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Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application
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Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 11065

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Elson S. Alvarenga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Vicosa, Brazil
Interests: organic synthesis; natural products; theoretical calculation; spectrometric methods; structure identification; pesticide science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Wei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
Interests: plant extracts; new plant-derived compounds; new drug candidates

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products of vegetable origin, particularly secondary metabolites, are produced by plants to protect them from abiotic and biotic stresses. The structural variety of compounds is extraordinary and represents the richness of biological diversity in plant chemical ecology, in addition to plant–plant, plant–microorganism, and plant–animal interactions. Investigating this diversity of organic compounds is a source of inspiration for application in the food industry, medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, and agrochemistry. Obtaining bioactive compounds involves the extraction, isolation, structural elucidation, and evaluation of biological activity. The techniques commonly used in structural elucidation are nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy associated with DFT computational calculations, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy. This Special Issue of Plants will highlight bioactive substances of plant origin, with a specific focus on extraction, identification, an evaluation of biological activity, and application.

Prof. Dr. Elson S. Alvarenga
Prof. Dr. Wei Li
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

  • bioassay
  • NMR
  • biological evaluation
  • theoretical calculation
  • DFT
  • natural products
  • mass spectrometry
  • infrared

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6785 KiB  
Article
Herbicidal Formulations with Plant-Based Compounds to Control Amaranthus hybridus, Lolium multiflorum, and Brassica rapa Weeds
by Juan J. Romero, Juliana Soler-Arango, Marcos E. Coustet, Daniela B. Moracci, Sebastián Reinoso, Marcos E. Yanniccari, Aline Schneider-Teixeira and Jimena M. Herrera
Plants 2025, 14(2), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020276 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 723
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown the potential effect of bioactive agents against weeds. In this study, we developed two binary formulations with nonanoic acid, citral, or thymoquinone as herbicides and evaluated their physicochemical properties. The presence of the bioactive compounds in the formulations was [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have shown the potential effect of bioactive agents against weeds. In this study, we developed two binary formulations with nonanoic acid, citral, or thymoquinone as herbicides and evaluated their physicochemical properties. The presence of the bioactive compounds in the formulations was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. A dynamic light scattering study was conducted to characterize the emulsified formulations and the size and distribution of the aggregates. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to ensure the thermal stability of the formulations. The herbicidal activity against Amaranthus hybridus, Lolium multiflorum, and Brassica rapa weeds was evaluated, and each species showed different levels of sensitivity with half maximal inhibitory concentration doses from 0.07 to 5 mM. The binary formulations negatively affected the photosynthetic system reducing Fv/Fm values at 5 days after treatment. Lastly, the phytotoxic effect of the formulations was tested on wheat germination, and they did not inhibit plant germination and seedling growth at ≤5 mM after 14 days of application. The development of new formulations with natural compounds as bioactive ingredients would allow control of a wide spectrum of weeds through a multitarget-site effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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14 pages, 1002 KiB  
Article
Effects of Submerged Macrophytes on Demography and Filtration Rates of Daphnia and Simocephalus (Crustacea: Cladocera)
by Cristian A. Espinosa-Rodríguez, Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, Luz J. Montes-Campos, Ivan M. Saavedra-Martínez, Ma. del Rosario Sánchez-Rodríguez, Laura Peralta-Soriano and Ligia Rivera-De la Parra
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111504 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
Macrophytes and cladocerans represent the main antagonistic groups that regulate phytoplankton biomass; however, the mechanism behind this interaction is unclear. In laboratory conditions, we separately evaluated the effects of three submerged macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and Stuckenia pectinata), as [...] Read more.
Macrophytes and cladocerans represent the main antagonistic groups that regulate phytoplankton biomass; however, the mechanism behind this interaction is unclear. In laboratory conditions, we separately evaluated the effects of three submerged macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and Stuckenia pectinata), as well as their exudates, and plant-associated microbiota (POM < 25 µm) + exudates on the population growth of Daphnia cf. pulex and Simocephalus cf. mixtus. Living Ceratophyllum, exudates, and POM < 25 µm + exudates exhibited the most robust positive effects on Simocephalus density and the rate of population increase (r). Subsequently, we examined the effects of Ceratophyllum on the filtration and feeding rates of Simocephalus and Daphnia, revealing significant (p < 0.001) promotion of filtration and feeding in Simocephalus but not in Daphnia. To elucidate the specific effects of this macrophyte on Simocephalus demography, we assessed selected life table variables across the same treatments. The treatments involving exudates and living Ceratophyllum resulted in approximately 40% longer survivorship and significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced fecundity. Our findings indicate that exudates from submerged macrophytes positively influence Simocephalus demography by increasing filtration rates, survivorship, and fecundity. This synergy suggests a substantial impact on phytoplankton abundance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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18 pages, 5145 KiB  
