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Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts
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Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 8351

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andres F. Olea

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Guest Editor
Grupo QBAB, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, San Miguel, Santiago 8900000, Chile
Interests: application of natural products on agriculture; synthesis of natural products analogs; structure–activity relationships; development of formulations using bioactive natural products and nanomaterials
Dr. Héctor Carrasco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Grupo QBAB, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, San Miguel, Santiago 8900000, Chile
Interests: organic chemistry; organic synthesis; natural products research; biological activity of natural compounds and derivatives

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For a long time, plants have been a significant source of compounds with biological activity, and they have even been used as alternative medicine in diverse cultures around the world for centuries. It is well established that these activities are associated with the great number of secondary metabolites produced by plants to adapt themselves to the environment where they grow. As environmental conditions can change drastically from one place to another, or even in the same place due to climatic change or exogenous parameters, the chemical nature and relative concentration of metabolites change as well.

Therefore, this Special Issue focuses on phytochemical studies aimed to isolate and characterize natural products or to determine the chemical composition pattern that could be responsible for plant biological activities. The chemical modification of secondary metabolites to get synthetic plant analogs to establish structure–activity relationships or to increase their therapeutic or preventive properties will also be considered. On the other hand, studies of the composition and bioactivity of extracts obtained from different plant varieties or growth locations, or by different extraction methods will be also considered.

Dr. F. Olea Andres
Dr. Héctor Carrasco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. 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

  • natural products
  • plant extracts
  • extraction methods
  • synthetic analogs
  • biological activities of plant extracts
  • bioactive natural products

