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Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications
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Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2021) | Viewed by 41852

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Monica Gallo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: bioactive compounds; biological fluids; diet; disease prevention; extraction; food; functional foods; health; lipids; nutraceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive compounds are substances capable of positively influencing health and contributing to the prevention of different diseases, even if they cannot be considered nutrients in the classical sense. These compounds, extracted and characterized by various techniques, mostly originate from plant (phytochemicals), but also animal and, more recently, they have also been extracted from waste material. The latter favors the circular economy through the recycling of materials and their application in various sectors. Bioactive compounds are substances capable of modulating biological activities and important physiological functions, including some of the following multiple effects: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, modulation of hormonal metabolism, antibacterial and antiviral activity, and antiproliferative activity. Therefore, studies on these compounds will be able to provide further evidence of their functions and mechanisms of action in physiological and/or pathological conditions, allowing their use in various fields, such as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and herbal. In addition, bioactive compounds can also be encapsulated within nanometric systems. In fact, nanoencapsulation technology has enabled improved dispersion, chemical–physical stabilization, bioavailability, and bioactivity properties of a wide range of bioactive compounds which, due to their characteristics, would be otherwise difficult to carry.

Dr. Monica Gallo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • antioxidants
  • bioactive compounds
  • cancer
  • chromatography
  • chronic diseases
  • circular economy
  • extraction techniques
  • functional foods
  • health effects
  • mass spectrometry
  • nanotechnology
  • NMR
  • nutraceuticals
  • phytochemicals
  • waste materials

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 217 KiB  
Editorial
Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications
by Monica Gallo
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 8955; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12188955 - 06 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1058
Abstract
Bioactive compounds, also called phytocompounds as they are mainly of vegetable origin, are substances commonly taken with the daily diet [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
Influence of Autochthonous and Commercial Yeast Strains on Fermentation and Quality of Wines Produced from Vranec and Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Varieties from Tikveš Wine-Growing Region, Republic of North Macedonia
by Fidanka Ilieva, Kire Petrov, Sanja Kostadinović Veličkovska, Natasa Gunova, Violeta Dimovska, João Miguel F. Rocha and Tuba Esatbeyoglu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6135; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11136135 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Two autochthonous yeast strains called F-8 and F-78 (isolated and selected from the Tikveš wine-producing region) were inoculated in wine musts from Vranec and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. The fermentation process and quality of the produced wines were compared to the wines produced [...] Read more.
Two autochthonous yeast strains called F-8 and F-78 (isolated and selected from the Tikveš wine-producing region) were inoculated in wine musts from Vranec and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. The fermentation process and quality of the produced wines were compared to the wines produced from the same grape varieties, but with a commercial yeast strain (D-80). The fermentation process was undertaken at 23–25 °C for 16 days. The highest alcohol content was detected in Vranec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines fermented with autochthonous F-8 yeast strain. Conversely, Vranec wine fermented by the F-78 yeast strain contained the lowest alcohol content (14.11%). The low sugar amount (2–3 g/L) in both grape varieties is indicated the production of dry wines. The total amount of phenolic compounds was significantly higher in Vranec wines. Unlike the alcohol content, Vranec wine produced by commercial yeast strain D-80 indicated the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds (1450 mg/L) and total anthocyanins (572 mg/L), while the lowest concentrations were observed in wine fermented by autochthonous yeast strain F-78 (1612 mg/L and 470 mg/L, respectively). The maximum color intensity was measured in the Vranec wine fermented by autochthonous yeast strain F-8, while wines from Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety fermented with the same yeast strain F-8 and commercial yeast strain D-80 had comparable values in terms of color intensity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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19 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Dietary Intake of Milk Thistle Seeds as a Source of Silymarin and Its Influence on the Lipid Parameters in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients
by Aleksandra Kołota and Dominika Głąbska
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5836; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11135836 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4927