Article
Resistance to Frankliniella occidentalis during Different Plant Life Stages and under Different Environmental Conditions in the Ornamental Gladiolus
by Dinar S. C. Wahyuni, Peter G. L. Klinkhamer, Young Hae Choi and Kirsten A. Leiss
Plants 2024, 13(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050687 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 997
Abstract
The defense mechanisms of plants evolve as they develop. Previous research has identified chemical defenses against Western flower thrips (WFT) in Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus L.). Consequently, our study aimed to explore the consistency of these defense variations against WFT across the various [...] Read more.
The defense mechanisms of plants evolve as they develop. Previous research has identified chemical defenses against Western flower thrips (WFT) in Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus L.). Consequently, our study aimed to explore the consistency of these defense variations against WFT across the various developmental stages of Gladiolus grown under different conditions. Thrips bioassays were conducted on whole plants at three developmental stages, using the Charming Beauty and Robinetta varieties as examples of susceptible and resistant varieties, respectively. Metabolomic profiles of the leaves, buds and flowers before thrips infestation were analyzed. The thrips damage in Charming Beauty was more than 500-fold higher than the damage in Robinetta at all plant development stages. Relative concentrations of triterpenoid saponins and amino acids that were associated with resistance were higher in Robinetta at all plant stages. In Charming Beauty, the leaves exhibited greater damage compared to buds and flowers. The relative concentrations of alanine, valine and threonine were higher in buds and flowers than in leaves. The Metabolomic profiles of the leaves did not change significantly during plant development. In addition, we cultivated plants under different environmental conditions, ensuring consistency in the performance of the two varieties across different growing conditions. In conclusion, the chemical thrips resistance markers, based on the analysis of vegetative plants grown in climate rooms, were consistent over the plant’s lifetime and for plants grown under field conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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13 pages, 1062 KiB  
Article
Identification of Daphnane Diterpenoids from Wikstroemia indica Using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
by Mi Zhang, Kouharu Otsuki, Reo Takahashi, Takashi Kikuchi, Di Zhou, Ning Li and Wei Li
Plants 2023, 12(20), 3620; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203620 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for the rapid identification of compounds within natural resources. Daphnane diterpenoids, a class of natural compounds predominantly found in plants belonging to the Thymelaeaceae and Euphorbiaceae families, have attracted [...] Read more.
Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for the rapid identification of compounds within natural resources. Daphnane diterpenoids, a class of natural compounds predominantly found in plants belonging to the Thymelaeaceae and Euphorbiaceae families, have attracted much attention due to their remarkable anticancer and anti-HIV activities. In the present study, the presence of daphnane diterpenoids in Wikstroemia indica, a plant belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, was investigated by LC-MS/MS analysis. As a result, 21 daphnane diterpenoids (1–21) in the stems of W. indica were detected. Among these, six major compounds (12, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 21) were isolated and their structures were unequivocally identified through a comprehensive analysis of the MS and NMR data. For the minor compounds (1–11, 13, 14, 16, and 19), their structures were elucidated by in-depth MS/MS fragmentation analysis. This study represents the first disclosure of structurally diverse daphnane diterpenoids in W. indica, significantly contributing to our understanding of bioactive diterpenoids in plants within the Thymelaeaceae family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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7 pages, 590 KiB  
Communication
Argentatin Content in Guayule Leaves (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray)
by María Mercedes García-Martínez, Beatriz Gallego, Guayente Latorre, María Engracia Carrión, Miguel Ángel De la Cruz-Morcillo, Amaya Zalacain and Manuel Carmona
Plants 2023, 12(10), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102021 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the waste biomass from the cultivation of guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) for natural rubber production is leaf tissue; however, whether it can be valorized is not known. Guayulins and argentatins are potential high-value products that can be recovered [...] Read more.
Approximately one-third of the waste biomass from the cultivation of guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) for natural rubber production is leaf tissue; however, whether it can be valorized is not known. Guayulins and argentatins are potential high-value products that can be recovered from guayule resin during rubber/latex processing. Argentatins are highly abundant in guayule stem resin; however, unlike the guayulins, their occurrence in leaves has not been investigated. The present study determined the content of argentatins and isoargentatins A and B in the leaves of a pure guayule accession (R1040) and two hybrids (CAL-1 and AZ-2) under conditions of irrigation and non-irrigation. The resin content in leaves was ~10%, which provides a suitable starting point for economic exploitation. The highest production of argentatins occurred in plants under irrigation, with yields of 4.2 and 3.6 kg ha−1 for R1040 and AZ-2, respectively. The R1040 accession had the highest percentage of resin and the greatest total argentatin content (24.5 g kg−1 dried leaf), principally due to the abundance of argentatin A. Contrastingly, CAL-1 consistently showed the lowest argentatin content based on dried leaf weight and production (0.6 kg ha−1). The substantial abundance of argentatins in guayule leaves suggests the potential for future exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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Review

