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Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications
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Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and 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 (20 January 2022) | Viewed by 43744

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Emanuel Vamanu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: microbiota; oxidative stress; in vitro; antioxidant; natural compounds; fermentation; healthy beverages; vegan supplements; non dairy products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This issue aims to publish new and innovative research that could demonstrate the therapeutic potential of natural health products by in vitro and/or in vivo biological activities relevant to prevent or to alleviate degenerative diseases. Natural extracts or functional foods (including byproducts) could be valorized to obtain new products. Still, one of the main problems is regarding the poor bioavailability or low correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial). The interaction of natural health products with human microbiota represents an essential aspect because it could modulate the microbial pattern and alleviate more of the chronic disease’s effects in case of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunctions, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory colon pathologies.

Additionally, you are invited to send research/reviews based on the effect of different extracts or functional foods used in degenerative pathologies and interactions with human microbiota. We aim to identify new data on in vitro/in vivo research that could demonstrate the bioavailability of natural compounds (such as yeasts) and the relation with antioxidant/antimicrobial capacity. Modulated microbiota aspects are expected to be published, based on the interaction with natural compounds, natural sweeteners (like stevia) or other molecules that influence the colon health status. We would like to encourage you to send papers and other related aspects relevant to the issue topic.

Dr. Emanuel Vamanu
Guest Editor

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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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

  • product administration
  • bioavailability by alternative methods
  • polyphenols
  • yeasts
  • antioxidant
  • extraction

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

4 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization, and Applications
by Emanuel Vamanu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3922; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12083922 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019
Abstract
The study of bioactive compounds represents a new and innovative section of biotechnology, with applications to the well-being of humans [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

17 pages, 3333 KiB  
Article
Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Ulva lactuca
by Sofia Pappou, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Maria G. Savvidou, Vasiliki Louli, Kostis Magoulas and Epaminondas Voutsas
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2117; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12042117 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6766
Abstract
Macroalgae Ulva lactuca, has been employed as a natural source for the production of extracts with potent bioactivity. The biochemical characterization showed that the macroalgae biomass contains a remarkable amount of the polysaccharide Ulvan (49.9 wt%) which is a valuable chemical compound [...] Read more.
Macroalgae Ulva lactuca, has been employed as a natural source for the production of extracts with potent bioactivity. The biochemical characterization showed that the macroalgae biomass contains a remarkable amount of the polysaccharide Ulvan (49.9 wt%) which is a valuable chemical compound well known for its benefits in human health. Four nontoxic solvents, water, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and an ethanol/water mixture (70:30 v/v) were examined for their recovery efficiency of total carotenoid and phenolic contents. Experimental results showed that the aqueous mixture of ethanol was the most efficient solvent in the recovery of bioactive compounds with extraction yield of 10–15% dw. The effect of extraction parameters, namely time, temperature, and the ratio of biomass to solvent, on the carotenoid and phenolic compounds’ content, antioxidant activity, and extraction yield, was investigated, using the ethanol/water mixture as a solvent. The extract obtained under 60 °C, 3 h of extraction time and 1:10 biomass to solvent mass ratio showed the highest antioxidant activity. This extract maintained its antioxidant capacity almost stable for five days of storage under cool and dark conditions. Finally, specific phenolic and carotenoid compounds in the U. lactuca extracts were identified using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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19 pages, 6495 KiB  
Article
Tyrosol, at the Concentration Found in Maltese Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Induces HL-60 Differentiation towards the Monocyte lineage
by Lucienne Gatt, David G. Saliba, Pierre Schembri-Wismayer and Marion Zammit-Mangion
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112110199 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Tyrosol is a phenolic found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In a Maltese monocultivar EVOO, it was present at a concentration of 9.23 ppm. The HL-60 acute myeloid leukaemia cell line, which can be differentiated to both monocytes and neutrophils, was exposed [...] Read more.
