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Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 47046

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Carrillo-Vico

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

1. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville, CSIC, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
2. Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Seville, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: bioactive compounds; immunomodulation; oxidative stress; melatonin; multiple sclerosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro

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Guest Editor

Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: functional foods; protein hydrolysate; antioxidant; immunomodulation; natural extracts; biopeptides; lupine; hemp
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last two decades, plant bioactive compounds have been reported to confer beneficial health effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and metabolic effects, among others.

All these effects were described from in vitro and in vivo studies in which different plant-derived compounds, including proteins, protein hydrolysates, specific peptides, polyphenols, oils, juices, flowers, seeds, etc., were used.

Currently, there is a big increase in modern society lifestyle-related diseases, which are characterized by the loss of the control of the antioxidant and immune systems, as well as metabolic processes. Thus, plant bioactive compounds able to modify or to control these factors could be suitable candidate to develop plant-based functional food in health promotion.

It is also noteworthy the increasing attention to the environmental impact of the modern animal agriculture. Thus, the identification bioactive compounds from natural vegetable sources is an interesting strategy not only for replacing animal proteins with plant proteins, which is a central issue for health, but also for reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Therefore, this Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled “Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects”, welcomes the submission of original articles or reviews that can improve the knowledge about the beneficial health effects of vegetable compounds, such as immunomodulation, antioxidant, and metabolic regulation.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Carrillo Vico
Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro
Guest Editors

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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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

Oxidative stress
Inflammation
Metabolism
Plant Bioactive compounds
Functional food
Nutraceuticals
Natural extracts
Human health
Nutrition
Metabolic syndrome
Chronic diseases
Cardiovascular diseases
Cancer

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 204 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant, and Metabolic Effects

by Ivan Cruz-Chamorro and Antonio Carrillo-Vico

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 7916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097916 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 859

Abstract

In recent decades, people in the industrialized world have increased the demand for meat-free foods motivated by health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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Research

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18 pages, 1344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on the Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites and Evaluation of Biological Activity of In Vitro Cultures of Ruta montana L. in Temporary Immersion Bioreactors

by Agnieszka Szewczyk, Andreana Marino, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Lucia Cambria, Federica Davì, Monika Trepa, Mariusz Grabowski and Natalizia Miceli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7045; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24087045 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

The present work focuses on in vitro cultures of Ruta montana L. in temporary immersion Plantform^TM bioreactors. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of cultivation time (5 and 6 weeks) and different concentrations (0.1–1.0 mg/L) of plant growth and development regulators (NAA and BAP) on the increase in biomass and the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Consequently, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm potentials of methanol extracts obtained from the in vitro-cultured biomass of R. montana were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to characterize furanocoumarins, furoquinoline alkaloids, phenolic acids, and catechins. The major secondary metabolites in R. montana cultures were coumarins (maximum total content of 1824.3 mg/100 g DM), and the dominant compounds among them were xanthotoxin and bergapten. The maximum content of alkaloids was 561.7 mg/100 g DM. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the extract obtained from the biomass grown on the 0.1/0.1 LS medium variant, with an IC₅₀ 0.90 ± 0.03 mg/mL, showed the best chelating ability among the extracts, while the 0.1/0.1 and 0.5/1.0 LS media variants showed the best antibacterial (MIC range 125–500 µg/mL) and antibiofilm activity against resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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18 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Perspectives on the Sustainable Employment of Chestnut Shells as Active Ingredient against Oral Mucositis: A First Screening

by Ana Sofia Ferreira, Ana Margarida Silva, Diana Pinto, Manuela M. Moreira, Ricardo Ferraz, Jaroslava Švarc-Gajić, Paulo C. Costa, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Francisca Rodrigues