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with obesity, is the most common reason for chronic hepatitis in developed countries. Its therapy includes a low-energy diet, physical activity and also various antioxidative compounds, such as milk thistle (Silybum Marianum) seeds, [...] Read more.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with obesity, is the most common reason for chronic hepatitis in developed countries. Its therapy includes a low-energy diet, physical activity and also various antioxidative compounds, such as milk thistle (Silybum Marianum) seeds, which are a natural source of silymarin. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of 3 months of therapy including dietary and physical activity recommendations combined with a daily milk thistle supply on the biochemical parameters of NAFLD patients. The study was conducted on a group of 20 patients (11 females, 9 males) with NAFLD and excessive body mass diagnosed. For 3 months, participants received daily doses of 7.1 g of milk thistle as a source of silymarin (210 mg a day). They also received dietary and physical activity recommendations and were monitored every 2 weeks. Their diet, body composition and biochemical parameters were assessed. It was observed that the studied patients did not follow their dietary recommendations, as when comparing the baseline diet and the diet after 3 months, there were no differences (for the vast majority of nutrients; p < 0.05). Patients also did not follow their physical activity recommendations, as when comparing baseline results with those after 3 months, there were no differences (for the vast majority of parameters; p < 0.05). However, when comparing baseline biochemical parameters and those after 3 months, it was indicated that blood triglyceride levels (140.36 ± 14.92 vs. 110.04 ± 37.23 mg/dL; p = 0.0017) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity decreased (23.03 ± 12.87 vs. 12.77 ± 5.24 U/L; p = 0.0008). As the diet and physical activity of the studied patients were not changed within the studied period, it may be supposed that the beneficial decrease in blood triglyceride levels and GGT activity were obtained due to the milk thistle supply as a source of silymarin. It may be indicated that including milk thistle in an everyday diet may be an additional recommendation for NAFLD patients, as it allows one to obtain beneficial effects, even if the other recommendations are not followed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
17 pages, 4389 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Apoptosis Induction Using Needles, Bark, and Pollen Extracts and Essential Oils of Pinus eldarica in Lung Cancer Cells
by Tayyebeh Ghaffari, Solmaz Asnaashari, Ebrahim Irannejad, Abbas Delazar, Safar Farajnia, Joo-Hyun Hong, Changhyun Pang, Hamed Hamishehkar and Ki Hyun Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5763; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11135763 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although effective clinical drugs for treating advanced stages are available, interest in alternative herbal medicines has gained momentum. Herbal extracts are potent antioxidants that reportedly inhibit the growth of various cancer [...] Read more.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although effective clinical drugs for treating advanced stages are available, interest in alternative herbal medicines has gained momentum. Herbal extracts are potent antioxidants that reportedly inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the effects of essential oils and hexane, methanolic, and aqueous extracts, obtained from various parts (bark, needles, and pollen) of Pinus eldarica against human lung cancer (A549) cells. First, the DPPH radical scavenging activities of P. eldarica extracts and essential oils were examined, which revealed that methanolic extracts presented higher antioxidant activity than the other extracts and essential oils. Next, A549 cells were exposed to various concentrations of the extracts and essential oils for 48 h. P. eldarica extracts/essential oil-treated lung cancer cells demonstrated a significant decrease in cell proliferation, along with an induction of apoptotic cell death, particularly, the pollen hexane extract, bark essential oil, and methanolic needle extract showed superior results, with IC50 values of 31.7, 17.9, and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. In the cell cycle analysis, treatment of A549 cells with the methanolic needle and pollen hexane extracts led to apoptosis and accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase. Further, exposure to the bark essential oil and methanolic needle extract decreased the cell population in the G2/M phase. Notably, treatment with the pollen hexane extract, bark essential oil, and methanolic needle extract resulted in caspase-3 activation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, Bcl-2 downregulation, and Bax and p53 regulation in A549 cells. Furthermore, these extracts and essential oils decreased the migration, and colony formation of A549 cells. These findings provide experimental evidence for a new therapeutic effect of P. eldarica against human lung cancer and suggest P. eldarica as a potential chemopreventive natural resource for developing novel cancer therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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13 pages, 3721 KiB  
Article
Loliolide from Artemisia princeps Suppresses Adipogenesis in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells via Activation of AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin Pathways
by Jung Hwan Oh, Fatih Karadeniz, Mi-Soon Jang, Hojun Kim, Youngwan Seo and Chang-Suk Kong
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5435; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11125435 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Regulating the adipogenic differentiation mechanism is a valid and promising mechanism to battle obesity. Natural products, especially phytochemicals as nutraceuticals, are important lead molecules with significant activities against obesity. Loliolide is a monoterpenoid hydroxyl lactone found in many dietary plants. The effect of [...] Read more.
