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Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 38344

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Dr. Katarzyna Szewczyk

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Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: pharmaceutical botany; phytochemistry; phytotherapy; bioactive compounds; cosmetic plants
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Dear Colleagues,

Phenolic compounds are important secondary metabolites of plants, which are used in the healthcare, food, and cosmetic industries. Their qualitative and quantitative composition in plant extracts is determined by different factors, e.g., plant origin and habitat, plant development phase, seasonal variations, and weather and climatic conditions. Phenolics have a protective role in many illnesses such as cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular, which are particularly recognized due to their potent antioxidant capacity. Numerous experiments have shown that most of the antioxidant potential of plants results from the redox properties of phenolic constituents. Thus, in recent years, the importance of the antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds and their potential usage in processed foods and cosmetics as natural antioxidant compounds has reached a new level.

The results of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity studies of uninvestigated plant extracts can broaden the range of new phytotherapeutics.

This Special Issue on “Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts” will present the newest results of investigations and findings in the above-presented area. Results presenting the correlation between the phenolic composition of plant extracts and their antioxidant activity are particularly welcome. Manuscripts on the influence of weather and climatic conditions on the phenolic composition will be preferentially considered.

Dr. Katarzyna Szewczyk
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Antioxidants
Antioxidant activity
Polyphenols
Bioactive natural compounds
Oxidative stress
Free radicals
Extraction
Sample preparation
Seasonal conditions

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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13 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mouthwash Containing Citrus hystrix DC., Moringa oleifera Lam. and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Leaf Extracts on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis

by Watunyoo Buakaew, Rungnapa Pankla Sranujit, Chanai Noysang, Supaporn Sangouam, Nungruthai Suphrom, Yordhathai Thongsri, Pachuen Potup and Kanchana Usuwanthim

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061153 - 6 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5089

Abstract

Oral hygiene and control of microbial plaque biofilm formation are effective methods for preventing gingivitis. Mouthwashes containing leaf extracts of the medicinal plants Citrus hystrix DC. (KL), Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (NE) were assessed for oral healthcare and gingivitis adjunctive treatment. Three types of mouthwash were developed; KL, a combination of KL and MO (KL + MO), and a combination of KL, and NE (KL + NE). The mouthwashes were tested in vivo on 47 subjects with gingivitis who were allocated into five groups as (i) placebo, (ii) KL, (iii) KL + MO, (iv) KL + NE, and (v) 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). Participants were instructed to rinse with herbal mouthwash twice daily for two weeks. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and oral microbial colonies were measured at baseline and 15 days. Results showed that GI and PI of groups (ii)–(iv) significantly decreased over the placebo group, while accumulative reduction percentages of both Staphylococcus spp. and Candida spp. were found in groups (iii) and (iv). Findings indicated that the herbal mouthwashes reduced GI and PI, and showed potential as oral healthcare products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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16 pages, 11087 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts in Different Solvents

by Violeta Popovici, Laura Bucur, Antoanela Popescu, Verginica Schröder, Teodor Costache, Dan Rambu, Iulia Elena Cucolea, Cerasela Elena Gîrd, Aureliana Caraiane, Daniela Gherghel, Gabriela Vochita and Victoria Badea

Plants 2021, 10(5), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050909 - 1 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

Lichens represent a significant source of antioxidants due to numerous metabolites that can reduce free radicals. Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. has been recognized and used since ancient times for its therapeutic effects, some of which are based on its antioxidant properties. The present study aims to analyze the phytochemical profile and to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of this lichen species. Five dry extracts of U. barbata (UBDE) in different solvents (acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, water) were prepared by refluxing at Soxhlet to achieve these proposed objectives and to identify which solvent is the most effective for the extraction. The usnic acid content (UAC) was quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The total polyphenols content (TPC) and tannins content (TC) were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the total polysaccharides (PSC) were extracted by a gravimetric method. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical method was used to assess the antioxidant activity (AA) and the Brine Shrimp Lethality (BSL) assay was the biotest for cytotoxic activity evaluation. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest usnic acid content, and acetone extract had the highest content of total polyphenols and tannins. The most significant antioxidant effect was reported to methanol extract, and all the extracts proved high cytotoxicity. The water extract has the lowest cytotoxicity because usnic acid is slightly soluble in this solvent, and it was not found at UHPLC analysis. All extracts recorded a moderate correlation between the content of usnic acid, polyphenols, tannins, and AA; furthermore, it has been observed that the cytotoxicity varies inversely with the antioxidant effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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14 pages, 1223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Assessment of Moringa oleifera Leaves Extract against Oxidative-Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity in SHSY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

by Farah J. Hashim, Sukanda Vichitphan, Patcharee Boonsiri and Kanit Vichitphan

Plants 2021, 10(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050889 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4860