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms232314956 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Oral mucositis (OM), a common side effect of oncological treatment, is an oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and increased risk of infection. The use of natural antioxidants to suppress the redox imbalance responsible for the OM condition has emerged as an interesting approach to prevent/treat OM. This study aims to explore the chestnut (Castana sativa) shells as potential active ingredient against OM. Therefore, chestnut shells were extracted at different temperatures (110–180 °C) by Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), aiming to recover antioxidants. The extracts were also evaluated against microorganisms present in the oral cavity as well as on human oral cell lines (TR146 and HSC3). The highest phenolic content was obtained with the extraction temperature of 110 °C, exhibiting the best antioxidant/antiradical activities and scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC₅₀ = 4.47 μg/mL) and ROO^• (0.73 μmol TE/mg DW). High concentrations of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic and protocatechuic acids) and flavanoids (catechin, epicatechin and rutin) characterized the phenolic profile. The antimicrobial activity against several oral microorganisms present in the oral cavity during OM, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia, was demonstrated. Finally, the effects on HSC3 and TR146 cell lines revealed that the extract prepared at 110 °C had the lowest IC₅₀ (1325.03 and 468.15 µg/mL, respectively). This study highlights the potential effects of chestnut shells on OM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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16 pages, 3967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methyl P-Coumarate Ameliorates the Inflammatory Response in Activated-Airway Epithelial Cells and Mice with Allergic Asthma

by Ji-Won Park, Jinseon Choi, Juhyun Lee, Jin-Mi Park, Seong-Man Kim, Jae-Hong Min, Da-Yun Seo, Soo-Hyeon Goo, Ju-Hee Kim, Ok-Kyoung Kwon, Kihoon Lee, Kyung-Seop Ahn, Sei-Ryang Oh and Jae-Won Lee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14909; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms232314909 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Methyl p-coumarate (methyl p-hydroxycinnamate) (MH) is a natural compound found in a variety of plants. In the present study, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of MH on airway inflammation in an experimental model of allergic asthma (AA). In this in vitro study, MH was found to exert anti-inflammatory activity on PMA-stimulated A549 airway epithelial cells by suppressing the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and ICAM-1. In addition, MH exerted an inhibitory effect not only on NF-κB (p-NF-κB and p-IκB) and AP-1 (p-c-Fos and p-c-Jun) activation but also on A549 cell and EOL-1 cell (eosinophil cell lines) adhesion. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, MH had an inhibitory effect on TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1. The results from in vivo study revealed that the increases in eosinophils/Th2 cytokines/MCP-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and IgE in the serum of OVA-induced mice with AA were effectively inhibited by MH administration. MH also exerted a reductive effect on the immune cell influx, mucus secretion, and iNOS/COX-2 expression in the lungs of mice with AA. The effects of MH were accompanied by the inactivation of NF-κB. Collectively, the findings of the present study indicated that MH attenuates airway inflammation in mice with AA, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant in asthma therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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23 pages, 7102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rosemary Extract-Induced Autophagy and Decrease in Accumulation of Collagen Type I in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Skin Fibroblasts

by Joanna Sutkowska-Skolimowska, Justyna Brańska-Januszewska, Jakub W. Strawa, Halina Ostrowska, Malwina Botor, Katarzyna Gawron and Anna Galicka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10341; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms231810341 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disease mainly caused by structural mutations in type I collagen. Mutant collagen accumulates intracellularly, causing cellular stress that has recently been shown to be phenotype-related. Therefore, the aim of the study was to search for potential drugs reducing collagen accumulation and improving OI fibroblast homeostasis. We found that rosemary extract (RE), which is of great interest to researchers due to its high therapeutic potential, at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL significantly reduced the level of accumulated collagen in the fibroblasts of four patients with severe and lethal OI. The decrease in collagen accumulation was associated with RE-induced autophagy as was evidenced by an increase in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, a decrease in p62, and co-localization of type I collagen with LC3-II and LAMP2A by confocal microscopy. The unfolded protein response, activated in three of the four tested cells, and the level of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, CHOP and cleaved caspase 3) were attenuated by RE. In addition, the role of RE-modulated proteasome in the degradation of unfolded procollagen chains was investigated. This study provides new insight into the beneficial effects of RE that may have some implications in OI therapy targeting cellular stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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16 pages, 2330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Protein Hydrolysate Exerts Anxiolytic-Like Effects in Western Diet-Fed ApoE^−/− Mice

by Guillermo Santos-Sánchez, Eduardo Ponce-España, Juan Carlos López, Nuria Álvarez-Sánchez, Ana Isabel Álvarez-López, Justo Pedroche, Francisco Millán, María Carmen Millán-Linares, Patricia Judith Lardone, Ignacio Bejarano, Ivan Cruz-Chamorro and Antonio Carrillo-Vico