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2816 KiB  
Article
Phytotoxic Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones-Enriched Fractions from Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves on Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Species and Putative Mode of Action
by Daniela Rosa, Carlos Rial, Teresa Brás, Rosa M. Varela, Francisco A. Macías and Maria F. Duarte
Plants 2024, 13(19), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192758 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 610
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are compounds that are highly produced in Cynara cardunculus leaves, known for their phytotoxic activity. This study aims to assess SL-enriched fractions’ (cynaropicrin, aguerin B, and grosheimin) phytotoxic potentials and putative modes of action, compared to an initial extract, using [...] Read more.
Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are compounds that are highly produced in Cynara cardunculus leaves, known for their phytotoxic activity. This study aims to assess SL-enriched fractions’ (cynaropicrin, aguerin B, and grosheimin) phytotoxic potentials and putative modes of action, compared to an initial extract, using two approaches: first, against a panel of nine weed species in pre-emergence, and then on Portulaca oleracea L.’s post-emergency stage. The SL-enriched fractions demonstrated greater phytotoxic activity when compared with the C. cardunculus leaf initial extract. The SL-enriched fractions had higher activity at root growth inhibition over the panel tested, doubling the activity in five of them at 800 ppm. Regarding the post-emergence bioassay, the SL-enriched fractions had a higher influence on the plants’ growth inhibition (67% at 800 ppm). The SL-effects on the plants’ metabolisms were evidenced. The total chlorophyll content was reduced by 65% at 800 ppm. Oxidative stress induction was observed because of the enhancement in MDA levels at 800 ppm compared to control (52%) and the decrease in SOD-specific activity from 4.20 U/mg protein (400 ppm) to 1.74 U/mg protein (800 ppm). The phytotoxic effects of the SL-enriched fractions suggest that they could be used for a future bioherbicide development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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21 pages, 16292 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Neem (Azadirachta indica) Effects on Biofilm Formation of Food-Borne Bacteria and the Potential Mechanism Using a Molecular Docking Approach
by Ghada Abd-Elmonsef Mahmoud, Nahed M. Rashed, Sherif M. El-Ganainy and Shimaa H. Salem
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182669 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1154
Abstract
Biofilms currently represent the most prevalent bacterial lifestyle, enabling them to resist environmental stress and antibacterial drugs. Natural antibacterial agents could be a safe solution for controlling bacterial biofilms in food industries without affecting human health and environmental safety. A methanolic extract of [...] Read more.
Biofilms currently represent the most prevalent bacterial lifestyle, enabling them to resist environmental stress and antibacterial drugs. Natural antibacterial agents could be a safe solution for controlling bacterial biofilms in food industries without affecting human health and environmental safety. A methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves was prepared and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the identification of its phytochemical constituents. Four food-borne bacterial pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens) were tested for biofilm formation qualitatively and quantitatively. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of the extract were estimated using liquid cultures and a microtiter plate assay. The biofilm inhibition mechanisms were investigated using a light microscope and molecular docking technique. The methanolic extract contained 45 identified compounds, including fatty acids, ester, phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, and antioxidants with antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Substantial antibacterial activity in relation to the extract was recorded, especially at 100 μg/mL against K. pneumoniae and S. marcescens. The extract inhibited biofilm formation at 100 μg/mL by 83.83% (S. marcescens), 73.12% (K. pneumoniae), and 54.4% (N. aromaticivorans). The results indicate efficient biofilm formation by the Gram-negative bacteria S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, and N. aromaticivorans, giving 0.74, 0.292, and 0.219 OD at 595 nm, respectively, while B. cereus was found to have a low biofilm formation potential, i.e., 0.14 OD at 595 nm. The light microscope technique shows the antibiofilm activities with the biofilm almost disappearing at 75 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL concentrations. This antibiofilm property was attributed to DNA gyrase inhibition as illustrated by the molecular docking approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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19 pages, 1327 KiB  
Article
Ethanolic Extract from Fruits of Pintoa chilensis, a Chilean Extremophile Plant. Assessment of Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity
by Dioni Arrieche, Andrés F. Olea, Carlos Jara-Gutiérrez, Joan Villena, Javier Pardo-Baeza, Sara García-Davis, Rafael Viteri, Lautaro Taborga and Héctor Carrasco
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101409 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 1267
Abstract
Pintoa chilensis is a shrub with yellow flowers that reach up to two meters high, endemic of the Atacama Region in Chile. This species grows under special environmental conditions such as low altitude, arid areas, and directly sun-exposed habitats. In the present study, [...] Read more.
Pintoa chilensis is a shrub with yellow flowers that reach up to two meters high, endemic of the Atacama Region in Chile. This species grows under special environmental conditions such as low altitude, arid areas, and directly sun-exposed habitats. In the present study, ethanolic extract was obtained from fruits of P. chilensis, and then partitioned in solvents of increasing polarity to obtain five fractions: hexane (HF), dichloromethane (DF), ethyl acetate (AF), and the residual water fraction (QF). The antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The results show that the antioxidant capacity of P. chilensis is higher than that reported for other plants growing in similar environments. This effect is attributed to the highest content of flavonoids and total phenols found in P. chilensis. On the other hand, the cell viability of a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and a non-tumor cell line (MCF-10A) was assessed in the presence of different extract fractions. The results indicate that the hexane fraction (HF) exhibits the highest cytotoxicity on both cell lines (IC50 values equal to 35 and 45 µg/mL), whereas the dichloromethane fraction (DF) is the most selective one. The GC–MS analysis of the dichloromethane fraction (DF) shows the presence of fatty acids, sugars, and polyols as major components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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12 pages, 2093 KiB  