Abstract

The current trend worldwide is searching plant extracts towards prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Alpinia galanga leaves (ALE), Alpinia galanga rhizomes (ARE), Vitis vinifera seeds (VSE), Moringa oleifera leaves (MLE), Panax ginseng leaves (PLE) and Panax ginseng rhizomes (PRE) ethanolic extracts on human neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells. The 1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging of VSE and MLE were 81% and 58%, respectively. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of ALE and MLE (33.57 ± 0.20 and 26.76 ± 0.30 μmol Fe(ΙΙ)/g dry wt., respectively) were higher than for the other extracts. Liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) revealed MLE active compounds. Intracellular study by nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) test showed that MLE and VSE had high O₂⁻ scavenging (0.83 ± 0.09 vs. 0.98 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively). MLE had the highest ROS scavenging followed by PRE (0.71 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively), by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) assay. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity and neuroprotection tests on SHSY5Y showed that PRE had a better neuroprotective effect but higher cytotoxicity compared to MLE (viable cells 51% vs. 44%, IC₅₀ 1.92 ± 0.04 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 mg/mL, respectively). In conclusion, among the studied plants, MLE has potential for developing as a neuroprotective agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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10 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Cultures of Some Medicinal Plant Species (Cistus × incanus, Verbena officinalis, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Scutellaria baicalensis) as a Rich Potential Source of Antioxidants—Evaluation by CUPRAC and QUENCHER-CUPRAC Assays

by Michał Dziurka, Paweł Kubica, Inga Kwiecień, Jolanta Biesaga-Kościelniak, Halina Ekiert, Shaimaa A. M. Abdelmohsen, Fatemah F. Al-Harbi, Diaa O. El-Ansary, Hosam O. Elansary and Agnieszka Szopa

Plants 2021, 10(3), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030454 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

Comparative estimations of the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from biomasses of different types of in vitro cultures of Cistus × incanus, Verbena officinalis, Scutellaria lateriflora, and S. baicalensis and also from plant raw materials were performed. The antioxidant measurements were based on the modern assays—cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and quick, easy, new, cheap, and reproducible CUPRAC (QUENCHER-CUPRAC). The total extractable antioxidants (CUPRAC assay) ranged from 10.4 to 49.7 mmol (100 g)⁻¹ of dry weight (DW) expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and the global antioxidant response (QUENCHER-CUPRAC assay) ranged from 16.0 to 79.1 mmol (100 g)⁻¹ DW for in vitro cultures, whereas for plant raw materials the total extractable antioxidants ranged from 20.9 to 69.5 mmol (100 g)⁻¹ DW, and the global antioxidant response ranged from 67.2 to 97.8 mmol (100 g)⁻¹ DW. Finally, the in vitro cultures could be regarded as an antioxidant-rich alternative resource for the pharmaceutical, health food and cosmetics industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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13 pages, 1916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activities of Leaves and Stems from Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Müll. Arg and Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg

by Yeimi Cecilia Vega-Ruiz, Corina Hayano-Kanashiro, Nohemí Gámez-Meza and Luis Angel Medina-Juárez

Plants 2021, 10(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020212 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3625

Abstract

Jatropha species have been shown to be an important source of secondary metabolites with different biological effects. Jatropha cinerea (Ortega) Müll. Arg and Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg are distributed in the Northwestern region of Mexico, are adapted to extreme weather conditions and are widely used (stems, leaves, and sap) in traditional medicine. The aim of the present study was to carry out the phytochemical characterization and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity in methanolic extracts of stems and leaves from J. cinerea and J. cordata. The compounds present in the extracts of both species were characterized by ESI-IT-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-DAD. The results showed that the stem extracts of both species are rich in phenolic acids, while the leaf extracts are rich in flavonoids. Some of the main compounds found were gallic acid, gentisic acid, 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid, vitexin, isovitexin, and catechol. Both species showed high concentrations of phenols and total flavonoids and antioxidant activity. J. cordata showed the highest antioxidant capacity and the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. Overall, both Jatropha species are a natural source of antioxidant compounds with potential biotechnological uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 2615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire: Correlation between Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Chemically Characterized Extracts

by Fatima Zahra Jawhari, Abdelfattah E. L. Moussaoui, Mohammed Bourhia, Hamada Imtara, Hamza Saghrouchni, Kenza Ammor, Hayat Ouassou, Youssef Elamine, Riaz Ullah, Essam Ezzeldin, Gamal A. E. Mostafa and Amina Bari

Plants 2021, 10(1), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010149 - 13 Jan 2021