Regulating the adipogenic differentiation mechanism is a valid and promising mechanism to battle obesity. Natural products, especially phytochemicals as nutraceuticals, are important lead molecules with significant activities against obesity. Loliolide is a monoterpenoid hydroxyl lactone found in many dietary plants. The effect of loliolide on adipogenic differentiation is yet to be determined. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate its anti-adipogenic potential using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) and assess its mechanism of action. Adipo-induced hBM-MSCs were treated with or without loliolide and their adipogenic characteristics were examined. Loliolide treatment decreased the lipid accumulation and expression of adipogenic transcription factors, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1c. Adipo-induced hBM-MSCs also displayed increased AMPK phosphorylation and suppressed MAPK activation following loliolide treatment according to immunoblotting results. Importantly, loliolide could stimulate Wnt10b expression and active β-catenin translocation to exert PPARγ-linked adipogenesis suppression. In conclusion, loliolide was suggested to be a potential anti-adipogenic agent which may be utilized as a lead compound for obesity treatment or prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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15 pages, 1126 KiB  
Article
Screening of Antibacterial Activity, Antioxidant Activity, and Anticancer Activity of Euphorbia hirta Linn. Extracts
by Ngan Tran, Minh Nguyen, Khanh PB Le, Nhi Nguyen, Quan Tran and Ly Le
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10238408 - 26 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4840
Abstract
This study aimed to screen the anticancer and antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol of Euphorbia hirta Linn. extracts (EH-Me, EH-PE, EH-Ch, EH-EA and EH-Bu, respectively). The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and lipid [...] Read more.
This study aimed to screen the anticancer and antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol of Euphorbia hirta Linn. extracts (EH-Me, EH-PE, EH-Ch, EH-EA and EH-Bu, respectively). The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay showed that EH-EA was the strongest antioxidant (IC50 = 10.33 ± 0.01 µg/mL; IC50 = 1.48 ± 0.12 µg/mL, respectively) compared to all other extracts. In the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against eight strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar disc diffusion method, we found the EH-EA to be the best antimicrobial agent. Anticancer activities of those extracts were examined by sulforhodamine B (SRB) in vitro cytotoxicity assay on two cancer cell lines, including lung cancer cells NCI-H460 and liver cancer cells Hep G2. EH-EA at concentration of 100 μg/mL has significant inhibitory activity the growth of lung cancer cells NCI-H460 and liver cancer cells Hep G2 compared to all other extracts. Our results suggest that E. hirta Linn. extracts possess significant biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and moderate anticancer properties. Our results show that this plant could be a good source for natural antioxidants and a possible pharmaceutical supplement. Among five analyzed extracts, EH-EA extract has the strongest activities, and should be used to determine phytochemicals and mechanisms of these activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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17 pages, 499 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Association between Intake of Red Wine Polyphenols and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Liver of Growing Male Rats
by Aleksandra Kołota, Dominika Głąbska, Michał Oczkowski and Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10186389 - 14 Sep 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2126
Abstract
Red wine is a complex alcoholic beverage containing various substances, including those of a potential health-promoting properties, such as polyphenols, responsible for the sensory features of wine. Their potential positive influence is associated with possibility of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulating, and antiallergenic effects, [...] Read more.
