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Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products

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 2023) | Viewed by 38136

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan
Interests: photoaging; melanogenesis; phytochemistry; phototoxicity; dermatology; skin disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants have an abundance of active components and various phytochemicals with multiple benefits, including antioxidant properties, antiaging, and protection of skin from environmental damage. The aim of this Special Issue is to collect the most up-to-date research on the protection and mechanisms of natural products or phytochemicals on aging-related disorders or diseases. Studies focused on the prevention and alleviation of natural products or phytochemicals on photoaging, photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and skin disorders are desired. We also welcome review articles and research on the protection of aging-related diseases in clinical trials, as well as in vitro and in vivo models.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Aging and aging-related disorders or diseases
  • The effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals in age-related diseases
  • Phytochemicals on regulation of melanogenesis
  • Effects and mechanism of phytochemicals on skin disorders
  • Antioxidants in aging-related diseases, such as skin disorders and skin cancer

Prof. Dr. Hsiu-Mei Chiang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • natural products
  • antioxidants
  • reactive oxygen species
  • photoaging
  • melanogenesis
  • phytochemicals
  • skin disorders

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1902 KiB  
Article
Three New Xanthones from Hypericum scabrum and Their Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Activities against Chromobacterium violaceum
by Li-Ping Teng, Hong Zeng, Cai-Yan Yang, He-Bin Wang and Zhong-Bo Zhou
Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5519; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175519 - 27 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1700
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in the production of virulence factors and pathogenicity in pathogenic bacteria and is, therefore, a hopeful target to fight against bacterial infections. During our search for natural QS inhibitors, two new xanthonolignoids (1 and 2 [...] Read more.
Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in the production of virulence factors and pathogenicity in pathogenic bacteria and is, therefore, a hopeful target to fight against bacterial infections. During our search for natural QS inhibitors, two new xanthonolignoids (1 and 2), each existing as a racemic mixture, one new simple oxygenated xanthone (7), and eight known analogs (36, 811) were isolated from Hypericum scabrum Linn. Chiral separation of 1 yielded a pair of enantiomers 1a and 1b. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and ECD (electrostatic circular dichroism) calculations. All isolates were evaluated for their QS inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum. Both 9 and 10 exhibited the most potent QS inhibitory effects with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 31.25 and 62.5 μM, respectively. Crystal violet staining was used to further evaluate the biofilm inhibition potential of compounds 7, 9 and 10, and the formation of biofilms increased with decreasing drug concentration in a classic dose-dependent manner. The results of a cytotoxicity assay revealed that compounds 7, 9 and 10 exhibited no cytotoxic activity on PC-12 cells at the tested concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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14 pages, 7039 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Anti-Skin-Aging Activity of Yeast Extract-Treated Resveratrol Rice DJ526
by Vipada Kantayos, Jin-Suk Kim and So-Hyeon Baek
Molecules 2022, 27(6), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27061951 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3033
Abstract
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress in cells but is not found in large quantities in plants. Resveratrol-enriched rice DJ526, which was developed as a functional crop, shows a diverse range of biological activities. Resveratrol production is measured as [...] Read more.
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress in cells but is not found in large quantities in plants. Resveratrol-enriched rice DJ526, which was developed as a functional crop, shows a diverse range of biological activities. Resveratrol production is measured as total resveratrol and its glycoside, piceid, which is mainly found in plant-derived resveratrol. In the present study, elicitation using yeast extract (YE), methyl jasmonate, and jasmonic acid increased resveratrol production in DJ526 rice seeds. DJ526 seeds elicited using 1 g/L (YE1) and 5 g/L yeast extract (YE5) showed enhanced resveratrol production and antioxidant activity. YE5-treated DJ526 seeds showed decreased melanin content by 46.1% and 37.0% compared with the negative control and DJ526 (non-elicitation), respectively. Both YE1 and YE5 efficiently improved the wound-healing activity by reducing the wound gap faster than in untreated cells, with a maximum rate of 60.2% at 24 h and complete closure at 48 h. YE1 and YE5 significantly decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and enhanced collagen synthesis in inflammatory cells. These findings indicate that YE-treated resveratrol rice DJ526 may improve resveratrol production and could be an active antiaging ingredient for cosmetic and skin therapy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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Review