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 4890

Abstract

In this work, two varieties of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) including Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire were evaluated for their mineral and chemical compositions, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities using hydroalcoholic extracts from their different parts (leaves, capitula, roots, and seeds). The phytochemical and mineral compositions were carried out using standard methods. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) tests. The antimicrobial activity was assayed using the agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. The results of the chemical analysis showed that both varieties contained interesting mineral and chemical compositions with potentially active compounds; among them, N-isobutyl-2,4-heptadiene-6-monoynamide and cinnamic acid were detected in the Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) only while thiadiazolo [5,4-d] pyrimidin-7-amine and N-isobutyl-2,4-undecadiene-8,10-diynamide compounds were limited to the Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire. In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the two varieties demonstrated that the different parts had prominent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed great similarity in the activity of the leaves, capitula, and seeds of both plants and a high difference in roots. Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum roots were characterized by a high content in phenols and flavonoids and better antibacterial activities compared to Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire roots, which were characterized by better antioxidant activities. From this study, it can be concluded that the two varieties of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) showed promising mineral and chemical compositions with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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11 pages, 503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Some Species of Genus Scutellaria Growing in Bulgaria

by Yoana Georgieva, Mariana Katsarova, Plamen Stoyanov, Rumen Mladenov, Petko Denev, Desislava Teneva, Evgeniy Plotnikov, Petko Bozov and Stela Dimitrova

Plants 2021, 10(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010045 - 28 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3484

Abstract

Until now, the interest to plants from genus Scutellaria in Bulgaria has been focused mainly on the terpenes in them. The purpose of this study is to enrich the information on the composition of the Bulgarian Scutellaria species in terms of both polyphenolic content as well as primary metabolites such as mono-, oligosaccharides and organic acids. An aerial part of three Scutellaria species growing in four low mountain regions of Southern Bulgaria was used. The flavonoids scutellarin, baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, wogonoside, luteolin, chrysin and a caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycoside-verbascoside have been identified via HPLC in different extracts from Scutellaria altissima, Scutellaria albida and Scutellaria galericulata. The antioxidant activity of the extracts has been evaluated. The Scutellaria altissima from Mezek and Scutellaria galericulata from Parvenets we studied, which are the richest in flavonoids (represented mainly by baicalin, scutellarin and wogonoside), show the highest Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. Hydroxyl Radical Averting Capacity of Scutellaria albida from Mezek and Scutellaria altissima from Bachkovo is the most pronounced, probably due to the content of scutellarin and luteolin and chrysin, respectively. Antioxidant activity of aqueous, methanolic and 70% and 96% ethanol extracts were also determined by the electrochemical method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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30 pages, 1422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synanthropic Plants as an Underestimated Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: A Case of Galeopsis bifida (Lamiaceae)

by Daniil N. Olennikov

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111555 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3309

Abstract

Hemp nettle (Galeopsis bifida Boenn.) is a synanthropic species of the Lamiaceae family that is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Siberia. Galeopsis bifida is deeply embedded in the ethnomedical tradition of Asian healers; however, this plant is still poorly characterized, both chemically and pharmacologically. To study Siberian populations of G. bifida, we used high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray triple quadrupole mass detection for metabolic profiling. Ninety compounds were identified, including iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, hydroxycinnamates, and flavone glycosides, most of which were identified in G. bifida for the first time, while some phenolics were found to have potential chemotaxonomic significance in the Lamiaceae family and Galeopsis genus. An unequal quantitative distribution of the selected metabolites was observed within separate organs of the G. bifida plant, characterized by high accumulation of most compounds within the aerial part of the plant (leaves, flowers). Analysis of the content of specific chosen compounds within the leaves of different populations of G. bifida from Eastern Siberia revealed the existence of two chemical types based on metabolic specifics: the southern type accumulates flavone glucuronides, while the northern type tends to accumulate high levels of phenylpropanoids and acylated flavone glucosides. The first study of the bioactivity of G. bifida extract demonstrated that the herb has low toxicity in acute experiments and expresses antioxidant potential against free radicals in the form of DPPH˙, ABTS˙⁺, and superoxide radical, as well as high ferric reducing antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and protective action in the carotene bleaching assay. In general, our results suggest the herb of G. bifida as a new, prospective synanthropic plant for medical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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Review

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14 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plants Belonging to the Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) Genus

by Małgorzata Chrząszcz, Barbara Krzemińska, Rafał Celiński and Katarzyna Szewczyk

Plants 2021, 10(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050952 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2547

Abstract

The genus Cephalaria, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly saponins which display a variety of biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and hemolytic effects. Besides these compounds, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in Cephalaria species. Cephalaria is employed in traditional medicine e.g., to cure cardiac and lung diseases, rheumatism, and regulate menstruation. In this review we focus on the phenolic compound composition and antioxidative activity of Cephalaria species. The antioxidant effect can be explained by flavonoids present in all parts of these plants. However, future efforts should concentrate more on in vitro and in vivo studies and also on clinical trials in order to confirm the possibility of using these plants as natural antioxidants for the pharmacology, food or cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)

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