounds. This review provides an overview of these studies, focusing on the disease entities and the inflammatory mediators that have been shown to be affected by canthin-6-ones. In particular, the major signaling pathways affected by canthin-6-ones, such as the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway, and their roles in several CIDs are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the limitations in studies of canthin-6-ones and provide possible solutions. In addition, a perspective that may suggest possible future research directions is provided. This work may be helpful for further mechanistic studies and possible therapeutic applications of canthin-6-ones in the treatment of CID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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19 pages, 11618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploration of the Use of Natural Compounds in Combination with Chemotherapy Drugs for Tumor Treatment

by Jianping Wu, Yunheng Li, Qiaojun He and Xiaochun Yang

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031022 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4113

Abstract

Currently, chemotherapy is the main treatment for tumors, but there are still problems such as unsatisfactory chemotherapy results, susceptibility to drug resistance, and serious adverse effects. Natural compounds have numerous pharmacological activities which are important sources of drug discovery for tumor treatment. The combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds is gradually becoming an important strategy and development direction for tumor treatment. In this paper, we described the role of natural compounds in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in synergizing, reducing drug resistance, mitigating adverse effects and related mechanisms, and providing new insights for future oncology research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)

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