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Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II
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Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 34027

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Dunja Šamec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Technology, University North, Trg dr. Žarka Dolinara 1, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Interests: plant specialized metabolites; natural products in plant based food; metabolomics; climate changes impact on plant-based food production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Journal Plants will publish special issue Plant Polyphenols- from plants to human health. Polyphenols as a big group of specialized metabolites play important roles in plant growth, development and plant-environmental interactions. On another hand, they show beneficiary effects to human health.

This special issue will focus on polyphenols roles in plants as well as on their roles in human health. This will include papers dealing with new findings about polyphenols roles and mechanisms of action in plants and new findings how environmental and genetic factors influence their diversity, biosynthesis, homeostasis and potential health benefits.  In addition, special issue will cover papers focused on new methodologies for isolation, identification and quantification of polyphenols from various plants, as well as on in vitro or in vivo biological properties of polyphenols isolated from plants. The use of modern, omics tools will be highly appreciated. Original research articles, reviews, and short communications are welcome.

Dr. Dunja Šamec
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • polyphenols
  • plants
  • biosynthesis
  • biological activity
  • omics

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Published Papers (21 papers)

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20 pages, 3515 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs
by Viviane Beatrice Bota, Andreea-Adriana Neamtu, Neli-Kinga Olah, Elisabeta Chișe, Ramona Flavia Burtescu, Flavia Roxana Pripon Furtuna, Alexandru-Sabin Nicula, Carmen Neamtu, Adrian-Marius Maghiar, Lăcrămioara-Carmen Ivănescu, Maria-Magdalena Zamfirache, Endre Mathe and Violeta Turcuș
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1663; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11131663 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Tussilago farfara L., a perennial species, is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine, mainly for the treatment of respiratory tract-related pathology. In traditional Chinese medicine, flower buds are preferred; in Europe, the leaves are used; and in some parts of India, the [...] Read more.
Tussilago farfara L., a perennial species, is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine, mainly for the treatment of respiratory tract-related pathology. In traditional Chinese medicine, flower buds are preferred; in Europe, the leaves are used; and in some parts of India, the whole plant is utilized. This preferential usage of the plant organs might be based on differences in the chemical composition due to environmental conditions, along with preferred traditional and cultural approaches. In this article, the impact of pedoclimatic growth conditions on the morpho-anatomical development and phytochemical profile of the plant were studied on T. farfara in the vegetative state, collected from two different locations in the Romanian spontaneous flora, revealing significant variations. Furthermore, the antioxidant profile of the specific extracts from the aerial and subterranean plant parts is also in accordance with these discrepancies. The plant anatomy was assessed histologically by optical microscopy, while the analytical chemistry evaluation was based on LC/MS and spectral methods for the evaluation of the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative analysis contextually reporting on the histology, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and geographical location of the vegetative form of T. farfara. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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12 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Exploring New Sources of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Western Balkan Mountains
by Erna Karalija, Sabina Dahija, Arnela Demir, Renata Bešta-Gajević, Sanja Ćavar Zeljković and Petr Tarkowski
Plants 2022, 11(7), 1002; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11071002 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1512
Abstract
This study presents the first report on phenolic composition and bioactivity of ethanolic extracts of three plant species that grow in the western Balkan mountains and are used in traditional folk medicine: Valeriana montana, Salix retusa, and Campanula hercegovina. Phenolics [...] Read more.
