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Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health
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Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 March 2025 | Viewed by 12516

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paola Coccetti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
2. National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: amino acid metabolism; metabolomics; cell cycle; signal transduction; aging; protein aggregation; ubiquitination; phosphorylation; nutrition; neurodegeneration
Dr. Paola Fusi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
2. National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: metabolism; cancer; environmental carcinogenesis; cadmium; neurodegeneration; protein aggregation; food and nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health”, will explore the impact of natural products, which originate from plants, on human wellness.

Plants contain secondary metabolites that are very specific and represent a fascinating library of bioactive compounds with a broad activity in the context of human health.

As society strives to transition towards more sustainable development pathways, it is important to investigate the link between biodiversity, nutritional status and human well-being.

Nutrients, supplements and herbal bioactive compounds have shown promise as complementary tools in the treatment and prevention of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, type II diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.

Consistent with the journal Nutrients, we welcome original research articles, reviews and commentaries, aiming at elucidating the role of nutrients, supplements and herbal compounds in counteracting pathogenetic factors inducing NCDs, with a special emphasis on disease prevention.

Dr. Paola Coccetti
Dr. Paola Fusi
Guest Editors

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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. Nutrients 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 2900 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

  • sustainability
  • prevention
  • healthy nutrition
  • chemical characterization
  • plant-based diets
  • non-communicable diseases
  • metabolism
  • oxidative stress
  • molecular mechanisms

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 4540 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of Isostrictiniin Against High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet-Induced Steatosis in MASLD Mice via Regulation of the AMPK/SREBP-1c/ACC Pathway
by Qi Yan, Chenyang Li, Jinfeng Li, Yuhan Yao and Jun Zhao
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3876; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223876 - 13 Nov 2024
Viewed by 599
Abstract
Objectives: Isostrictiniin (ITN), a natural polyphenol extracted from Nymphaea candida (snow-white waterlily), has antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities that may be beneficial in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ITN on high-fat, high-sugar diet [...] Read more.
Objectives: Isostrictiniin (ITN), a natural polyphenol extracted from Nymphaea candida (snow-white waterlily), has antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities that may be beneficial in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ITN on high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFSD)-induced steatosis in MASLD mice and its mechanisms. Methods: Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control and HFSD groups. After being fed for 4 weeks, the HFSD group was randomly divided into model, atorvastatin calcium (ATC; 10 mg/kg), and ITN (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) groups. After continued feeding for 4 weeks, the biochemical indexes in the mice were determined. Results: Compared with the model group, the liver index; FBG; HOMA-IR; serum AST, ALT, TG, TC, and LDL-C; and liver MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in the ITN (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and ATC (10 mg/kg) groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while serum HDL-C and liver SOD and GSH-Px levels were increased (p < 0.05). Pathological observation showed that ITN treatment mitigated the lipid liver deposition in the HFSD mice. Moreover, ITN could upregulate liver-tissue p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression in the HFSD-induced MASLD mice and downregulate SREBP-1c and ACC levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ITN can significantly improve MASLD mice, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the AMPK/SREBP-1c/ACC pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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15 pages, 2665 KiB  
Article
Methanolic Extract of the Nutritional Plant (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Exhibits Anticancer Activity by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Colorectal Cancer Cells
by Stefano Bianchini, Federica Bovio, Stefano Negri, Leonardo Bisson, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Luca Rastrelli, Matilde Forcella and Paola Fusi
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213742 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 530
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Diospyros kaki, the most widely cultivated species of persimmon, has been long used in traditional medicine since its leaves’ extracts contain high amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids, endowed with several beneficial effects. However, its anticancer activity towards colorectal cancer (CRC) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Diospyros kaki, the most widely cultivated species of persimmon, has been long used in traditional medicine since its leaves’ extracts contain high amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids, endowed with several beneficial effects. However, its anticancer activity towards colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been investigated in depth. Methods: The effect of a methanolic extract of D. kaki leaves, rich in kaempferol and quercetin derivatives, have been evaluated on an E705 CRC cell line, representative of most CRC patients, and on SW480 cells, carrying a KRAS-activating mutation. Results: This extract is effective in reducing tumor cells’ viability without affecting the healthy mucosa cell line CCD 841. In fact, Western blot experiments showed its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by increasing oxidative stress and disrupting mitochondrial functionality, as shown by reactive oxygen species measurement and Seahorse analysis. Conclusions: With the aim of increasing healthspan, as well as the substantial societal and macroeconomic costs associated with cancer, our results could pave the way to a role for D. kaki extract in both CRC treatment and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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18 pages, 15413 KiB  
Article
Insights into Osteogenesis Induced by Crude Brassicaceae Seeds Extracts: A Role for Glucosinolates
by Laura Gambari, Eleonora Pagnotta, Luisa Ugolini, Laura Righetti, Emanuela Amore, Brunella Grigolo, Giuseppe Filardo and Francesco Grassi
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203457 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 897
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Crude extracts from the Brassica genus have recently emerged as promising phytochemicals for preventing bone loss. While the most documented evidence suggests that their general biological activity is due to glucosinolates’ (GLSs’) hydrolysis products, the direct activity of GLSs is beginning [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Crude extracts from the Brassica genus have recently emerged as promising phytochemicals for preventing bone loss. While the most documented evidence suggests that their general biological activity is due to glucosinolates’ (GLSs’) hydrolysis products, the direct activity of GLSs is beginning to be uncovered. However, the contribution of GLSs to the bone-sparing activity of crude Brassicaceae extracts has seldom been addressed. Here, we aimed to gain insights into this gap by studying in the same in vitro model of human osteogenesis the effect of two Brassica seed extracts (Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum) obtained from defatted seed meals, comparing them to the isolated GLSs most represented in their composition, glucoerucin (GER) and glucotropaeolin (GTL), for Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum, respectively. Methods: Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) was assessed by alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR, respectively, evaluating mineral apposition and mRNA expression of specific osteogenic genes. Results: Both Brassica extracts and GLSs increased the osteogenic differentiation, indicating that the stimulating effect of Brassica extracts can be at least partially attributed to GLSs. Moreover, these data extend previous evidence of the effect of unhydrolyzed glucoraphanin (GRA) on osteogenesis to other types of GLSs: GER and GTL. Notably, E. sativa extract and GTL induced higher osteogenic stimulation than Lepidium sativum extract and GER, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, this study expands the knowledge on the possible application of Brassica-derived bioactive molecules as natural alternatives for the prevention and treatment of bone-loss pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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26 pages, 32576 KiB  
Article
Aquilaria crassna Extract Exerts Neuroprotective Effect against Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Toxicity in Human SH-SY5Y Cells: An RNA-Seq-Based Transcriptome Analysis
by Nattaporn Pattarachotanant, Suporn Sukjamnong, Panthakarn Rangsinth, Kamonwan Chaikhong, Chanin Sillapachaiyaporn, George Pak-Heng Leung, Valerie W. Hu, Tewarit Sarachana, Siriporn Chuchawankul, Tewin Tencomnao and Anchalee Prasansuklab
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162727 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1600
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is known to inhibit neurodifferentiation and induce neurodegeneration. Agarwood or Aquilaria crassna (AC), a plant with health-promoting properties, may counteract the neurotoxic effects of B[a]P by promoting neuronal growth and survival. This study investigated the protective effect of AC leaf ethanolic [...] Read more.
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is known to inhibit neurodifferentiation and induce neurodegeneration. Agarwood or Aquilaria crassna (AC), a plant with health-promoting properties, may counteract the neurotoxic effects of B[a]P by promoting neuronal growth and survival. This study investigated the protective effect of AC leaf ethanolic extract (ACEE) on the B[a]P-induced impairment of neuronal differentiation. A transcriptomic analysis identified the canonical pathway, the biological network, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are changed in response to neuronal differentiation and neurogenesis. Several genes, including CXCR4, ENPP2, GAP43, GFRA2, NELL2, NFASC, NSG2, NGB, BASP1, and NEUROD1, in B[a]P-treated SH-SY5Y cells were up-regulated after treatment with ACEE. Notably, a Western blot analysis further confirmed that ACEE increased the protein levels of GAP43 and neuroglobin. B[a]P treatment led to decreased phosphorylation of Akt and increased phosphorylation of ERK in SH-SY5Y cells; however, ACEE was able to reverse these effects. Clionasterol and lupenone were identified in ACEE. Molecular docking showed that these two phytochemicals had significant interactions with CXCR4, GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRA), and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). In conclusion, ACEE may be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention of impaired neuronal differentiation and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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18 pages, 5312 KiB  
Article
A Novel Strategy for Glioblastoma Treatment by Natural Bioactive Molecules Showed a Highly Effective Anti-Cancer Potential
by Alessandro Giammona, Mauro Commisso, Marcella Bonanomi, Sofia Remedia, Linda Avesani, Danilo Porro, Daniela Gaglio, Gloria Bertoli and Alessia Lo Dico
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152389 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1382
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a severe form of brain tumor that has a high fatality rate. It grows aggressively and most of the time results in resistance to traditional treatments like chemo- and radiotherapy and surgery. Biodiversity, beyond representing a big resource for [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a severe form of brain tumor that has a high fatality rate. It grows aggressively and most of the time results in resistance to traditional treatments like chemo- and radiotherapy and surgery. Biodiversity, beyond representing a big resource for human well-being, provides several natural compounds that have shown great potential as anticancer drugs. Many of them are being extensively researched and significantly slow GBM progression by reducing the proliferation rate, migration, and inflammation and also by modulating oxidative stress. Here, the use of some natural compounds, such as Allium lusitanicum, Succisa pratensis, and Dianthus superbus, was explored to tackle GBM; they showed their impact on cell number reduction, which was partially given by cell cycle quiescence. Furthermore, a reduced cell migration ability was reported, accomplished by morphological cytoskeleton changes, which even highlighted a mesenchymal–epithelial transition. Furthermore, metabolic studies showed an induced cell oxidative stress modulation and a massive metabolic rearrangement. Therefore, a new therapeutic option was suggested to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments and thereby improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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11 pages, 606 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nasal Solution Incorporating Resveratrol and Carboxymethyl-Β-Glucan in Preschool Non-Atopic Children with Wheezing
by Cristiana Indolfi, Costanza Mignini, Francesco Valitutti, Ilaria Bizzarri, Giulio Dinardo, Angela Klain, Michele Miraglia del Giudice and Giuseppe Di Cara
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142197 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1169
Abstract
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) account for more than 80% of wheezing episodes in children with a high incidence of hospitalization in preschool age. Most children with symptoms of wheezing during an URTI are usually non-atopic. As the majority of wheezing episodes resulting [...] Read more.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) account for more than 80% of wheezing episodes in children with a high incidence of hospitalization in preschool age. Most children with symptoms of wheezing during an URTI are usually non-atopic. As the majority of wheezing episodes resulting from URTI are attributed to viral triggers, several studies have suggested the potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of resveratrol. This study aims to identify the effect of resveratrol for pediatric non-atopic patients with recurrent wheezing triggered by URTIs. We conducted a prospective single-blind study to assess the effectiveness of a short course of nasal solutions incorporating resveratrol and carboxymethyl-β-glucan, administered for 7 days at the onset of URTIs, compared to standard nasal lavage with 0.9% saline solution. A total of 19 patients entered the active group, 20 patients were assigned to the placebo group. The comparison of overall wheezing days (p < 0.001), mean wheezing days per month (p < 0.01), and wheezing episodes per patient (p < 0.001) in the two groups showed a significant reduction in the group receiving resveratrol compared with the placebo group, with less hospital access (p < 0.001) and oral corticosteroid administration (p < 0.01). Our findings seem to suggest that, in non-atopic children with recurrent wheezing secondary to URTIs, nasal resveratrol could be effective to prevent or reduce the occurrence of wheezing, when started from the onset of upper airway symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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24 pages, 9472 KiB  
Article
Phyto-Photodynamic Therapy of Prostate Cancer Cells Mediated by Yemenite ‘Etrog’ Leave Extracts
by Efrat Hochma, Paul Ben Ishai, Michael A. Firer and Refael Minnes
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121820 - 10 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1190
Abstract
Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite ‘Etrog’ leaf extracts [...] Read more.
Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite ‘Etrog’ leaf extracts applied to prostate PC3 cancer cells is reported here. An XTT cell viability assay along with light microscope observations revealed pronounced cytotoxic activity of the extract for long exposure times of 72 h upon concentrations of 175 μg/mL and 87.5 μg/mL, while phototoxic effect was obtained even at low concentration of 10.93 μg/mL and a short introduction period of 1.5 h. For the longest time incubation of 72 h and for the highest extract concentration of 175 μg/mL, relative cell survival decreased by up to 60% (below the IC50). In combined phyto-photodynamic therapy, a reduction of 63% compared to unirradiated controls was obtained. The concentration of extract in cells versus the accumulation time was inversely related to fluorescence emission intensity readings. Extracellular ROS production was also shown. Based on an ATR-FTIR analysis of the powdered leaves and their liquid ethanolic extract, biochemical fingerprints of both polar and non-polar phyto-constituents were identified, thereby suggesting their implementation as phyto-medicine and phyto-photomedicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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Review