Tyrosol is a phenolic found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In a Maltese monocultivar EVOO, it was present at a concentration of 9.23 ppm. The HL-60 acute myeloid leukaemia cell line, which can be differentiated to both monocytes and neutrophils, was exposed to tyrosol at this concentration and analysed for evidence of differentiation and effects of cytotoxicity. The polyphenol induced a 1.93-fold increase in cellular oxidative activity (p-value 0.044) and enhanced surface expression of CD11b and CD14. This indicates that tyrosol induces monocytic-like differentiation. An RNA-seq analysis confirmed the upregulation of monocyte genes and the loss of neutrophil genes concomitant with the bi-potential promyelocyte precursor moving down the monocytic pathway. A cell cycle analysis showed an accumulation of cells in the Sub G0/G1 phase following tyrosol exposure for 5 days, which coincided with an increase in apoptotic and necrotic markers. This indicates differentiation followed by cell death, unlike the positive monocyte differentiation control PMA. This selective cytotoxic effect following differentiation indicates therapeutic potential against leukaemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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8 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) Ethyl Acetate Extract on Croton Oil-Induced Mouse Ear Edema
by Eduardo Padilla-Camberos, Omar Ricardo Torres-Gonzalez, Ivan Moises Sanchez-Hernandez, Nestor Emmanuel Diaz-Martinez, Oscar Rene Hernandez-Perez and Jose Miguel Flores-Fernandez
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11209697 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2327
Abstract
Nowadays, there is a growing interest in the development of medicinal plant-based therapies to diminish the ravages of the inflammatory process related to diseases and tissue damage. Most therapeutic effects of these traditional medicinal plants are owed to their phenolic and antioxidant properties. [...] Read more.
Nowadays, there is a growing interest in the development of medicinal plant-based therapies to diminish the ravages of the inflammatory process related to diseases and tissue damage. Most therapeutic effects of these traditional medicinal plants are owed to their phenolic and antioxidant properties. C. aconitifolius is a traditional medicinal plant in Mexico. Previous characterization reports have stated its high nutritional and antioxidant components. The present study aimed to better understand the biological activity of C. aconitifolius in inflammation response. We developed an ethyl acetate extract of this plant to evaluate its anti-inflammatory capacity and its flavonoid content. The topical anti-inflammatory effect of the ethyl acetate extract of C. aconitifolius was determined by the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema test, while flavonoid detection and concentration were determined by thin layer chromatography and the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. Topical application of the extract showed significant inhibition of the induced-ear edema (23.52 and 49.41% for 25 and 50 mg/kg dose, respectively). The extract also exhibited the presence of flavonoids. The finding of the anti-inflammatory activity exerted by the C. aconitifolius and the identification of its active principles may suggest and support its use for inflammation treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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13 pages, 1062 KiB  
Article
Very Fast RP–UHPLC–PDA Method for Identification and Quantification of the Cannabinoids from Hemp Oil
by Nicoleta Mirela Blebea, Dan Rambu, Teodor Costache and Simona Negreș
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9414; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11209414 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2084
Abstract
In recent years, hemp oils have become ubiquitous in health products on the European market. As the trend continues to grow and more cannabinoids are researched for their therapeutic benefits, more academic and industrial interests are drawn to this direction. Cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and [...] Read more.
In recent years, hemp oils have become ubiquitous in health products on the European market. As the trend continues to grow and more cannabinoids are researched for their therapeutic benefits, more academic and industrial interests are drawn to this direction. Cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and their acidic forms remain the most examined cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis oils, in the case of cannabidiol due to its proven health implications in numerous articles, and in the case of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, due to the legislation in the European area. These oils sold on the internet contain a wide range of cannabinoids that could demonstrate their effects and benefits. As a result of these claims, we developed a robust and rapid method that can identify and quantify 10 of the most common cannabinoids found in hemp oils: cannabivarin, cannabidiolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, cannabigerol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabichromene, and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in less than 11 min, with reverse-phase–high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode matrix system (RP–UHPLC–PDA) equipped with C18 column, eluting in a gradient using water and acetonitrile with formic acid as mobile phases. The quantification of 9 sample products presented in different matrixes was performed using a calibration curve obtained by analyzing standard solutions from a 10-cannabinoid-mix-certified reference standard. The developed method demonstrated the ability to identify and quantify the main cannabinoids in hemp oil and is a useful tool for pharmaceutical professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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13 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Influence of Drying Type of Selected Fermented Vegetables Pomace on the Natural Colorants and Concentration of Lactic Acid Bacteria
by Emilia Janiszewska-Turak, Weronika Kołakowska, Katarzyna Pobiega and Anna Gramza-Michałowska
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7864; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11177864 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1932
Abstract
Nowadays, foods with probiotic bacteria are valuable and desired, because of their influence on human gut and health. Currently, in the era of zero waste, the food industry is interested in managing its waste. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine [...] Read more.
