Bioactives from Plants: Content, Accumulation and Means to Reach Higher Levels

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Breeding and Genetics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2019) | Viewed by 28107

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Agro-Industrial Chemistry Laboratory (LCA), University of Toulouse, 31030 Toulouse, France
2. Biological Engineering Department, Paul Sabatier University, 32000 Auch, France
Interests: cereals; oilseed crop; plant physiology; plant breeding; abiotic stress; bioactives accumulation
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactives from plants are expected to play an increasing role in future food and industries. They are a source of pharmaceutical molecules, dietary and industrial lipids for different chemical uses, and for pigments and bio-sourced dyes. The demand for renewable energy to replace oil is important and competition with other industries for the use of plants is growing. The valorization of the whole plant with several outlets is now admitted. Thus, after extraction of oils from seeds, cake is used, not only for animal feed, but also for the extraction of proteins, antioxidants, and sometimes pigments or dyes. This exploitation is often based on a single vegetable source (a species, a variety, or a mixture of different crops). A better characterization of the composition of the plant or organ, varietal or specific genetic variability, the accumulation of bioactives during the formation of the target organ or different compartments of this organ (seed, almond, hull, tegument, etc.) would improve the levels of these compounds in plant.

This Special Issue calls for manuscripts that explore the accumulation of bioactives, their distribution in plants, organs or tissues, and means to increase their content in plants by genetics, crop management, or water supply regulation.

Assoc. Prof. Othmane Merah
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Bioactives accumulation
  • Genetic variability
  • Crop management
  • Bioactives distribution
  • Genetic control