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9828; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23179828 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2171

Abstract

Anxiety is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide, causing a substantial economic burden due to the associated healthcare costs. Given that commercial anxiolytic treatments may cause important side effects and have medical restrictions for prescription and high costs, the search for new natural and safer treatments is gaining attention. Since lupin protein hydrolysate (LPH) has been shown to be safe and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, key risk factors for the anxiety process and memory impairment, we evaluated in this study the potential effects of LPH on anxiety and spatial memory in a Western diet (WD)-induced anxiety model in ApoE^−/− mice. We showed that 20.86% of the 278 identified LPH peptides have biological activity related to anxiolytic/analgesic effects; the principal motifs found were the following: VPL, PGP, YL, and GQ. Moreover, 14 weeks of intragastrical LPH treatment (100 mg/kg) restored the WD-induced anxiety effects, reestablishing the anxiety levels observed in the standard diet (SD)-fed mice since they spent less time in the anxiety zones of the elevated plus maze (EPM). Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of head dips was recorded in LPH-treated mice, which indicates a greater exploration capacity and less fear due to lower levels of anxiety. Interestingly, the LPH group showed similar thigmotaxis, a well-established indicator of animal anxiety and fear, to the SD group, counteracting the WD effect. This is the first study to show that LPH treatment has anxiolytic effects, pointing to LPH as a potential component of future nutritional therapies in patients with anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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14 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactivities of Pseudocereal Fractionated Seed Proteins and Derived Peptides Relevant for Maintaining Human Well-Being

by Jessica Capraro, Stefano De Benedetti, Giuditta Carlotta Heinzl, Alessio Scarafoni and Chiara Magni

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22073543 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2588

Abstract

Food proteins and peptides are able to exert a variety of well-known bioactivities, some of which are related to well-being and disease prevention in humans and animals. Currently, an active trend in research focuses on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, delineating their major pathogenetic role in age-related diseases and in some forms of cancer. The present study aims to investigate the potential effects of pseudocereal proteins and their derived peptides on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. After purification and attribution to protein classes according to classic Osborne’s classification, the immune-modulating, antioxidant, and trypsin inhibitor activities of proteins from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) seeds have been assessed in vitro. The peptides generated by simulated gastro-intestinal digestion of each fraction have been also investigated for the selected bioactivities. None of the proteins or peptides elicited inflammation in Caco-2 cells; furthermore, all protein fractions showed different degrees of protection of cells from IL-1β-induced inflammation. Immune-modulating and antioxidant activities were, in general, higher for the albumin fraction. Overall, seed proteins can express these bioactivities mainly after hydrolysis. On the contrary, higher trypsin inhibitor activity was expressed by globulins in their intact form. These findings lay the foundations for the exploitation of these pseudocereal seeds as source of anti-inflammatory molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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22 pages, 2955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Triterpenes of Protium heptaphyllum Gum Resin Extract Display Cholesterol-Lowering Potential

by Giuseppe Mannino, Piera Iovino, Antonino Lauria, Tullio Genova, Alberto Asteggiano, Monica Notarbartolo, Alessandra Porcu, Graziella Serio, Giorgia Chinigò, Andrea Occhipinti, Andrea Capuzzo, Claudio Medana, Luca Munaron and Carla Gentile

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(5), 2664; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22052664 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3896