Nowadays, foods with probiotic bacteria are valuable and desired, because of their influence on human gut and health. Currently, in the era of zero waste, the food industry is interested in managing its waste. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the influence of drying process on the physicochemical properties of fermented vegetable pomace. The work included examining the influence of the lactic acid bacteria (Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum and its mixture in the ratio 1:1:1) used for vegetable fermentation (beetroot, red pepper, carrot), obtaining pomace from fermented vegetables, and then selection of drying technique using the following methods: convection drying (CD) or freeze-drying (FD) on the physical and chemical properties of pomace. In the obtained pomace and its dried form, dry substance, water activity, color, and active substances such as betalains and carotenoids by spectrophotometric method and also bacteria concentration were evaluated. After fermentation of pomace from the same vegetable, a similar concentration of lactic acid bacteria was found as well as dry substances, color and colorants. Results of physico-chemical properties were related to the used vegetable type. After drying of pomace, it could be seen a high decrease in bacteria and colorant concentration (betalains, carotenoids) independently from drying and vegetable type as well as used starter cultures. The smallest change was observed for spontaneously fermented vegetables compared to those in which the starter culture was used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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17 pages, 2776 KiB  
Article
Flavonoids from Fig (Ficus carica Linn.) Leaves: The Development of a New Extraction Method and Identification by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS
by Chunjian Zhao, Shen Li, Chunying Li, Tingting Wang, Yao Tian and Xin Li
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7718; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167718 - 22 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2789
Abstract
Flavonoid-rich leaves of the Ficus carica L. plant are usually discarded as waste. In this work, ultrasonic enzyme-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UEAATPE) was proposed as an innovative method to estimate the total flavonoids present in F. carica L. leaves. Total flavonoids were analyzed [...] Read more.
Flavonoid-rich leaves of the Ficus carica L. plant are usually discarded as waste. In this work, ultrasonic enzyme-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UEAATPE) was proposed as an innovative method to estimate the total flavonoids present in F. carica L. leaves. Total flavonoids were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by UPLC-QTOF-MS. At 38% (w/w) ethanol/18% (w/w) ammonium sulfate, we achieved the optimum conditions in which to establish an easy-to-form aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) as the final system. The optimal UEAATPE conditions were set at an enzymatic concentration of 0.4 U/g, 150 min enzymolysis time, an enzymolysis temperature of 50 °C, a liquid–solid ratio of 20:1 (mL/g), and 30 min ultrasonic time. The yields of the total flavonoids, i.e., 60.22 mg/g, obtained by UEAATPE were found to be 1.13-fold, 1.21-fold, 1.27-fold, and 2.43-fold higher than those obtained by enzyme-assisted ATPE (EAATPE), ultrasonic-assisted ATPE (UAATPE), ATPE, and soxhlet extraction (SE) methods, respectively. Furthermore, eleven flavonoids from the leaves of the F. carica L. plant were completely identified and fully characterized. Among them, ten flavonoids have been identified for the first time from the leaves of the F. carica L. plant. These flavonoids are quercetin 3-O-hexobioside-7-O-hexoside, 2-carboxyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone-4-O-hexoside, luteolin 6-C-hexoside, 8-C-pentoside, kaempferol 6-C-hexoside-8-C-hexoside, quercetin 6-C-hexobioside, kaempferol 6-C-hexoside-8-C-hexoside, apigenin 2″-O-pentoside, apigenin 6-C-hexoside, quercetin 3-O-hexoside, and kaempferol 3-O-hexobioside. Therefore, F. carica L. leaves contain new kinds of unidentified natural flavonoids and are a rich source of biological activity. Therefore, this research has potential applications and great value in waste handling and utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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12 pages, 2549 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Ingredient from Aqueous Flavonoidic Extract of Yellow Onion Skins with Cytocompatibility and Cell Proliferation Properties
by Ștefania Adelina Milea, Oana Crăciunescu, Gabriela Râpeanu, Anca Oancea, Elena Enachi, Gabriela Elena Bahrim and Nicoleta Stănciuc
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7243; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167243 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1360
Abstract
Significant quantities of onion are cultivated annually, such that industrial processing leads to an appreciable amount of by-products, estimated at around 500,000 tons. Onion skins are considered an important source of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, particularly flavonoid compounds. Our study follows the development [...] Read more.