Red wine is a complex alcoholic beverage containing various substances, including those of a potential health-promoting properties, such as polyphenols, responsible for the sensory features of wine. Their potential positive influence is associated with possibility of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulating, and antiallergenic effects, but at the same time, there is a possibility of their pro-oxidative effect. In spite of the fact that in adolescence alcohol may be highly damaging, as it may disturb the development, it is abused frequently. The aim of the study was to verify the association between red wine consumption as well as dietary polyphenol intake with wine and the oxidative stress parameters in the liver of growing male rats. The growing male Wistar rats were studied, while divided into three groups of six animals, receiving red wine in a solution characterized by 10% of ethanol content since 30th day of life, for two, four, and six weeks. The alcohol intake was controlled and the content of total phenolic compounds, selected phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid), total anthocyanidins and selected anthocyanins (cyanidin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) were assessed. At the same time, for the liver homogenates, the levels of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl groups were verified. The analysis revealed statistically significant influence of red wine intake, as well as of supply of phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid), and anthocyanins (cyanidin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) on TBARS and protein carbonyl groups level (R > 0.80; p < 0.05), but the influence was stated only for the period of two weeks. The obtained results may suggest pro-oxidative effect of both ethanol and polyphenols for the liver of the growing male rats. At the same time, for the periods of four and six weeks, no influence on TBARS and protein carbonyl groups level was observed (p > 0.05), which may allow to suppose an adaptive mechanism of the growing organism while the ethanol and polyphenols exposition is prolonged. Further studies are required to confirm the mechanism of the pro-oxidative effect of polyphenols contained in red wine for the liver of growing organism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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11 pages, 1422 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Two Extraction Methods for the Analysis of Hydrophilic Low Molecular Weight Compounds from Ganoderma lucidum Spores and Antiproliferative Activity on Human Cell Lines
by Maria Michela Salvatore, Vincenza De Gregorio, Monica Gallo, Maria Michela Corsaro, Angela Casillo, Raffaele Vecchione, Anna Andolfi, Daniele Naviglio and Paolo Antonio Netti
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 4033; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10114033 - 11 Jun 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2874
Abstract
Background: The genus Ganoderma includes about 80 species of mushrooms. Ganoderma lucidum is the best-known fungal species in mycotherapy and likely has the highest number of studies. Numerous bioactive compounds seem to be responsible for its beneficial effects; in particular, triterpenes, peptidoglycans and [...] Read more.
Background: The genus Ganoderma includes about 80 species of mushrooms. Ganoderma lucidum is the best-known fungal species in mycotherapy and likely has the highest number of studies. Numerous bioactive compounds seem to be responsible for its beneficial effects; in particular, triterpenes, peptidoglycans and polysaccharides are the main physiologically active constituents. The aim of the present work is to identify the main bioactive components in aqueous extracts of G. lucidum spores obtained by two different extraction processes. Methods: The spores were at first extracted by a Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane and the aqueous solutions were submitted to two different procedures: hot water extraction (HWE) and rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) using the Naviglio extractor. The extracts were then dialyzed to separate the compounds with higher molecular weight from polar compounds with lower molecular weight. The aqueous extracts and dialyzed fractions were tested on two human cell lines: human colonic epithelial cells (Caco-2) and human colorectal carcinoma cells (HTC-116). Results: GC-MS and NMR data revealed the presence of a mixture of glucose and mannitol in ratio 3.7:1 in the most active fraction. Conclusions: The outside dialysis phase of RSLDE extract seems to be particularly cytotoxic for HTC-116 and, interestingly, solutions with different concentrations of pure mannitol showed cytotoxic activity against this cell line too, although to a lesser extent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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12 pages, 2978 KiB  
Article
Fatty Acids from Ganoderma lucidum Spores: Extraction, Identification and Quantification
by Maria Michela Salvatore, Alessandro Elvetico, Monica Gallo, Francesco Salvatore, Marina DellaGreca, Daniele Naviglio and Anna Andolfi
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3907; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10113907 - 05 Jun 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3099
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum is a rich and promising source of bioactive compounds capable of positively influencing the human health. For this reason, G. lucidum is the target of vigorous investigational activities, focusing on the extraction of substances with potential biomedical applications, as well as [...] Read more.
Ganoderma lucidum is a rich and promising source of bioactive compounds capable of positively influencing the human health. For this reason, G. lucidum is the target of vigorous investigational activities, focusing on the extraction of substances with potential biomedical applications, as well as on the improvement of analytical methodologies for their screening. In the present study, three different extraction processes (i.e., extraction with n-hexane, in Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane and reflux with chloroform) were employed to evaluate the lipid content of G. lucidum spores. The experimental data from the produced extracts were compared with ones from the commercial liquid extract obtained with supercritical CO2 extraction of G. lucidum spores. To achieve this goal, the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methodology was optimized for an accurate and reliable identification and quantification of fatty acids in triglycerides of G. lucidum spores. Significant amounts of oleic and palmitic acids were found in the examined extracts. In particular, our findings show that economical and convenient extraction procedures, which are simple, low cost and no need for expensive tools, allow to produce extracts with a lipid composition similar to the one obtained with hard strategies of extraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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12 pages, 1936 KiB  
Article
Online Database for Retrieval Information about Prebiotics and Their Activity
by Elena Guseva, Boris Karetkin, Diana Batyrgazieva, Natalia Menshutina and Victor Panfilov
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10093328 - 11 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4782
Abstract
The number of studies aimed at proving the prebiotic properties of certain substances or compositions has been actively increasing, which has led to a large accumulation of scientific information that is fragmented and not systematized. Moreover, a number of criteria have been applied [...] Read more.