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease, the risk of which is further increased if other forms of dyslipidemia occur. Current therapeutic strategies include changes in lifestyle coupled with drug administration. Statins represent the most common therapeutic approach, but they may be insufficient due to the onset of resistance mechanisms and side effects. Consequently, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia prefer the use of food supplements since these are perceived to be safer. Here, we investigate the phytochemical profile and cholesterol-lowering potential of Protium heptaphyllum gum resin extract (PHE). Chemical characterization via HPLC-APCI-HRMS² and GC-FID/MS identified 13 compounds mainly belonging to ursane, oleanane, and tirucallane groups. Studies on human hepatocytes have revealed how PHE is able to reduce cholesterol production and regulate the expression of proteins involved in its metabolism. (HMGCR, PCSK9, LDLR, FXR, IDOL, and PPAR). Moreover, measuring the inhibitory activity of PHE against HMGR, moderate inhibition was recorded. Finally, molecular docking studies identified acidic tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoids as the main compounds responsible for this action. In conclusion, our study demonstrates how PHE may be a useful alternative to contrast hypercholesterolemia, highlighting its potential as a sustainable multitarget natural extract for the nutraceutical industry that is rapidly gaining acceptance as a source of health-promoting compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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Review

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18 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lycium barbarum Berries (Solanaceae) as Source of Bioactive Compounds for Healthy Purposes: A Review

by Filipa Teixeira, Ana Margarida Silva, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Francisca Rodrigues

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4777; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24054777 - 01 Mar 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3313

Abstract

Lycium barbarum L. is a species widely used in dietary supplements and natural healthcare products. The berries, also known as goji or wolfberries, mostly grow in China, but recent reports on their outstanding bioactive properties have increased their popularity and cultivation around the world. Goji berries are a remarkable source of phenolic compounds (such as phenolic acids and flavonoids), carotenoids, organic acids, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), and vitamins (ascorbic acid). Several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and anticancer activities, have been associated with its consumption. Hence, goji berries were highlighted as an excellent source of functional ingredients with promising applications in food and nutraceutical fields. This review aims to summarize the phytochemical composition and biological activities, along with various industrial applications, of L. barbarum berries. Simultaneously, the valorization of goji berries by-products, with its associated economic advantages, will be emphasized and explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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31 pages, 1134 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Oral Mucositis—A Review

by Ana Sofia Ferreira, Catarina Macedo, Ana Margarida Silva, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Paulo Costa and Francisca Rodrigues

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4385; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23084385 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5348

Abstract

Cancer, a major world public health problem, is associated with chemotherapy treatments whose administration leads to secondary concerns, such as oral mucositis (OM). The OM disorder is characterized by the presence of ulcers in the oral mucosa that cause pain, bleeding, and difficulty in ingesting fluids and solids, or speaking. Bioactive compounds from natural sources have arisen as an effective approach for OM. This review aims to summarize the new potential application of different natural products in the prevention and treatment of OM in comparison to conventional ones, also providing a deep insight into the most recent clinical studies. Natural products, such as Aloe vera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Camellia sinensis, Calendula officinalis, or honeybee crops, constitute examples of sources of bioactive compounds with pharmacological interest due to their well-reported activities (e.g., antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or wound healing). These activities are associated with the bioactive compounds present in their matrix (such as flavonoids), which are associated with in vivo biological activities and minimal or absent toxicity. Finally, encapsulation has arisen as a future opportunity to preserve the chemical stability and the drug bioa vailability of bioactive compounds and, most importantly, to improve the buccal retention period and the therapeutic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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15 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enzymes-Assisted Extraction of Plants for Sustainable and Functional Applications

by Paulina Streimikyte, Pranas Viskelis and Jonas Viskelis

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2359; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23042359 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7216

Abstract

The scientific community and industrial companies have discovered significant enzyme applications to plant material. This rise imparts to changing consumers’ demands while searching for ‘clean label’ food products, boosting the immune system, uprising resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases, and climate change challenges. First, enzymes were used for enhancing production yield with mild and not hazardous applications. However, enzyme specificity, activity, plant origin and characteristics, ratio, and extraction conditions differ depending on the goal. As a result, researchers have gained interest in enzymes’ ability to cleave specific bonds of macroelements and release bioactive compounds by enhancing value and creating novel derivatives in plant extracts. The extract is enriched with reducing sugars, phenolic content, and peptides by disrupting lignocellulose and releasing compounds from the cell wall and cytosolic. Nonetheless, depolymerizing carbohydrates and using specific enzymes form and release various saccharides lengths. The latest studies show that oligosaccharides released and formed by enzymes have a high potential to be slowly digestible starches (SDS) and possibly be labeled as prebiotics. Additionally, they excel in new technological, organoleptic, and physicochemical properties. Released novel derivatives and phenolic compounds have a significant role in human and animal health and gut-microbiota interactions, affecting many metabolic pathways. The latest studies have contributed to enzyme-modified extracts and products used for functional, fermented products development and sustainable processes: in particular, nanocellulose, nanocrystals, nanoparticles green synthesis with drug delivery, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties. Even so, enzymes’ incorporation into processes has limitations and is regulated by national and international levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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23 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Antioxidants from Natural Products on Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Diabetes and Their Molecular Signaling Mechanism