Significant quantities of onion are cultivated annually, such that industrial processing leads to an appreciable amount of by-products, estimated at around 500,000 tons. Onion skins are considered an important source of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, particularly flavonoid compounds. Our study follows the development of a sustainable solution in order to manage the by-products of yellow onion skins by designing ingredients with multifunctional activities. A green solvent aqueous extraction of flavonoids was applied to obtain a safe, flavonoid-enriched extract, yielding a total flavonoid content of 50.21 ± 0.09 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight (DW), and an antioxidant activity of 250.81 ± 6.76 mM Trolox/g DW. Complex biopolymeric matrices consisting of whey protein isolates, whey protein hydrolysates, maltodextrin, and pectin were further dissolved in the flavonoid-enriched aqueous extract, followed by freeze-drying. Two powders were obtained, both showing satisfactory phytochemical content and good stability during storage. The application of confocal microscopy revealed that the microscopic structure of the powders have a distribution of the bioactive compounds within the biopolymeric matrices. The in vitro digestion suggested remarkable stability in the gastric tract and a flavonoid-controlled release in the intestinal phase. A significant compatibility range of up to 1 mg/mL for both powders was found, whereas concentrations between 10 and 250 µg/mL stimulated cell proliferation after 24 h of cultivation. The powders showed satisfactory thermal and pH stability, which favors their addition to different food matrices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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11 pages, 1013 KiB  
Communication
In Vitro Coliform Resistance to Bioactive Compounds in Urinary Infection, Assessed in a Lab Catheterization Model
by Emanuel Vamanu, Laura Dorina Dinu, Cristina Mihaela Luntraru and Alexandru Suciu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4315; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11094315 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2092
Abstract
Bioactive compounds and phenolic compounds are viable alternatives to antibiotics in recurrent urinary tract infections. This study aimed to use a natural functional product, based on the bioactive compounds’ composition, to inhibit the uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. E.coli ATCC 25922 [...] Read more.
Bioactive compounds and phenolic compounds are viable alternatives to antibiotics in recurrent urinary tract infections. This study aimed to use a natural functional product, based on the bioactive compounds’ composition, to inhibit the uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. E.coli ATCC 25922 was used to characterize the IVCM (new in vitro catheterization model). As support for reducing bacterial proliferation, the cytotoxicity against a strain of Candida albicans was also determined (over 75% at 1 mg/mL). The results were correlated with the analysis of the distribution of biologically active compounds (trans-ferulic acid-268.44 ± 0.001 mg/100 g extract and an equal quantity of Trans-p-coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid). A pronounced inhibitory effect against the uropathogenic strain E. coli 317 (4 log copy no./mL after 72 h) was determined. The results showed a targeted response to the product for tested bacterial strains. The importance of research resulted from the easy and fast characterization of the functional product with antimicrobial effect against uropathogenic strains of E. coli. This study demonstrated that the proposed in vitro model was a valuable tool for assessing urinary tract infections with E. coli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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12 pages, 2291 KiB  
Article
Low Doses of Gamma Irradiation Stimulate Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Activity in Fomes fomentarius Living Mycelium
by Cristina Florentina Pelcaru, Mihaela Ene, Alina-Maria Petrache and Daniel Constantin Neguț
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11094236 - 07 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1832
Abstract
Environmental changes generate free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in abiotic stress in plants and fungi. Gamma ionizing radiation generates a significant amount of free radicals and ROS, thereby simulating natural environmental stressors. We used a 60Co source of radiation [...] Read more.