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17 pages, 2550 KiB  
Review
Functional, Chemical, and Phytotoxic Characteristics of Cestrum parqui L’Herit: An Overview
by Maria Chiara Di Meo, Cinzia Di Marino, Pasquale Napoletano, Anna De Marco, Anna Rita Bianchi, Silvana Pedatella and Domenico Palatucci
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152044 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 940
Abstract
Cestrum parqui L’Herit. (Solanaceae family) is a species of forest shrub, self-incompatible and specialized in pollination, widespread in the subtropical area of the planet, and now widely distributed also in the Mediterranean area. The constituents of its leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, insecticidal, antifeedant, [...] Read more.
Cestrum parqui L’Herit. (Solanaceae family) is a species of forest shrub, self-incompatible and specialized in pollination, widespread in the subtropical area of the planet, and now widely distributed also in the Mediterranean area. The constituents of its leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, insecticidal, antifeedant, molluscicidal, and herbicidal properties. The spread of this species represents a valuable source of compounds with high biological value. Various research groups are engaged in defining the chemical composition of the different parts of the plant and in defining its properties in view of important and promising commercial applications. To date, there are only a few incomplete reports on the potential applications of C. parqui extracts as selective natural pesticides and on their potential phytotoxic role. Scientific knowledge and the use of extraction techniques for these components are essential for commercial applications. This article summarizes the research and recent studies available on the botany, phytochemistry, functional properties, and commercial applications of C. parqui. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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25 pages, 1806 KiB  
Review
The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
by Mădălina-Georgiana Buț, George Jîtcă, Silvia Imre, Camil Eugen Vari, Bianca Eugenia Ősz, Carmen-Maria Jîtcă and Amelia Tero-Vescan
Plants 2023, 12(8), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081722 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2661
Abstract
The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Therefore, dietary supplements (DS) containing active compounds that [...] Read more.
The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Therefore, dietary supplements (DS) containing active compounds that benefit BPH are widely available. Phytosterols (PSs) are well recognized for their role in maintaining blood cholesterol levels; however, their potential in BPH treatment remains unexplored. This review aims to provide a general overview of the available data regarding the clinical evidence and a good understanding of the detailed pharmacological roles of PSs-induced activities at a molecular level in BPH. Furthermore, we will explore the authenticity of PSs content in DS used by patients with BPH compared to the current legislation and appropriate analytical methods for tracking DS containing PSs. The results showed that PSs might be a useful pharmacological treatment option for men with mild to moderate BPH, but the lack of standardized extracts linked with the regulation of DS containing PSs and experimental evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of action limit the use of PSs in BPH. Moreover, the results suggest multiple research directions in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)
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