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 1271 KiB  
Article
Effect of Salinity and Water Stress on the Essential Oil Components of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
by Radhia Sarmoum, Soumia Haid, Mohamed Biche, Zahreddine Djazouli, Bachar Zebib and Othmane Merah
Agronomy 2019, 9(5), 214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9050214 - 26 Apr 2019
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5811
Abstract
The effect of salinity and water stresses on the essential oil components of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil was investigated. Rosemary plants were submitted to different water treatments: tap water (TW), salt water (SW) and without irrigation (NIR). GC/MS analysis showed that ten and [...] Read more.
The effect of salinity and water stresses on the essential oil components of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil was investigated. Rosemary plants were submitted to different water treatments: tap water (TW), salt water (SW) and without irrigation (NIR). GC/MS analysis showed that ten and eleven volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of rosemary plants irrigated with tap water (TW) and salt water (SW), respectively. However, thirteen volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of non-irrigated plants (NIR). Moreover, among these compounds, α-Pinene, Eucalyptol (1,8 Cineol), Camphene, Borneol, D-verbenone, Bornyl acetate were the major components of oil. Also, GC/MS results highlighted that non-irrigated rosemary plants showed the highest essential oil yield (Y). Obtained oil yields followed the order YNIR > YTW > YSW. In conclusion, qualitative and quantitative differences in rosemary essential oil components were highlighted in relation to water stress. Full article
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11 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Tetraploid Wheats: Valuable Source of Phytosterols and Phytostanols
by Othmane Merah and Zephirin Mouloungui
Agronomy 2019, 9(4), 201; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9040201 - 19 Apr 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2961
Abstract
Phytosterols are known as healthy compounds obtained mainly from oilseed crops. Cereals were also studied for their sterols content. Few insights have been devoted to other tetraploid species than emmer and durum wheats. This work examined phytosterol and phytostanol content in seed of [...] Read more.
Phytosterols are known as healthy compounds obtained mainly from oilseed crops. Cereals were also studied for their sterols content. Few insights have been devoted to other tetraploid species than emmer and durum wheats. This work examined phytosterol and phytostanol content in seed of six tetraploid wheat species cultivated during two successive years under rainfed organic conditions in Auch (near Toulouse, France). Sterols (free and esterified sterols) were measured by gas-chromatography-flame ionisation detector. Mean value of sterols + stanols content was 99.5 mg 100 g−1 DW. The main sterol was β-sitosterol. Results showed a year effect on sterol content, whatever the wheat species. This could be explained by the differences in climatic conditions prevailing during plant cycle and grain filling. A large variability for sterols content was found between species and within each species. Emmer wheat revealed the lowest values for all sterols and stanols. Higher values of sterols were obtained in durum wheat. This work is the first report studying T. carthlicum, T. polonicum, T. turgidum, T. timopheevi. These species exhibited intermediate values of sterol contents between emmer and durum wheats. Wheat tetraploid species showed interesting levels of sterols and could serve as a great source of these healthy compounds mainly in Mediterranean region where they are consumed as wholegrain. Variation in climatic conditions could help to manage the level of these secondary metabolites. Full article
11 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Distribution of Selected Bioactive Compounds in Camelina sativa from Seeds to Pomace and Oil
by Danuta Kurasiak-Popowska, Bernadetta Ryńska and Kinga Stuper-Szablewska
Agronomy 2019, 9(4), 168; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9040168 - 29 Mar 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4236
Abstract
Camelina sativa is an oilseed plant that produces seed oil rich in vitamins, UFA (unsaturated fatty acids), phytosterols, and polyphenols. Most, but not all, bioactive compounds are soluble in oil. So far, studies have been based analyzing the profile of bioactive compounds only [...] Read more.
Camelina sativa is an oilseed plant that produces seed oil rich in vitamins, UFA (unsaturated fatty acids), phytosterols, and polyphenols. Most, but not all, bioactive compounds are soluble in oil. So far, studies have been based analyzing the profile of bioactive compounds only in oil. As part of this work, it was decided to examine the seeds, oil, and pomace of four genotypes of Camelina sativa (three spring genotypes and one winter cultivar). The transmission of bioactive compounds to oil and pomace was compared to their content in seeds. The quantitative profile of selected bioactive compounds was analyzed: eight flavonoid aglycons, 11 phenolic acids, three carotenoids, and 19 fatty acids. As a result of pressing more than 80% of flavonoids entered oil, whereas 20% remained in the pomace. When the content of phenolic acids in seeds and in oil was compared, it turned out that on average 50% of these compounds entered oil. Among all the phenolic acids under analysis the highest contents of chlorogenic, caffeic, and sinapic acids were found both in camelina seeds and oil. Similarly to the other bioactive compounds, more than 70% of fat-soluble carotenoids were extracted from camelina seeds with oil. Most of the genotypes had the fatty acid composition and the ω-6/ω-3 ratio characteristic of camelina oil. Camelina oil is characterized by properties that enable its extensive use in the food industry. Full article
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15 pages, 599 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Plant during Growth Cycle
by Pier Giorgio Peiretti, Magdalena Karamać, Michał Janiak, Erica Longato, Giorgia Meineri, Ryszard Amarowicz and Francesco Gai
Agronomy 2019, 9(3), 153; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9030153 - 23 Mar 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4769
Abstract