Article
Influence of β-Ionone in the Phytotoxicity of the Rhizome of Iris pallida Lam
by Yourk Sothearith, Kwame Sarpong Appiah, Chhin Sophea, Jady Smith, Say Samal, Takashi Motobayashi and Yoshiharu Fujii
Plants 2024, 13(2), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020326 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Iris pallida Lam., also known as Sweetie Iris, is a perennial ornamental and medicinal plant that produces a wide range of secondary metabolites. The Sweetie Iris was recently reported to have high allelopathic properties with the potential to be explored in sustainable weed [...] Read more.
Iris pallida Lam., also known as Sweetie Iris, is a perennial ornamental and medicinal plant that produces a wide range of secondary metabolites. The Sweetie Iris was recently reported to have high allelopathic properties with the potential to be explored in sustainable weed management. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the contributions of compounds involved in the inhibitory effects of the rhizome of Sweetie Iris. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to determine the content of β-ionone in the rhizome of Sweetie Iris. The phytotoxicity of β-ionone was evaluated on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and other test plants. The content of β-ionone in the crude extract of Sweetie Iris rhizome was found to be 20.0 mg g−1 by HPLC analysis. The phytotoxicity bioassay showed that β-ionone had strong inhibitory activity on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and the other test plants, including Taraxacum officinale, Stellaria media, Eleusine indica, Amaranthus hybridus, Vicia villosa, and Brassica napus. At a concentration of 23.0 µg mL−1, β-ionone inhibited the growth of all test plant species treated. Therefore, β-ionone is an active compound among the other allelopathic substances contained in the rhizome of Sweetie Iris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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17 pages, 5359 KiB  
Article
Green Extraction Techniques of Phytochemicals from Hedera helix L. and In Vitro Characterization of the Extracts
by Adina I. Gavrila, Christina M. Zalaru, Rodica Tatia, Ana-Maria Seciu-Grama, Cristina L. Negrea, Ioan Calinescu, Petre Chipurici, Adrian Trifan and Ioana Popa
Plants 2023, 12(22), 3908; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12223908 - 20 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1661
Abstract
Hedera helix L. contains phytochemicals with good biological properties which are beneficial to human health and can be used to protect plants against different diseases. The aim of this research was to find the most suitable extraction method and the most favorable parameters [...] Read more.
Hedera helix L. contains phytochemicals with good biological properties which are beneficial to human health and can be used to protect plants against different diseases. The aim of this research was to find the most suitable extraction method and the most favorable parameters for the extraction of different bioactive compounds from ivy leaves. Different extraction methods, namely microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional heating extraction (CHE), were used. The most suitable method for the extraction of saponins is MAE with an extraction efficiency of 58%, while for carbohydrates and polyphenols, the best results were achieved via UAE with an extraction efficiency of 61.7% and 63.5%, respectively. The antioxidant activity (AA) of the extracts was also determined. The highest AA was obtained via UAE (368.98 ± 9.01 µmol TR/gDM). Better results were achieved at 50 °C for 10 min of extraction, using 80% ethanol in water as solvent. In order to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity, the extracts richest in bioactive compounds were tested on NCTC fibroblasts. Their influence on the DNA content of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was also tested. Until 200 µg/mL, the extracts obtained via UAE and MAE were cytocompatible with NCTC fibroblasts at 48 h of treatment. Summarizing the above, both MAE and UAE can be employed as green and efficient methods for producing extracts rich in bioactive compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant properties and good noncytotoxic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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19 pages, 3138 KiB  
Article
Pentaclethra eetveldeana Leaves from Four Congo-Brazzaville Regions: Antioxidant Capacity, Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Proportional Accumulation of Phytochemicals
by Victor N’goka, Sandrine Lydie Oyegue Liabagui, Cédric Sima Obiang, Herman Begouabe, Gelase Fredy Nsonde Ntandou, Romeo Karl Imboumy-Limoukou, Jean-Claude Biteghe-Bi-Essone, Brice Serge Kumulungui, Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki and Ange Antoine Abena
Plants 2023, 12(18), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183271 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, Pentaclethra eetveldeana leaves are used in dementia treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the phytochemical composition of Pentaclethra eetveldeana [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, Pentaclethra eetveldeana leaves are used in dementia treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the phytochemical composition of Pentaclethra eetveldeana leaves from four Congo-Brazzaville regions. The 1.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, β-carotene bleaching and molybdenum reduction assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity. The protein denaturation and erythrocyte membrane stabilization tests were used to analyze the anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemical screening, the quantification of polyphenols by spectrophotometry, as well as the determination of extraction yields were carried out. It was found that the extracts reduced molybdenum; furthermore, compared to ascorbic acid, they showed better antiradical activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Moreover, globally, the membrane-stabilizing power of the aqueous extracts was superior or comparable to diclofenac, while the same extracts were less effective for the inhibition of denaturation. All of the aqueous extracts contained polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, reducing sugar and cardiotonic glycosides. The total polyphenols, tannins and proanthocyanidins are produced proportionally from one region to another. Finally, the leaves from Brazzaville and Boundji contain flavonols, while those from Makoua and Owando contain flavones. Thus, Pentaclethra eetveldeana leaves contribute to traditional dementia treatment through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Biological Activity of Plant Extracts)
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