Editorial

4 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient

by Gerardi Carmela and Giovinazzo Giovanna

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2633; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27092633 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195

Research on flavonoids from plant sources is showing growing evidence of the versatile health benefits of flavonoids through in vitro and in vivo studies [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

11 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Red (cv. Negramaro) and White (cv. Fiano) Skin Pomace Extracts

by Carmela Gerardi, Loris Pinto, Federico Baruzzi and Giovanna Giovinazzo

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5918; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26195918 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

Wine pomace has attracted the attention of the food industry, due to its high content in bioactive compounds, and its multiple healthy activities. In this work, whole and separated skin pomaces from fermented (red) and un-fermented (white) grape by-products were characterized for their [...] Read more.

Wine pomace has attracted the attention of the food industry, due to its high content in bioactive compounds, and its multiple healthy activities. In this work, whole and separated skin pomaces from fermented (red) and un-fermented (white) grape by-products were characterized for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in order to exploit them as functional food ingredient. Antioxidant activity, measured by both ORAC and TEAC assays, was higher in whole than in skin pomace extracts. The characterization of phenolic composition in whole and skin pomace extracts confirmed the peculiarity of some compounds such as anthocyanins (107.84 + 10.3 mg/g TP) in red skin pomace and a great amount of flavanols (80.73 + 4.04 mg/g TP) in white skin pomace. Whole and skin pomace extracts displayed the same antibacterial activity at 250 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL. Red and white skin pomace extracts showed a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 31.25–62.5 GAE/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Pseudomonas spp. were more sensitive to red skin pomace extracts rather than white skin pomace extracts. Given these results, both red and white pomace extracts could be exploited for future application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

14 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Changes in Antioxidant Activity of Selected Flavonoids and Caffeine Depending on the Dosage and Form of Thiamine

by Justyna Piechocka, Anna Gramza-Michałowska and Krystyna Szymandera-Buszka

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4702; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26154702 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2125

Abstract

Phenolic compounds and thiamine may serve as therapies against oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is important to note that these components show high instability under changing conditions. The study’s aim was to determine the impact of the thiamine concentration (hydrochloride—TH and pyrophosphate—TP; [...] Read more.

Phenolic compounds and thiamine may serve as therapies against oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is important to note that these components show high instability under changing conditions. The study’s aim was to determine the impact of the thiamine concentration (hydrochloride—TH and pyrophosphate—TP; in the range 0.02 to 20 mg/100 g on the indices of the chelating properties and reducing power, and free radicals scavenging indices of EGCG, EGC, ECG and caffeine added from 0.04 to 6.0 mg/100 g. Our research confirmed that higher concentrations of TH and TP can exhibit significant activity against the test antioxidant indices of all components. When above 5.0 mg/100 g of thiamine was used, the radical scavenging abilities of the compound decreased in the following order: EGCG > ECG > EGC > caffeine. The highest correlation was found for the concentration of thiamine pyrophosphate to 20.0 mg/100 g and EGCG. Knowledge of the impact of factors associated with the concentration of both EGCG, EGC, ECG or caffeine and thiamine on their activity could carry weight in regulating the quality supplemented foods, especially of nutrition support for people of all ages were oral, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Extract of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Inhibits Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-1B in Insulin-Resistant HepG2 Cells

by Orathai Saeting, Kasemsiri Chandarajoti, Angsuma Phongphisutthinan, Parichat Hongsprabhas and Sudathip Sae-tan

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1452; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26051452 - 07 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2995

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mungbean water extract (MWE) on insulin downstream signaling in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Whole seed mungbean was extracted using boiling water, mimicking a traditional cooking method. Vitexin and isovitexin were identified in MWE. The results [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mungbean water extract (MWE) on insulin downstream signaling in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Whole seed mungbean was extracted using boiling water, mimicking a traditional cooking method. Vitexin and isovitexin were identified in MWE. The results showed that MWE inhibited protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-1B (IC₅₀ = 10 μg/mL), a negative regulator of insulin signaling. MWE enhanced cellular glucose uptake and altered expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism, including forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β in the insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. In addition, MWE inhibited both α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 36.65 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 3.07 mg/mL). MWE also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (IC₅₀ = 2.28 mg/mL). This is the first study to show that mungbean water extract increased cellular glucose uptake and improved insulin sensitivity of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells through PTP-1B inhibition and modulating the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism. This suggests that mungbean water extract has the potential to be a functional ingredient for diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Proliferative Effect of Allium senescens L. Extract in Human T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

by Jiyeon Kim, Dae Han Lee, Bazarragchaa Badamtsetseg, Sangwoo Lee and Soon Ae Kim

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 35; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26010035 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2421

Abstract

Allium species are well known plants distributed throughout the world, and they contain various bioactive components with different biological activities including anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Allium senescens L. (A.S.) extract on cell survival and IL-2-mediated inflammation [...] Read more.

Allium species are well known plants distributed throughout the world, and they contain various bioactive components with different biological activities including anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Allium senescens L. (A.S.) extract on cell survival and IL-2-mediated inflammation in human T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) Jurkat cells. Our results showed that A.S. extract induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of Jurkat cells with no significant cytotoxicity in the normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A.S. extract induced ROS generation through the activation of MAPK p38 phosphorylation. It also inhibited IL-2 mRNA expression and NF-κB signaling mediated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and phytohemagglutinin. Combined treatment with A.S. extract and axitinib/dovitinib exerted enhanced inhibitory effects on T-ALL cell growth and IL-2 production. These results provide novel information on the potential use of A.S. extract as a therapeutic herbal agent for the treatment and prevention of T-ALL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Flavonoid Metabolites in Chaenomeles Petals Using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

by Ting Shen, Fengting Hu, Qianrui Liu, Haiyan Wang and Houhua Li

Molecules 2020, 25(17), 3994; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25173994 - 02 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2667

Abstract

Chaenomeles species are used for both ornamental decoration and medicinal purposes. In order to have a better understanding of the flavonoid profile of Chaenomeles, the petals of four Chaenomeles species, including Chaenomeles japonica (RB), Chaenomeles speciose (ZP), Chaenomeles sinensis (GP), and [...] Read more.