This study presents the first report on phenolic composition and bioactivity of ethanolic extracts of three plant species that grow in the western Balkan mountains and are used in traditional folk medicine: Valeriana montana, Salix retusa, and Campanula hercegovina. Phenolics were extracted from different aerial plant parts using 80% ethanol to assess the possibility of sustainable use of these plants as a source of bioactive compounds without disruption to the roots (for V. montana) or destruction of whole habitats (for S. retusa and C. hercegovina). The ethanolic extract of V. montana flower contained noticeable levels of apigenin and quercetin. The branches and bark of S. retusa were significantly rich in catechin, while rutin was the major phenolic found in the leaf extract of C. hercegovina. Furthermore, the flower extract of V. montana revealed the best antioxidant activity, which was comparable to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin. Considering antimicrobial activity, the leaf extracts of V. montana and C. hercegovina demonstrated potent activity against all microbes tested, while the extracts of S. retusa were moderately effective. The presented results emphasize the potential of these plants as novel sources of bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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23 pages, 5298 KiB  
Article
The Fluorescence Detection of Phenolic Compounds in Plicosepalus curviflorus Extract Using Biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Potential
by Musarat Amina, Nawal M. Al Musayeib, Nawal A. Alarfaj, Maha F. El-Tohamy, Gadah A. Al-Hamoud and Muneerah K. M. Alqenaei
Plants 2022, 11(3), 361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11030361 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2614
Abstract
A facile, eco-friendly fluorescence approach based on the biogenic formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the biomass of Plicosepalus curviflorus shoots was developed. The suggested approach was employed to analyze three phenolic compounds (catechin, curviflorside, and curviflorin) isolated from the shoots of P. [...] Read more.
A facile, eco-friendly fluorescence approach based on the biogenic formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the biomass of Plicosepalus curviflorus shoots was developed. The suggested approach was employed to analyze three phenolic compounds (catechin, curviflorside, and curviflorin) isolated from the shoots of P. curviflorus. The surface morphology of the prepared ZnONPs was characterized by carrying out different microscopic and spectroscopic investigations. A significant UV-Vis absorption peak of ZnONPs was recognized at 345 nm and the FT-IR spectra of the isolated catechin, curviflorside, and curviflorin in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and ZnONPs were recorded at λem 470, 490, and 484 nm after excitation at λex 380, 420, and 410 nm. The suggested fluorescence method displayed linear concentration ranges of 10–120, 5–100, and 10–150 μg mL−1 for the three isolated compounds, respectively. The shoot extract, isolated compounds, and ZnONPs were screened for antibacterial and anticancer effects against four different types of bacterial strains and HeLa cells, respectively. The ZnONPs exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains when compared with pure, isolated compounds and shoot extract. The anticancer potential of ZnONPs (64%) was stronger as compared to the 160 µg mL−1 of shoot extract (49%), catechin (52%), curviflorside (54%), and curviflorin (58%) at 160 µg mL−1. Moreover, all the samples were investigated for hemolysis activity and showed a potent anti-hemolytic effect. The developed analytical method showed excellent sensitivity and reliability for the concurrent analysis of the isolated bioactive markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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14 pages, 716 KiB  
Article
Polyphenol Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Tapirira guianensis Aubl. (Anarcadiaceae) Leaves
by Arnaud Patient, Elodie Jean-Marie, Jean-Charles Robinson, Karine Martial, Emmanuelle Meudec, Joëlle Levalois-Grützmacher, Brigitte Closs and Didier Bereau
Plants 2022, 11(3), 326; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11030326 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2655
Abstract
Tapirira guianensis (Anacardiaceae) is a natural resource from the Amazonian Forest and is locally known in French Guiana as “loussé” (creole), “tata pilili” (wayãpi), or “ara” (palikur). The tree is used by indigenous populations for medicinal purposes. To increase the potential of this [...] Read more.
Tapirira guianensis (Anacardiaceae) is a natural resource from the Amazonian Forest and is locally known in French Guiana as “loussé” (creole), “tata pilili” (wayãpi), or “ara” (palikur). The tree is used by indigenous populations for medicinal purposes. To increase the potential of this tree for cosmetic, agro-food, or pharmaceutical uses, extracts were obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) from T. guianensis leaves using various extraction solvents such as water, methanol, and methanol–water (85/15; v/v). Chemical (DPPH, TEAC, ORAC) tests were applied to assess the anti-radical potential of these extracts. The polyphenol contents were determined by spectrophotometric (UV/Visible) and by means of chromatographic (UPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-MSn) methods. Tapirira guianensis leaf hydromethanolic extract produced the highest polyphenol content and exhibited antiradical activities in chemical assays (DPPH, TEAC, and ORAC) similar to (or higher than) those of a well-known antiradical plant, green tea. In T. guianensis, two classes of polyphenols were evidenced: (1) galloylquinic acids (identified for the first time in the studied species) and (2) flavonols and flavanols (present in small amounts). Flavonols seemed to play a major role in the antioxidant activity of DPPH. These findings provide a rationale for the use of T. guianensis in traditional medicine and to pave the way for seeking new biological properties involving this Amazonian tree. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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12 pages, 1148 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Microwave Assisted Extraction Conditions to Improve Phenolic Content and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Microbial Activity in Quercus cerris Bark Extracts
by Adrian Nisca, Ruxandra Ștefănescu, Cadmiel Moldovan, Andrei Mocan, Anca Delia Mare, Cristina Nicoleta Ciurea, Adrian Man, Daniela-Lucia Muntean and Corneliu Tanase
Plants 2022, 11(3), 240; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11030240 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
The species of the Quercus genus, including Quercus cerris L., are widely used and their wood represents a valuable material utilized for various purposes. The intense industrial processing of wood results in a considerable amount of poorly-used natural by-products, such as bark, and [...] Read more.
The species of the Quercus genus, including Quercus cerris L., are widely used and their wood represents a valuable material utilized for various purposes. The intense industrial processing of wood results in a considerable amount of poorly-used natural by-products, such as bark, and a loss of potentially useful raw materials. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the phytochemical characteristics and potential biological activities of Quercus cerris bark extracts obtained by optimizing the parameters of microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The optimum conditions for MAE were determined using a design of experiments (DoE) model, which set the experimental variables (irradiation time and microwave power) and their values. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extractions were performed and the optimum parameters of extraction were determined for both solvents. The total polyphenolic and tannin contents were determined. The biological activities representative of antioxidant capacity were determined using two free radical scavenging methods, the DPPH and ABTS methods, and the antibacterial activity was assessed with the microdilution method. The results showed different optimal extraction conditions for aqueous (30 min at 850 W) and hydroalcoholic (18 min at 650 W) extracts. A higher yield of total polyphenols was observed in the hydroalcoholic bark extract (403.73 ± 7.35 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried weight); however a lower level of tannins was registered in comparison to the aqueous extract. In addition, both extracts exerted high antioxidant activities, with the aqueous extracts having a stronger inhibitory effect against the DPPH radical. Moreover, the extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains, especially against the Gram-positive strains and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the hydroalcoholic extracts being more efficient overall. To conclude, the optimized MAE was an efficient method to extract phytochemical compounds with potential biological effects from Quercus cerris bark. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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19 pages, 38419 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Phenolic Compounds for the Determination of Grafts (in) Compatibility Using In Vitro Callus Cultures of Sato-Zakura Cherries
by Dragana Skočajić, Uroš Gašić, Dragana Dabić Zagorac, Marija Nešić, Živoslav Tešić, Mekjell Meland and Milica Fotirić Akšić
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2822; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10122822 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