Environmental changes generate free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in abiotic stress in plants and fungi. Gamma ionizing radiation generates a significant amount of free radicals and ROS, thereby simulating natural environmental stressors. We used a 60Co source of radiation to experimentally induce oxidative stress in living mycelium mass of the medicinal fungus Fomes fomentarius, in order to obtain a late response of stress tolerance by means of bioactive compounds synthesis. We measured the response at 24, 48, and 72 h after the irradiation. The highest improvement was found 24 h after exposure for antioxidant activity and for total phenolic compounds of methanolic extract, with a 1.89- and 1.64-fold increase, respectively. The total flavonoids in methanolic extract increased 1.68 times after 48 h from treatment and presented a more stable raising in the assessed time-lapse. For the three analyzed parameters, 300 Gy was the optimum absorbed dose to trigger a beneficial response, with potentially applications in pharmaceutics and nutraceutics. Gamma irradiation can be used as a biotechnological tool to direct the secondary metabolites synthesis upregulation in medicinal mushroom living mycelium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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11 pages, 5148 KiB  
Article
Submerged Cultivation of Inonotus obliquus Mycelium Using Statistical Design of Experiments and Mathematical Modeling to Increase Biomass Yield
by Alexandru Petre, Mihaela Ene and Emanuel Vamanu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11094104 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2820
Abstract
Submerged culturing of mycelium is an efficient technique used to increase biomass yields, more so when employed with naturally slow-growing species of mushrooms. This paper is concerned with optimizing nutrient broth components used in Inonotus obliquus cultures for achieving high biomass yields. We [...] Read more.
Submerged culturing of mycelium is an efficient technique used to increase biomass yields, more so when employed with naturally slow-growing species of mushrooms. This paper is concerned with optimizing nutrient broth components used in Inonotus obliquus cultures for achieving high biomass yields. We modeled the effect of seven biotechnological parameters (six broth ingredients and the initial pH of nutritive broth) on mycelial biomass and predicted an optimum broth formula using response surface methodology. An analysis of variance showed that the elaborated model is significant (F-value of 2.76 and p-value of 0.0316). We used bioreactor cultures to confirm the model’s optimum prediction and to compare these results with a general-purpose mycology medium, namely potato dextrose broth (PDB). The optimized bioreactor culture yielded 4.37 g/L (93.36% of the dry weight prediction), while the PDB bioreactor culture yielded 2.084 g/L, after 15 days of cultivation. The optimized formula was: 2.15299 g malt extract, 3.99296 g yeast extract, 11.0041 g fructose, 17.4 g soluble starch, 0.1 g MgSO4, and 0.05 g CaCl2 per liter of broth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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9 pages, 975 KiB  
Article
Determination of the Qualitative Composition of Biologically Active Substances of Extracts of In Vitro Callus, Cell Suspension, and Root Cultures of the Medicinal Plant Rhaponticum carthamoides
by Lyudmila Asyakina, Svetlana Ivanova, Alexander Prosekov, Lyubov Dyshlyuk, Evgeny Chupakhin, Elena Ulrikh, Olga Babich and Stanislav Sukhikh
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2555; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11062555 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2031
Abstract
This work aims to study the qualitative composition of biologically active substance (BAS) extracts in vitro callus, cell suspension, and root cultures of the medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides. The research methodology is based on high-performance liquid chromatography, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance [...] Read more.
This work aims to study the qualitative composition of biologically active substance (BAS) extracts in vitro callus, cell suspension, and root cultures of the medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides. The research methodology is based on high-performance liquid chromatography, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, to study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of BAS. The results of the qualitative composition analysis of the dried biomass extracts of in vitro callus, cell suspension and root cultures showed that the main biologically active substances in the medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides are 2-deoxy-5,20,26-trihydroxyecdyson (7 mg, yield 0.12%), 5,20,26-trihydroxyecdyson 20,22-acetonide (15 mg, yield 0.25%), 2-deoxy-5,20,26-trihydroxyecdyson 20,22-acetonide (6 mg, yield 0.10%), 20,26-dihydroxyecdyson 20,22-acetonidecdyson 20,22-acetonide (5 mg, yield 0.09%), and ecdyson 20,22-acetonide (6 mg, yield 0.10%). In the future, it is planned to study the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor activity of BAS of extracts of in vitro callus, cell suspension, and root cultures of the medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides, for the production of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements with antitumor, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

17 pages, 1693 KiB  
Review
Novel Insights on Plant Extracts to Prevent and Treat Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
by Adriana Mirela Tache, Laura Dorina Dinu and Emanuel Vamanu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2635; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12052635 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6612
