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Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 8631

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chao Li

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Guest Editor

School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Interests: phytochemicals ; hypoglycemic; anticancer; hypolipidemic; anti-inflammatory; gut microbiota; functional foods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural resources are rich sources of bioactive compounds that possess various health benefits. This Special Issue seeks to explore the methods used to extract and purify bioactive compounds from different natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, algae, and medicinal plants. Additionally, we encourage submissions that investigate the composition and structural analysis of active components. Studies delving into the biological evaluation and molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits associated with these bioactive compounds are highly encouraged.

Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Extraction and purification techniques for bioactive compounds from natural resources.
Identification and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural resources.
Structural analysis of active components from natural resources.
Bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies of bioactive compounds from natural resources.
Biological evaluation and molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of bioactive compounds.
Applications of bioactive compounds in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Dr. Chao Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

isolation and purification
bioactive compounds
bioactive
molecular mechanism
structure–activity relationship

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 11367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Studies on Cynometra iripa Leaf and Bark as Herbal Medicines

by Shabnam Sabiha, Kamrul Hasan, Katelene Lima, Maryam Malmir, Rita Serrano, Isabel Moreira da Silva, João Rocha, Nurul Islam and Olga Silva

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2629; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112629 - 3 Jun 2024

Viewed by 802

Abstract

Cynometra iripa Kostel. is a Fabaceae species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for C. iripa leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3–6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index–20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2–5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3-O-glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3-O-rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of C. iripa leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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29 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Identification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Australian Myrtles and Their Antioxidant Activities

by Akhtar Ali, Abdul Mueed, Jeremy J. Cottrell and Frank R. Dunshea

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102259 - 11 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles’ phenolic compounds and the structure–function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles’ most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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14 pages, 6288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity of Bound Polyphenols Released from Rosa roxburghii Fruit Pomace Dietary Fiber by Solid-State Fermentation with Aspergillus niger

by Qing Chen, Juan Su, Yue Zhang, Chao Li and Siming Zhu

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081689 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, bioactivity, and release mechanism of bound polyphenols (BPs) released from Rosa roxburghii fruit pomace insoluble dietary fiber (RPDF) through solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Aspergillus niger. The results indicated that the amount of BPs released from RPDF through SSF was 17.22 mg GAE/g DW, which was significantly higher than that achieved through alkaline hydrolysis extraction (5.33 mg GAE/g DW). The BPs released through SSF exhibited superior antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities compared to that released through alkaline hydrolysis. Chemical composition analysis revealed that SSF released several main compounds, including ellagic acid, epigallocatechin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, quercetin, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid. Mechanism analysis indicated that the disruption of tight structure, chemical bonds, and hemicellulose was crucial for the release of BPs from RPDF. This study provides valuable information on the potential application of SSF for the efficient release of BPs from RPDF, contributing to the utilization of RPDF as a functional food ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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13 pages, 3352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Piceatannol Alleviates Deoxynivalenol-Induced Damage in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway

by Min Zhu, En-Qing Lu, Yong-Xia Fang, Guo-Wei Liu, Yu-Jie Cheng, Ke Huang, E Xu, Yi-Yu Zhang and Xiao-Jing Wang

Molecules 2024, 29(4), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040855 - 14 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1324

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin that is widely found in various foods and feeds, posing a potential threat to human and animal health. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the natural polyphenol piceatannol (PIC) against DON-induced damage in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2 cells) and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that PIC promotes IPEC-J2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, it not only significantly relieved DON-induced decreases in cell viability and proliferation but also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Further studies demonstrated that PIC alleviated DON-induced oxidative stress damage by increasing the protein expression levels of the antioxidant factors NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and glutamate–cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3), and glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 (GSTα4). In addition, PIC inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor-B (NF-κB) pathway, downregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) to attenuate DON-induced inflammatory responses, and further mitigated DON-induced cellular intestinal barrier injury by regulating the protein expression of Occludin. These findings indicated that PIC had a significant protective effect against DON-induced damage. This study provides more understanding to support PIC as a feed additive for pig production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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14 pages, 7276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Function Analysis of Soluble Dietary Fiber Obtained from Radish Pomace by Different Extraction Methods

by Xiqian Tan, Xiaoxiao Cheng, Bingyu Ma, Fangchao Cui, Dangfeng Wang, Ronghu Shen, Xuepeng Li and Jianrong Li

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020500 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) benefits human health, and different extraction methods might modify the structure and functions of the SDFs. Radish is rich in dietary fiber. To assess the impact of various extraction techniques on the properties and functions of radish SDF, the SDFs were obtained from white radish pomace using alkaline, ultrasonic-assisted, and fermentation-assisted extraction methods. Analysis was conducted on the structure, physicochemical characteristics, thermal properties, and functional attributes of the SDFs. The study revealed that various extraction techniques can impact the monosaccharides composition and functionality of the SDFs. Compared with the other two extraction methods, the surface structures of SDFs obtained by fermentation-assisted extraction were looser and more porous, and the SDF had better water solubility and water/oil holding capacity. The adsorption capacities of glucose and cholesterol of the SDFs obtained from fermentation-assisted extraction were also improved. Wickerhamomyces anomalus YFJ252 seems the most appropriate strain to ferment white radish pomace to acquire SDF; the water holding, oil holding, glucose absorption capacity, and cholesterol absorption capacity at pH 2 and pH 7 have a 3.06, 1.65, 3.19, 1.27, and 1.83 fold increase than the SDF extracted through alkaline extraction method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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24 pages, 2575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Profiles and Selected Biological Activities of Various Morphological Parts of Ligustrum vulgare

by Szymon Litewski, Izabela Koss-Mikołajczyk and Barbara Kusznierewicz

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020399 - 13 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Ligustrum vulgare (LV), widely cultivated in Europe and often used in hedges, has been historically recognized in folk medicine for its potential health benefits. This study focused on exploring the untargeted identification of secondary metabolites in ethanol extracts (70% v/v) from different morphological parts (young shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits) of LV at various stages of plant development, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Additionally, the selected biological activities (antioxidant activity, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition (COX-2), α-amylase inhibition and cytotoxicity) of the tested extracts were determined. Untargeted metabolomics showed that LV extracts were a rich source of phenylethanoid compounds, flavonoids, iridoids and their derivatives. The flowers of LV had the highest content of oleuropein (33.43 ± 2.48 mg/g d.w.). The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained for ripe and post-seasonal fruits, while in the case of other samples, the activity was at a similar level. All tested extracts showed α-amylase and COX-2 inhibitory activity. In addition, LV extracts showed strong antiproliferative properties in colorectal (HT29) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines. The obtained results show the difference in the content of bioactive compounds in various morphological parts of Ligustrum vulgare. These differences may influence the multifaceted medicinal potential of this plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Purification, Structural Analysis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Bioactive Compounds from Natural Resources)

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