The number of studies aimed at proving the prebiotic properties of certain substances or compositions has been actively increasing, which has led to a large accumulation of scientific information that is fragmented and not systematized. Moreover, a number of criteria have been applied in these studies. The lack of an accessible and convenient information space to compare the obtained results seems to hold back not only scientific development, but also practical development in this field. A database called the «On-line Database of Researches on Activity of Prebiotics» (ODRAP) is presented in this article, which contains information about both prebiotics and some probiotics, that were used in these researches. Currently, ODRAP collects 25 bacteria genera or their combinations, 59 bacteria species, 140 prebiotic substances, 61 prebiotic production companies, 2 methods of fermentation, and 271 analyzed articles from 2001 till 2019. To facilitate access to the database, a special Web-interface was created, which allows any user who opens the Web-page to obtain information about the features and activities of prebiotics, as well as to sort the data by species and genus of bacteria applied in tests, the chemical nature or source of prebiotics, and other parameters. The convenience of the Web-interface is that it allows access to the database, regardless of the user platform and from anywhere, via the Internet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

22 pages, 997 KiB  
Review
Red Beetroot. A Potential Source of Natural Additives for the Meat Industry
by Rubén Domínguez, Paulo E. S. Munekata, Mirian Pateiro, Aristide Maggiolino, Benjamin Bohrer and José M. Lorenzo
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10238340 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6776
Abstract
Currently, the food industry is looking for alternatives to synthetic additives in processed food products, so research investigating new sources of compounds with high biological activity is worthwhile and becoming more common. There are many different types of vegetables that contain bioactive compounds, [...] Read more.
Currently, the food industry is looking for alternatives to synthetic additives in processed food products, so research investigating new sources of compounds with high biological activity is worthwhile and becoming more common. There are many different types of vegetables that contain bioactive compounds, and additional features of some vegetables include uses as natural colorants and antioxidants. In this sense, and due to the special composition of beetroot, the use of this vegetable allows for the extraction of a large number of compounds with special interest to the meat industry. This includes colorants (betalains), antioxidants (betalains and phenolic compounds), and preservatives (nitrates), which can be applied for the reformulation of meat products, thus limiting the number and quantity of synthetic additives added to these foods and, at the same time, increase their shelf-life. Despite all these benefits, the application of beetroot or its products (extracts, juice, powder, etc.) in the meat industry is very limited, and the body of available research on beetroot as an ingredient is scarce. Therefore, in this review, the main biologically active compounds present in beetroot, the implications and benefits that their consumption has for human health, as well as studies investigating the use beetroot in the reformulation of meat and meat products are presented in a comprehensible manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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24 pages, 1694 KiB  
Review
Phenolic Compounds in Trees and Shrubs of Central Europe
by Lidia Szwajkowska-Michałek, Anna Przybylska-Balcerek, Tomasz Rogoziński and Kinga Stuper-Szablewska
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6907; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196907 - 02 Oct 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3980
Abstract
Plants produce specific structures constituting barriers, hindering the penetration of pathogens, while they also produce substances inhibiting pathogen growth. These compounds are secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, resins, tannins and alkaloids. Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites from trees and shrubs and [...] Read more.
Plants produce specific structures constituting barriers, hindering the penetration of pathogens, while they also produce substances inhibiting pathogen growth. These compounds are secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, resins, tannins and alkaloids. Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites from trees and shrubs and are used in medicine, herbal medicine and cosmetology. To date, fruits and flowers of exotic trees and shrubs have been primarily used as sources of bioactive compounds. In turn, the search for new sources of bioactive compounds is currently focused on native plant species due to their availability. The application of such raw materials needs to be based on knowledge of their chemical composition, particularly health-promoting or therapeutic compounds. Research conducted to date on European trees and shrubs has been scarce. This paper presents the results of literature studies conducted to systematise the knowledge on phenolic compounds found in trees and shrubs native to central Europe. The aim of this review is to provide available information on the subject and to indicate gaps in the present knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Various Sources: Beneficial Effects and Technological Applications)
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