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent one of the most widespread infections, and frequent recurrent episodes, induced mostly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, make them increasingly difficult to treat. Long-term antibiotic therapy is an effective approach to treat recurrent UTI but generates adverse effects, [...] Read more.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent one of the most widespread infections, and frequent recurrent episodes, induced mostly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, make them increasingly difficult to treat. Long-term antibiotic therapy is an effective approach to treat recurrent UTI but generates adverse effects, including the emergence of pathogenic strains resistant to the vast majority of antibiotics. These drawbacks have enhanced the interest toward new alternatives based on plant extracts to prevent and treat recurrent UTI, especially in a synergistic antibiotic approach. Therefore, this review highlights the potential of some medicinal plants to be used in the management of recurrent UTI, including plants that have been approved for the treatment of urinary infections and promising, but less studied, plant candidates with proven anti-uropathogenic activity. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa Michx.), and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) have great potential to be used for prevention or in a combined antibiotic therapy to cure UTI, but more studies and clinical trials in specific population groups are required. Further progress in developing plant-based products to cure rUTI will be supported by advances in UTI pathogenesis and human-based models for a better understanding of their pharmacological activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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11 pages, 832 KiB  
Review
Effects of Heat Treatment Processes: Health Benefits and Risks to the Consumer
by Miguel Cascais, Pedro Monteiro, Diana Pacheco, João Cotas, Leonel Pereira, João Carlos Marques and Ana M. M. Gonçalves
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8740; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11188740 - 19 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3443
Abstract
Macroalgae are a biological group that has mainly been used in Asian countries; however, the interest shown by Western society is recent, its application in the industrial sector having increased in the last few decades. Seaweeds are filled with properties which are beneficial [...] Read more.
Macroalgae are a biological group that has mainly been used in Asian countries; however, the interest shown by Western society is recent, its application in the industrial sector having increased in the last few decades. Seaweeds are filled with properties which are beneficial to our health. To use them as food and enhance these properties, heat has been used on them. This process alters the bioactive compounds. If we study the levels of moisture, they can vary according to the drying methods used. High values of moisture can lead to a short shelf life due to oxidation, microbial or enzyme activity, so controlling these values is highly recommended. Heat causes enzymatic activity as well as oxidation, which leads to degradation of phenolic compounds in comparison with freeze-drying, which causes fewer losses of these components. Due to the same occurrences, lipid content can also vary, modifying the bioactive compounds and their benefits. Pigments are some of the components most affected by heat, since, through this process, seaweeds or seaweed products can suffer a change in color. Iodine in macroalgae can decrease drastically; on the other hand, protein yield can be greatly enhanced. Some studies showed that the amount of arsenic in raw seaweeds was higher than when they were heat processed, and that arsenic values varied when different heat treatments were applied. Additionally, another study showed that heat can alter protein yield in specific species and have a different effect on other species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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9 pages, 1327 KiB  
Technical Note
Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison of Liquid–Liquid Phase Extraction Using Ethyl Acetate and Liquid–Solid Phase Extraction Using Poly-Benzyl-Resin for Natural Products
by Yannik K. Schneider, Solveig M. Jørgensen, Jeanette Hammer Andersen and Espen H. Hansen
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10241; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112110241 - 01 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2604
Abstract
A key step in the process of isolating microbial natural products is the preparation of an extract from a culture. This step determines which molecules will be available for detection in the subsequent chemical and biological analysis of a biodiscovery pipeline. In the [...] Read more.
A key step in the process of isolating microbial natural products is the preparation of an extract from a culture. This step determines which molecules will be available for detection in the subsequent chemical and biological analysis of a biodiscovery pipeline. In the present study we wanted to document potential differences in performance between liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate and liquid–solid extraction using a poly-benzyl-resin. For the comparison of the two extraction protocols, we spiked a culture of Flavobacterium sp. with a diverse selection of natural products of microbial and plant origin to investigate whether the methods were comparable with respect to selectivity. We also investigated the efficiency of the two extraction methods quantitatively, using water spiked with a selection of natural products, and studied the quantitative effect of different pH levels of the aqueous solutions on the extraction yields of the two methods. The same compounds were extracted by the two methods, but the solid-phase extract contained more media components compared with the liquid-phase extract. Quantitatively, the two extraction methods varied in their recovery rates. We conclude that practical aspects could be more important when selecting one of the extraction protocols, as their efficiencies in extracting specific compounds were quite similar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products: Separation, Characterization and Applications)
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