Chaenomeles species are used for both ornamental decoration and medicinal purposes. In order to have a better understanding of the flavonoid profile of Chaenomeles, the petals of four Chaenomeles species, including Chaenomeles japonica (RB), Chaenomeles speciose (ZP), Chaenomeles sinensis (GP), and Chaenomeles cathayensis (MY), were selected as experimental material. The total flavonoid content of GP was found to be the highest, followed by MY, ZP, and RB. In total, 179 flavonoid metabolites (including 49 flavonols, 46 flavonoids, 19 flavone C-glycosides, 17 procyanidins, 15 anthocyanins, 10 flavanols, 10 dihydroflavonoids, 6 isoflavones, 5 dihydroflavonols, and 2 chalcones) were identified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Screening of differential flavonoid metabolites showed that GP had higher levels of metabolites when compared with the other three Chaenomeles species. Annotation and enrichment analysis of flavonoid metabolites revealed that cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside and pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside anthocyanins are likely responsible for the color differences of the four Chaenomeles petals. Additionally, a large number of flavonoids, flavonols, and isoflavones were enriched in the petals of GP. This study provides new insights into the development and utilization of Chaenomeles petals and provides a basis for future investigations into their utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

16 pages, 2040 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant Flavonoids: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity

by Maria Celeste Dias, Diana C. G. A. Pinto and Artur M. S. Silva

Molecules 2021, 26(17), 5377; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26175377 - 04 Sep 2021

Cited by 374 | Viewed by 20254

Abstract

In recent years, more attention has been paid to natural sources of antioxidants. Flavonoids are natural substances synthesized in several parts of plants that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity. They are a large family, presenting several classes based on their basic structure. Flavonoids [...] Read more.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to natural sources of antioxidants. Flavonoids are natural substances synthesized in several parts of plants that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity. They are a large family, presenting several classes based on their basic structure. Flavonoids have the ability to control the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via scavenger ROS when they are formed. Therefore, these antioxidant compounds have an important role in plant stress tolerance and a high relevance in human health, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In addition, flavonoids have several applications in the food industry as preservatives, pigments, and antioxidants, as well as in other industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, flavonoids application for industrial purposes implies extraction processes with high purity and quality. Several methodologies have been developed aimed at increasing flavonoid extraction yield and being environmentally friendly. This review presents the most abundant natural flavonoids, their structure and chemical characteristics, extraction methods, and biological activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 896 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Natural Polyphenols Help in Reducing Cytokine Storm in COVID-19 Patients?

by Giovanna Giovinazzo, Carmela Gerardi, Caterina Uberti-Foppa and Lucia Lopalco

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5888; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25245888 - 12 Dec 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4893

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 first emerged in China during late 2019 and rapidly spread all over the world. Alterations in the inflammatory cytokines pathway represent a strong signature during SARS-COV-2 infection and correlate with poor prognosis and severity of the illness. The hyper-activation of the immune [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 first emerged in China during late 2019 and rapidly spread all over the world. Alterations in the inflammatory cytokines pathway represent a strong signature during SARS-COV-2 infection and correlate with poor prognosis and severity of the illness. The hyper-activation of the immune system results in an acute severe systemic inflammatory response named cytokine release syndrome (CRS). No effective prophylactic or post-exposure treatments are available, although some anti-inflammatory compounds are currently in clinical trials. Studies of plant extracts and natural compounds show that polyphenols can play a beneficial role in the prevention and the progress of chronic diseases related to inflammation. The aim of this manuscript is to review the published background on the possible effectiveness of polyphenols to fight SARS-COV-2 infection, contributing to the reduction of inflammation. Here, some of the anti-inflammatory therapies are discussed and although great progress has been made though this year, there is no proven cytokine blocking agents for COVID currently used in clinical practice. In this regard, bioactive phytochemicals such as polyphenols may become promising tools to be used as adjuvants in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such nutrients, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, associated to classical anti-inflammatory drugs, could help in reducing the inflammation in patients with COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 17548 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preventative and Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids in Peptic Ulcers

by Wenji Zhang, Yingyi Lian, Qiuhua Li, Lingli Sun, Ruohong Chen, Xingfei Lai, Zhaoxiang Lai, Erdong Yuan and Shili Sun

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25204626 - 11 Oct 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8279

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects up to 20% of the population of the world. Treatment of peptic ulcer remains challenging due to the limited effectiveness and severe side effects of the currently available drugs. Hence, natural compounds, [...] Read more.

Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects up to 20% of the population of the world. Treatment of peptic ulcer remains challenging due to the limited effectiveness and severe side effects of the currently available drugs. Hence, natural compounds, owing to their medicinal, ecological, and other safe properties, are becoming popular potential candidates in preventing and treating peptic ulcers. Flavonoids, the most abundant polyphenols in plants, exhibit gastroprotective effects against peptic ulcer both in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we summarized the anti-ulcer functions and mechanisms, and also the bioavailability, efficacy, and safety, of flavonoid monomers in the gastrointestinal tract. Flavonoids exerted cytoprotective and rehabilitative effects by not only strengthening defense factors, such as mucus and prostaglandins, but also protecting against potentially harmful factors via their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Although controlled clinical studies are limited at present, flavonoids have shown a promising preventable and therapeutic potential in peptic ulcers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Flavonoids from Plants to Foods: From Green Extraction to Healthy Food Ingredient

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI