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Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products...
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Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 5316

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mariá Inés Isla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioprospecting and Plant Physiology Institute (CONICET-UNT), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Faculty of Natural Sciences, National University of Tucuman, San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina
Interests: natural products; bioactive compounds; biocompounds extraction, isolation and characterization; sustainable use of waste; food preservation; phytocosmetic product development; cosmetic product development; food products development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Iris Catiana Zampini

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán T4000, Argentina
Interests: natural products; agricultural by-products/wastes; biological activities; toxicity and genotoxicity; isolation and chemical characterization; food products development; phytocosmetic and herbal products development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. María Alejandra Moreno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioprospecting and Plant Physiology Institute (CONICET-UNT), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina
Interests: natural products; bioactive compounds; extraction, green and sustainable chemistry, isolation and characterization; sustainable use of waste; food preservation product development; food products development; phytocosmetic product development; cosmetic product development; phytotherapic product development; environmental protection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contributions made to this Special Issue should be linked to the phytochemical characterizations and biological activities/functional properties of bioactive compounds obtained from native and cultivated aromatic, medicinal, and food plants. Furthermore, bioactive compounds can be extracted from their by-products or residual biomasses. The main solvents used for the extraction of bioactive compounds should be environmentally friendly, and the used extraction methods could be conventional or unconventional. The aim of this Special Issue is to promote circular extraction processes. The topics of this Special Issue also include the applications of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients for modern medicinal drug and cosmetic product development, to improve the quality of crops, and for environmental protection. The use of total extracts or fractions obtained from plants as functional ingredients for different applications is an emerging research area that needs to be highlighted.

Therefore, for this Special Issue, we invite you to submit research and review articles relevant to the field.

The Special Issue is now open for submissions

Prof. Dr. Mariá Inés Isla
Dr. Iris Catiana Zampini
Dr. María Alejandra Moreno
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. Plants 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 extract
  • by-products or waste
  • bioactive compounds
  • functional ingredients
  • phytotherapic products
  • phytocosmetic products
  • food products
  • food preservation products
  • environmental protection products

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2266 KiB  
Article
Comparison of In Vitro Hair Growth Promotion and Anti-Hair Loss Potential of Thai Rice By-Product from Oryza sativa L. cv. Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong
by Anurak Muangsanguan, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Chaiwat Arjin, Sansanee Jamjod, Chanakan Prom-u-Thai, Pensak Jantrawut, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Patipan Hnorkaew, Apinya Satsook, Mathukorn Sainakham, Juan Manuel Castagnini and Korawan Sringarm
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213079 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 887
Abstract
The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth [...] Read more.
The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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18 pages, 2458 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Potential and Chemical Composition of Wild Baccharis crispa Spreng. Populations (Asteraceae) from Córdoba, Argentina: Perspective on Population Variability
by Giuliana Lingua, Ana Guadalupe Chaves, Juan Javier Aguilar, Florencia Martinez, Tomás Isaac Gomez, Kevin Alen Rucci, Lorena E. Torres, Carmen Ancín-Azpilicueta, Irene Esparza, Nerea Jiménez-Moreno, Marta Contigiani, Susana Nuñez Montoya and Brenda S. Konigheim
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3077; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213077 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on secondary metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of four wild populations of B. crispa from Córdoba, Argentina, and assess the variability in their bioactivity and chemical composition. The cytotoxicity of chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts from aerial parts was evaluated by the neutral red uptake method. Antiviral and virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were assessed via plaque-forming unit (PFU) reduction assay. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. The Puesto Pedernera population showed the strongest antiviral activity, with inhibition rates of 82% for CHIKV and 79% against HSV-1, as well as potent virucidal effects, reducing PFU formation by up to 5 logarithms for both viruses. Remarkably, ethanol extract exhibited the least toxicity and strongest inhibitory activity. Villa del Parque population was inactive. We identified 38 secondary metabolites, predominantly phenolic acids (12) and flavonoids (18), in varying proportions. Delphinidin and delphinidin-3-glucoside are described for the first time in the species. Differences in phytochemical profiles were observed among extract types and populations. Key phenolic compounds showed moderate positive correlations with the evaluated bioactivities, emphasizing the complexity of phytochemical properties and interactions. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of B. crispa extracts against viral infections and underscore the importance of considering the geographical source of plant material in bioactivity evaluations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 1577 KiB  
Article
Correlation Analysis Among the Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic and Antioxidative Activities of a Tessaria absinthioides Decoction for Endorsing Its Potential Application in Oncology
by Lourdes Inés Pascual, Lorena Luna, Roxana Elizabeth González, Javier Esteban Ortiz, Luciano Gomez-Gomez, Osvaldo Juan Donadel, María Belén Hapon, Gabriela Egly Feresin and Carlos Gamarra-Luques
Plants 2024, 13(21), 3062; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213062 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 551
Abstract
Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these [...] Read more.
Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these herbal drugs, qualitative and quantitative analyses are required. A Tessaria absinthioides decoction (DETa) was reported as having hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. This work aimed to analyze DETa by correlating its chemical composition with cytotoxic and antioxidative properties, with the aim of promoting research on it as an anticancer agent. DETa collections (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022) were analyzed by UHPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD-FLD, and UPLC-MS/MS; cytotoxicity was assessed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; antioxidative capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and FRAP methods; and correlation analysis was used to determine biological and chemical markers. The results provide evidence that biological activities were consistent across the collections. Among the quantified compounds, apigenin, naringin, gallocatechin gallate, ginnalin A, myricetin, epicatechin, OH-tyrosol, quercetin, and chlorogenic, tessaric, p-coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, caftaric, ellagic, and rosmarinic acids correlated as bioactive and chemical markers. Moreover, tessaric acid could be established as a species marker. Altogether, these findings add relevant information to DETa properties, encouraging further exploration of its potential application as an anticancer botanical. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 3615 KiB  
Article
Chemical-Functional Analysis of Extracts Obtained from Zuccagnia punctata Powder Using Green Solvents (NaDESs) in Conjunction with Traditional and Non-Traditional Techniques
by Antonela Mariana Romero, Iris Catiana Zampini and María Inés Isla
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182563 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Family Fabaceae. Subfamily Caesalpinioideae) is a native plant species with a long history of use in Argentine traditional medicine. The purpose of the present study was to extract bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity from Z. punctata aerial parts [...] Read more.
Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Family Fabaceae. Subfamily Caesalpinioideae) is a native plant species with a long history of use in Argentine traditional medicine. The purpose of the present study was to extract bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity from Z. punctata aerial parts using conventional solvents (water, ethanol 60°, vegetal oil) and unconventional solvents (natural deep eutectic solvents or NaDESs) such as green solvents with and without the assistance of ultrasound (UAE) and microwaves (MAE). NaDESs such as glucose: lactic acid (LGH), sucrose: citric acid (CAS), choline chloride: urea (CU) and glucose: fructose: sucrose (FGS) were used. LGH and CU were effective in the extraction of phenolic compounds (6710 ± 10.12 µg GAE/mL and 7140 ± 15.00 µg GAE/mL, respectively) as well as ethanol (6270 µg ± 12.00 µg GAE/mL) using conventional methods. Two chemical markers of Z. punctata (2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxy -3-methoxychalcone) were extracted in a high proportion in ethanol, oil, LGH and CU with UAE. The ABTS antioxidant capacity was higher in the extracts obtained with LGH and CU (SC50: 0.90 ± 0.10 µg GAE/mL and 1.08 ± 0.16 µg GAE/mL, respectively). The extract obtained with vegetal oil was the most potent as antifungal, followed by the extracts in ethanol, LGH and CU. These findings highlight the importance of using environmentally friendly solvents such as NaDESs to obtain bioactive metabolites from Z. punctata, an endemic plant of Argentina with a potential application in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 1408 KiB  
Article
Nutraceutical Valorization of Exhausted Olive Pomace from Olea europaea L. Using Advanced Extraction Techniques
by Vittorio Carlucci, Maria Ponticelli, Daniela Russo, Fabiana Labanca, Valeria Costantino, Germana Esposito and Luigi Milella
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162310 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 958
Abstract
Exhausted olive pomace (EOP) represents the principal residue of olive pomace. Several studies have optimized the extraction of specialized metabolites from the EOP of Olea europaea L., but a comparison between different extractive methods has not been made. For this reason, the present [...] Read more.
Exhausted olive pomace (EOP) represents the principal residue of olive pomace. Several studies have optimized the extraction of specialized metabolites from the EOP of Olea europaea L., but a comparison between different extractive methods has not been made. For this reason, the present investigation aims to compare four different extractive methods by using water and 15% ethanol/water as extractive solvents. Specifically, based on extract antioxidant activity, the methods compared were maceration (MAC), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). Between these, the UAE and ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extracts were demonstrated to have the highest antioxidant activity. Subsequently, these extracts were investigated for their hypoglycemic and antiradical activity using in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, respectively. ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract demonstrated the greatest ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme and an in vitro antioxidant activity comparable to N-acetyl cysteine in HepG2 cells. UAE and ASE extracts’ phytochemical characterization was also performed, identifying seven phenolic compounds, including 3-hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and, for the first time, salidroside. The ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract was the richest from a phytochemical point of view, thus confirming its major biological activity. Therefore, ASE and 15% ethanol/water may represent the best extractive method for EOP nutraceutical valorization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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16 pages, 362 KiB  
Article
Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds
by Juliana Dara Rabêlo Silva, Henrique Silvano Arruda, Amanda Cristina Andrade, Patrícia Berilli, Felipe Tecchio Borsoi, Yaneth Machaca Monroy, Marili Villa Nova Rodrigues, Klicia Araujo Sampaio, Glaucia Maria Pastore and Mario Roberto Marostica Junior
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152039 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1016
Abstract
In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric [...] Read more.
In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Plant Products and By-Products and Their Applications)
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