It is important to identify the growth stage at which the plant has the maximum antioxidant properties for the production of bioactive compounds from crops or agricultural by-products or for forage as a possible source of antioxidants in livestock. Therefore, we investigated the [...] Read more.
It is important to identify the growth stage at which the plant has the maximum antioxidant properties for the production of bioactive compounds from crops or agricultural by-products or for forage as a possible source of antioxidants in livestock. Therefore, we investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of the aerial part of soybean at seven stages classified as vegetative stages (V5 and V6) and reproductive stages (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5). Aqueous-methanol extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), antioxidant activity as determined by photochemiluminescence assay (PCL-ACL), Fe2+ chelating ability, and antiradical activity against DPPH. The extracts with the highest TPC content were obtained at stages V6 and R5. The phenolic compounds profile, as determined by DAD-HPLC, was characterized by 19 compounds, that differed significantly by growth stage (p < 0.05). Antioxidant tests showed significant differences among stages (p < 0.05). The lowest TEAC value was found for the R2 stage and the highest values for the R3 and R1 stages. FRAP values ranged from 623 to 780 μmol Fe2+/g extract. PCL-ACL values ranged from 516 to 560 μmol Trolox eq./g extract; Fe2+ chelation ability ranged from 36.5 to 51.7%. The highest antiradical activity against DPPH was found in the extract from the V5 stage, which had the lowest EC50 value. The extracts of soybean plant can be used in pharmacy for the production of nutraceuticals by virtue of their good antioxidant activity and content of flavonols and other bioactive constituents. Full article
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15 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
Progression of the Total and Individual Capsaicinoids Content in the Fruits of Three Different Cultivars of Capsicum chinense Jacq.
by José Arturo Olguín-Rojas, Oreto Fayos, Lucio Abel Vázquez-León, Marta Ferreiro-González, Guadalupe del Carmen Rodríguez-Jimenes, Miguel Palma, Ana Garcés-Claver and Gerardo F. Barbero
Agronomy 2019, 9(3), 141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9030141 - 19 Mar 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3829
Abstract
The evolution of individual and total capsaicinoids content in three pepper varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘Bode’ (B), ‘Habanero’ (H), and ‘Habanero Roxo’ (Hr)) during fruit ripening was studied. The five major capsaicinoids (nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin) were extracted using ultrasound-assisted [...] Read more.
The evolution of individual and total capsaicinoids content in three pepper varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘Bode’ (B), ‘Habanero’ (H), and ‘Habanero Roxo’ (Hr)) during fruit ripening was studied. The five major capsaicinoids (nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin) were extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction and the extracts were analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (UHPLC-Fl). The plants were grown in a glasshouse and sampled every 7 days until over-ripening. As expected, the results indicated that the total capsaicinoids content increases during the ripening of pepper fruits. The maximum contents of capsaicinoids were reached at different fruit development stages depending on the cultivar. The ‘Habanero Roxo’ pepper presented the greatest total capsaicinoids content (3.86 mg g−1 fresh weigh, F.W.), followed by the ‘Habanero’ pepper (1.33 mg g−1 F.W.) and ‘Bode’ pepper (1.00 mg g−1 F.W.). In all the samples, capsaicin represented more than 80% of the total capsaicinoids content. Due to the high variability observed in the evolution of capsaicinoids content over the ripening process, this work intends to contribute to the existing knowledge on this aspect in relation to the quality of peppers. Full article
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11 pages, 831 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Properties of Extracts from Different Parts of Hylocereus polyrhizus
by Yu Tsai, Ching-Gong Lin, Wei-Lin Chen, Yu-Chun Huang, Cheng-Yu Chen, Keh-Feng Huang and Chao-Hsun Yang
Agronomy 2019, 9(1), 27; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9010027 - 09 Jan 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5837
Abstract
Hylocereus polyrhizus cultivation started in Taiwan around the 1980s. The pulp of the fruit is edible and contains small, black, and soft seeds. The peel of the fruits are covered with bracts. The H. polyrhizus fruit is known to be rich in nutrients [...] Read more.
Hylocereus polyrhizus cultivation started in Taiwan around the 1980s. The pulp of the fruit is edible and contains small, black, and soft seeds. The peel of the fruits are covered with bracts. The H. polyrhizus fruit is known to be rich in nutrients and minerals. To evaluate the potential applications of the agricultural wastes of H. polyrhizus, the stem, peel, and flower of H. polyrhizus were extracted with solutions of ethanol and water mixed in different ratios. Data was collected for the H. polyrhizus extract including the yield of total phenolics, the total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, as determined by the 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. The protective effects of H. polyrhizus extract on DNA was investigated using an assay with the pUC19 plasmid. The cell proliferation and migration effects were evaluated in the NIH-3T3 fibroblast cell line. The greatest yield of extract from the stem of H. polyrhizus was 44.70 ± 1.77% which was obtained using 50% aqueous ethanol and the greatest yield of extract from the peel was 43.47% using distilled water. The stem extract, which was prepared with 95% aqueous ethanol, had the highest composition of phenolics and flavonoids as well as the best DPPH radical scavenging activity. The stem extract had excellent ABTS radical scavenging activity as well. The stem, peel, and flower extracts, which were prepared using 95% aqueous ethanol, showed excellent results in protecting themselves from DNA damage, similar to the effect of 0.3 mg/mL ferulic acid. None of the extracts were able to promote cell proliferation at concentrations of 250 μg/mL to 2,000 μg/mL in a 24 h period. The 1000 μg/mL stem and flower extracts in 95% aqueous ethanol promoted considerable cell migration after a 24 h period. Full article
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