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31 pages, 1497 KiB  
Review
Whole Plant Extracts for Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review of Neuropsychological and Preclinical Studies
by Alessandro Piva, Giulia Benvegnù, Stefano Negri, Mauro Commisso, Sofia Ceccato, Linda Avesani, Flavia Guzzo and Cristiano Chiamulera
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3156; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183156 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1255
Abstract
The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, characterized by a progressive cognitive decline, is rising worldwide. Despite the considerable efforts to unveil the neuropsychological bases of these diseases, there is still an unmet medical need for effective therapies against cognitive [...] Read more.
The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, characterized by a progressive cognitive decline, is rising worldwide. Despite the considerable efforts to unveil the neuropsychological bases of these diseases, there is still an unmet medical need for effective therapies against cognitive deficits. In recent years, increasing laboratory evidence indicates the potential of phytotherapy as an integrative aid to improve cognitive functions. In this review, we describe the data of plant whole extracts or single compounds’ efficacy on validated preclinical models and neuropsychological tests, aiming to correlate brain mechanisms underlying rodent behavioral responses to human findings. After a search of the literature, the overview was limited to the following plants: Dioscorea batatas, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Nigella sativa, Olea europaea, Panax ginseng, Punica granatum, and Vitis vinifera. Results showed significant improvements in different cognitive functions, such as learning and memory or visuospatial abilities, in both humans and rodents. However, despite promising laboratory evidence, clinical translation has been dampened by a limited pharmacological characterization of the single bioactive components of the herbal products. Depicting the contribution of the single phytochemicals to the phytocomplex’s pharmacological efficacy could enable the comprehension of their potential synergistic activity, leading to phytotherapy inclusion in the existing therapeutic package against cognitive decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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29 pages, 1223 KiB  
Review
Exploiting Natural Niches with Neuroprotective Properties: A Comprehensive Review
by Hind Moukham, Alessia Lambiase, Giovanni Davide Barone, Farida Tripodi and Paola Coccetti
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091298 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3026
Abstract
Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are [...] Read more.
Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, promising strategies against neurodegenerative diseases are aimed to target multiple processes. These approaches usually avoid premature cell death and the loss of function of damaged neurons. This review focuses attention on the preventive and therapeutic potential of several compounds derived from natural sources, which could be exploited for their neuroprotective effect. Curcumin, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and phycocyanin are presented as examples of successful approaches, with a special focus on possible strategies to improve their delivery to the brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)
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