The aim of this study was to prove that under in vitro conditions, the adhesiveness of the callus between rootstock and scion, the development of callus cells at the points of fusion, and the presence of phenolic components are closely related to the [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to prove that under in vitro conditions, the adhesiveness of the callus between rootstock and scion, the development of callus cells at the points of fusion, and the presence of phenolic components are closely related to the level of (in) compatibility of the grafting combinations between Sato-zakura cherry cultivars (‘Amanogawa’, ‘Kanzan’, and ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’) and commercial rootstocks. Prunus avium, Prunus ‘Colt’, Prunus mahaleb and Prunus serrulata were used as compatible and Prunus serotina and Pyrus communis ‘Pyrodwarf’ were used as two potentially incompatible rootstocks. The results indicated the significant manifestations of the early signs of the incompatibility on the callus junction. Phenols, as well as tissue senescence, were very precisely localized by toluidine blue and alcian blue as well as safranin staining, which can indicate the early signs of the callus incompatibility in some grafting unions. In the callus unions of Prunus avium with ‘Amanogawa’ and ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ the results of chemical analyses indicated that the existence of several flavonols, flavones and phenol acids could be involved in the incompatibility process in grafted combination. The detection of flavonol astragalin in the unions can be a biomarker of compatibility between scion and the rootstock, while some polyphenols, such as neochlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, baicalein, naringenin, apigenin and luteolin can be used as the indicators of graft incompatibility. p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid could be used for detection of delayed incompatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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20 pages, 2889 KiB  
Article
Ferulic Acid and Salicylic Acid Foliar Treatments Reduce Short-Term Salt Stress in Chinese Cabbage by Increasing Phenolic Compounds Accumulation and Photosynthetic Performance
by Ida Linić, Selma Mlinarić, Lidija Brkljačić, Iva Pavlović, Ana Smolko and Branka Salopek-Sondi
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2346; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10112346 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3709
Abstract
Salinity stress is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses to plants, causing disturbances in physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes. The exogenous application of natural metabolites is a useful strategy to reduce the adverse effects of stress on crops. We investigated the effect [...] Read more.
Salinity stress is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses to plants, causing disturbances in physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes. The exogenous application of natural metabolites is a useful strategy to reduce the adverse effects of stress on crops. We investigated the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and ferulic acid (FA) (10–100 μM) on short-term salt-stressed (150 mM NaCl, 72 h) Chinese cabbage plants. Subsequently, proline level, photosynthetic performance, phenolic metabolites with special focus on selected phenolic acids (sinapic acid (SiA), FA, SA), flavonoids (quercetin (QUE), kaempferol (KAE)), and antioxidant activity were investigated in salt-stressed and phenolic acid-treated plants compared with the corresponding controls. Salt stress caused a significant increase in SA and proline contents, a decrease in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and photosynthetic performance, especially due to the impairment of PSI function. SA and FA treatments, with a concentration of 10 μM, had attenuated effects on salt-stressed plants, causing a decrease in proline and SA level, and indicating that the plants suffered less metabolic disturbance. Polyphenolic compounds, especially FA, SiA, KAE, and QUE, were increased in FA and SA treatments in salt-stressed plants. Consequently, antioxidant activities were increased, and photosynthetic performances were improved. FA resulted in a better ameliorative effect on salt stress compared to SA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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21 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
Effect of Roasting, Boiling, and Frying Processing on 29 Polyphenolics and Antioxidant Activity in Seeds and Shells of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)
by Ahmed M. Mustafa, Doaa Abouelenein, Laura Acquaticci, Laura Alessandroni, Rehab H. Abd-Allah, Germana Borsetta, Gianni Sagratini, Filippo Maggi, Sauro Vittori and Giovanni Caprioli
Plants 2021, 10(10), 2192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10102192 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2924
Abstract
Sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) are highly prized nuts, and the consumption of fresh chestnuts is usually preceded by roasting, boiling, and frying. The aim of this work was to simultaneously analyze 29 polyphenolic compounds for the first time in raw, boiled, [...] Read more.
Sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) are highly prized nuts, and the consumption of fresh chestnuts is usually preceded by roasting, boiling, and frying. The aim of this work was to simultaneously analyze 29 polyphenolic compounds for the first time in raw, boiled, roasted, and fried chestnut seeds and shells using HPLC-MS/MS. Principal component analysis depending on the HPLC-MS/MS results showed that roasting, boiling, and frying affected the contents of 25 detected phenolic compounds in a unique way, of which the most notable phenolics were gallic acid, ellagic acid, and (+)-catechin. Additionally, total polyphenolic content (TPC) was measured via the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and TPC in seeds and inner and outer shells was increased in all treatments except for microwave-roasted seeds. Furthermore, the higher TPC in the inner and outer shells when compared to seeds supported their higher antioxidant activity (AOA) determined via the DPPH experiment. AOA of seeds was increased in all treatments, while the AOA of shells was higher in roasting and lower in boiling and frying treatments. The assessment of these changes is necessary so that chestnut seed consumption and the recycling of their shells as a natural source of antioxidants can be maximized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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17 pages, 1605 KiB  
Article
Biophenolic Profile Modulations in Olive Tissues as Affected by Manganese Nutrition
by Nikolina Vidović, Igor Pasković, Igor Lukić, Paula Žurga, Valerija Majetić Germek, Kristina Grozić, Marin Cukrov, Šime Marcelić, Dean Ban, Nassima Talhaoui, Igor Palčić, Vedran Rubinić and Smiljana Goreta Ban
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10081724 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2527
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that intervenes in several plant metabolic processes. The olive tree, and its fruits and leaves, are known as a source of nutraceuticals since they are rich in biophenols. However, there is still a serious lack of data [...] Read more.
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that intervenes in several plant metabolic processes. The olive tree, and its fruits and leaves, are known as a source of nutraceuticals since they are rich in biophenols. However, there is still a serious lack of data about biophenolic distribution in olive stems and roots under Mn fertilisation. In this context, our study aimed to examine the effects of Mn fertilisation on the biophenolic profile in the leaves, stems, and roots of the ‘Istarska bjelica’ olive cultivar. The experiment was set up in a greenhouse, during a period of five months, as a random block design consisting of three treatments with varying Mn concentrations in full-strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution (0.2 µM Mn, 12 µM Mn, and 24 µM Mn). The obtained results indicate that the amount of Mn in the examined olive plant tissues was significantly higher under 12 µM Mn and 24 µM Mn treatments compared to that of the 0.2 µM Mn treatment. While the concentration of biophenols varied in roots depending on the compound in question, a strong positive impact of the increased Mn concentration in nutrient solution (12 µM Mn and 24 µM Mn) on the concentrations of the main biophenolic compounds was observed in stems. The concentration of oleuropein in leaves almost doubled at 24 µM Mn, with the highest Mn concentration, as compared to the 0.2 µM Mn treatment. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the supply of Mn could enhance the concentration of some biologically active compounds in olives grown hydroponically, implying a critical need for further investigation of Mn fertilisation practices in the conventional olive farming system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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16 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Polyphenol, Sugar, Organic Acid, Volatile Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity of Commercially Grown Strawberry Cultivars in Turkey
by Ipek Urün, Sule Hilal Attar, Duygu Ayvaz Sönmez, Muhammet Ali Gündeşli, Sezai Ercişli, Nesibe Ebru Kafkas, Luna Maslov Bandić and Boris Duralija
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1654; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10081654 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3894
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare certain important fruit quality parameters such as sugars, organic acids, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and volatile compounds of 10 commercial strawberry cultivars grown in the research and experimental area in Yaltir Agricultural Company located [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to compare certain important fruit quality parameters such as sugars, organic acids, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and volatile compounds of 10 commercial strawberry cultivars grown in the research and experimental area in Yaltir Agricultural Company located in Adana provinces of Turkey. As for the sugar content of strawberry fruits, fructose was identified as the dominant sugar and the highest value (4.43%) was found in the cultivar “Rubygem”. In terms of organic acid, among the examined strawberry cultivars, “Calinda” had the greatest level of citric acid (711.45 mg g−1). Regarding vitamin C content, the highest amount was found in the cultivar “Sabrina” (25.08 mg 100 g−1). Ellagic acid was the main phenolic acid in all examined cultivars (except the “Plared” cultivar), and the highest amount was detected in the “Fortuna” cultivar (3.18 mg 100 g−1). We found that the cultivar FL-127 had the highest total phenolic content (158.37 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g−1 fresh weight base). Regarding antioxidant capacities, the highest value (88.92%) was found in the cultivar Victory among all the cultivars studied. The detailed analysis of volatile compounds was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and 34 compounds were detected. Among them, esters, acids, and alcohols were found to be the major volatile compounds in strawberry fruits. In conclusion, strawberry fruits belong to ten cultivars showed abundant phenolic compounds and at the same time have high antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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10 pages, 1106 KiB  
Communication
Berry Quality and Anthocyanin Content of ‘Consort’ Black Currants Grown under Artificial Shade
by Eric Wolske, Laura Chatham, John Juvik and Bruce Branham
Plants 2021, 10(4), 766; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10040766 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1799
Abstract
The effect of artificial shade on berry quality parameters for the field-grown black currant cultivar ‘Consort’ were investigated over two growing seasons in Urbana, Illinois. Four shade treatments reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 37 to 83%. Shade had no effect on soluble [...] Read more.