by Chindiana Khutami, Sri Adi Sumiwi, Nur Kusaira Khairul Ikram and Muchtaridi Muchtaridi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2056; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23042056 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5141

Abstract

Obesity is a risk factor that leads to the development of other diseases such as dyslipidemia and diabetes. These three metabolic disorders can occur simultaneously, hence, the treatment requires many drugs. Antioxidant compounds have been reported to have activities against obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes via several mechanisms. This review aims to discuss the antioxidant compounds that have activity against obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes together with their molecular signaling mechanism. The literature discussed in this review was obtained from the PUBMED database. Based on the collection of literature obtained, antioxidant compounds having activity against the three disorders (obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes) were identified. The activity is supported by various molecular signaling pathways that are influenced by these antioxidant compounds, further study of which would be useful in predicting drug targets for a more optimal effect. This review provides insights on utilizing one of these antioxidant compounds as opposed to several drugs. It is hoped that in the future, the number of drugs in treating obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes altogether can be minimized consequently reducing the risk of side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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20 pages, 11615 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytosterols: Potential Metabolic Modulators in Neurodegenerative Diseases

by Niti Sharma, Mario A. Tan and Seong Soo A. An

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12255; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222212255 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3911

Abstract

Phytosterols constitute a class of natural products that are an important component of diet and have vast applications in foods, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. With many and diverse isolated structures in nature, they exhibit a broad range of biological and pharmacological activities. Among over 200 types of phytosterols, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were ubiquitous in many plant species, exhibiting important aspects of activities related to neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, this mini-review presented an overview of the reported studies on selected phytosterols related to neurodegenerative diseases. It covered the major phytosterols based on biosynthetic considerations, including other phytosterols with significant in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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23 pages, 1692 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oils from Annonaceae Species from Brazil: A Systematic Review of Their Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities

by Márcia Moraes Cascaes, Odirleny dos Santos Carneiro, Lidiane Diniz do Nascimento, Ângelo Antônio Barbosa de Moraes, Mozaniel Santana de Oliveira, Jorddy Neves Cruz, Giselle Maria Skelding Pinheiro Guilhon and Eloisa Helena de Aguiar Andrade

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12140; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222212140 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3736

Abstract

The present work involves a systematic review of the chemical composition and biological effects of essential oils from the Annonaceae species collected in Brazil from 2011 to 2021. Annonaceae is one of the most important botanical families in Brazil, as some species have economic value in the market as local and international fruit. In addition, the species have useful applications in several areas—for instance, as raw materials for use in cosmetics and perfumery and as medicinal plants. In folk medicine, species such as Annona glabra L. and Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. are used to treat diseases such as rheumatism and malaria. The species of Annonaceae are an important source of essential oils and are rich in compounds belonging to the classes of mono and sesquiterpenes; of these compounds, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, (E)-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, spathulenol, and β-elemene are the most abundant. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antileishmania, antioxidant, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, larvicidal, trypanocidal, and antimalarial activities of essential oils from the Annonaceae species in Brazil have been described in previous research, with the most studies on this topic being related to their antiproliferative or cytotoxic activities. In some studies, it was observed that the biological activity reported for these essential oils was superior to that of drugs available on the market, as is the case of the essential oil of the species Guatteria punctata (Aubl.) R. A. Howard., which showed a trypanocidal effect that was 34 times stronger than that of the reference drug benznidazol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Properties of Plant Bioactive Compounds: Immune, Antioxidant and Metabolic Effects)

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