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18 pages, 3617 KiB  
Review
Phytochemicals, Bioactive Properties and Commercial Potential of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Fruits: A Review
by Karthikeyan Venkatachalam, Narin Charoenphun, Pao Srean, Vasin Yuvanatemiya, Chinnawut Pipatpanukul, Kanokporn Pakeechai, Thanya Parametthanuwat and Jittimon Wongsa
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083401 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 18733
Abstract
The calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from the crossing of a mandarin orange with a kumquat. It is a small, round-shaped fruit with thin, smooth skin ranging from orange to dark red. The aroma of the fruit is [...] Read more.
The calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from the crossing of a mandarin orange with a kumquat. It is a small, round-shaped fruit with thin, smooth skin ranging from orange to dark red. The aroma of the fruit is distinctive and unique. Calamondin is an excellent source of Vitamin C, D-Limonene, and essential oils, providing benefits to the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer properties, and it exhibits various therapeutic effects. It also contains a good amount of dietary fiber from pectin. Its distinctive flavor and high juice content make calamondin juice a popular ingredient in many international cuisines. The juice also contains bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are a potential source of antioxidant properties. All parts of the calamondin fruit, including the juice, pulp, seeds, and peel, can be used in various applications, from food products like juices, powders, and candies to non-food uses in herbal medicine and cosmetics, showcasing their versatility and unique properties. This review will examine various bioactive components of calamondin and their related medicinal effects, and provide guidelines for their utilization, processing, and value addition on a commercial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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25 pages, 923 KiB  
Review
Phytochemical Constituents, Folk Medicinal Uses, and Biological Activities of Genus Angelica: A Review
by Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Hazem M. Shaheen, Esraa A. Elhawary, Nada M. Mostafa, Omayma A. Eldahshan and Jean-Marc Sabatier
Molecules 2023, 28(1), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010267 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5449
Abstract
Genus Angelica is one of the widely distributed and well-known genera of family Umbelliferae. It is utilized mainly by Chinese and Korean populations especially in their folk medicine. Angelica comprises a lot of medicinally important phytoconstituents such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, essential oils, [...] Read more.
Genus Angelica is one of the widely distributed and well-known genera of family Umbelliferae. It is utilized mainly by Chinese and Korean populations especially in their folk medicine. Angelica comprises a lot of medicinally important phytoconstituents such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, essential oils, verbascosides, polysaccharides, etc. Members of this genus play important roles, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, skin-whitening, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and many others. This review draws attention to many species of genus Angelica with much focus on A. dahurica being one of the highly medicinally used species within this genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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33 pages, 5620 KiB  
Review
Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Guarea Genus (Meliaceae)
by Wahyu Safriansyah, Siska Elisahbet Sinaga, Unang Supratman and Desi Harneti
Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8758; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248758 - 10 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Guarea is one of the largest genera of the American Meliaceae family, consisting of over 69 species which are widely distributed in Mexico, Argentina, and Africa and are used in traditional medicine for several diseases. Previous studies reported that the Guarea species produce [...] Read more.
Guarea is one of the largest genera of the American Meliaceae family, consisting of over 69 species which are widely distributed in Mexico, Argentina, and Africa and are used in traditional medicine for several diseases. Previous studies reported that the Guarea species produce secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpenoid, diterpenoid, triterpenoid, limonoid, steroid, and aromatic compounds. The preliminary chemical investigation commenced by isolating the limonoid compound, dihydrogedunin, in 1962; then, 240 compounds were obtained from the isolation and hydrodistillation process. Meanwhile, sesquiterpenoid is a significant compound with 52% of Guarea species. The extract and compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammation, antimalarial, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, phosphorylation inhibitor, and cytotoxic biological activities. The Guarea genus has also been reported as one of the sources of active compounds for medicinal chemistry. This review summarizes some descriptions regarding the types of Guarea species, especially ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology, such as the compounds isolated from the part of this genus, various isolation methods, and their bioactivities. The information can be used in further investigations to obtain more bioactive compounds and their reaction mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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16 pages, 3042 KiB  
Review
The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols with Anti-Aging Activity in Aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts
by Joo Hwa Lee, Jooho Park and Dong Wook Shin
Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4351; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144351 - 7 Jul 2022
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6040
Abstract
Skin is the largest organ in the body comprised of three different layers including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is mainly composed of dermal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM), such as collagen and elastin, which are strongly related to skin elasticity [...] Read more.
Skin is the largest organ in the body comprised of three different layers including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is mainly composed of dermal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM), such as collagen and elastin, which are strongly related to skin elasticity and firmness. Skin is continuously exposed to different kinds of environmental stimuli. For example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, air pollutants, or smoking aggravates skin aging. These external stimuli accelerate the aging process by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling pathways and even cause aging-related diseases. Skin aging is characterized by elasticity loss, wrinkle formation, a reduced dermal-epidermal junction, and delayed wound healing. Thus, many studies have shown that natural polyphenol compounds can delay the aging process by regulating age-related signaling pathways in aged dermal fibroblasts. This review first highlights the relationship between aging and its related molecular mechanisms. Then, we discuss the function and underlying mechanism of various polyphenols for improving skin aging. This study may provide essential insights for developing functional cosmetics and future clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Natural Products)
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