The effect of artificial shade on berry quality parameters for the field-grown black currant cultivar ‘Consort’ were investigated over two growing seasons in Urbana, Illinois. Four shade treatments reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 37 to 83%. Shade had no effect on soluble solids in up to 65% PAR reduction but decreased 11% in 83% shade in one of two years. Shade increased titratable acidity up to 23% in both years. The effect of shade on anthocyanin content revealed greater variation between years than treatments. Shade influence on anthocyanin content was only observed in 2017, when cyanidin derivatives decreased 13–14% from open-sun to 83% shade. Shade did not affect delphinidin derivatives in either year. Environmental factors other than artificial shade may impact black currant berry quality in an understory environment. The results of our study indicate that black currants can maintain berry quality with PAR reductions up to 65%, but some berry quality parameters may decrease when PAR reductions exceed 65% of full sun. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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19 pages, 2984 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Conditions for Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Barleria lupulina Lindl.
by Noor Wahida Ismail-Suhaimy, Siti Salwa Abd Gani, Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi and Paiman Bawon
Plants 2021, 10(4), 682; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10040682 - 01 Apr 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2890
Abstract
Barleria lupulina Lindl. (Acanthaceae) as an ornamental plant has been widely used in folklore medicine due to its abundancy in polyphenolic compounds. The present study examined conditions for optimal extraction of antioxidants from B. lupulina leaf extracts by using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) [...] Read more.
Barleria lupulina Lindl. (Acanthaceae) as an ornamental plant has been widely used in folklore medicine due to its abundancy in polyphenolic compounds. The present study examined conditions for optimal extraction of antioxidants from B. lupulina leaf extracts by using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method. The effects of ethanol concentrations, microwave power, and extraction time on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) were investigated by single-factor experiments. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to observe interactions of three independent variables (ethanol concentrations, microwave power, and extraction time) on the dependent variables (TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS) to establish optimal extraction conditions. Quadratic polynomial equations in all experimental models yielded favorably with fitted models with R2 and R2adj of more than 0.90 and a non-significant lack of fit at p > 0.05. The optimal conditions for the extraction of antioxidant activity were established at 80% (v/v) ethanol, 400 W, and 30 s with TPC (238.71 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample), TFC (58.09 mg QE/g sample), DPPH (87.95%), and ABTS (89.56%). Analysis by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) successfully identified four new phenylethanoid glycoside compounds in the species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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18 pages, 18328 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activity of Selected Mentha Species
by Sanja Ćavar Zeljković, Jana Šišková, Karolína Komzáková, Nuria De Diego, Katarína Kaffková and Petr Tarkowski
Plants 2021, 10(3), 550; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10030550 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 6079
Abstract
Mentha species are widely used as food, medicine, spices, and flavoring agents. Thus, chemical composition is an important parameter for assessing the quality of mints. In general, the contents of menthol, menthone, eucalyptol, and limonene comprise one of the major parameters for assessing [...] Read more.
Mentha species are widely used as food, medicine, spices, and flavoring agents. Thus, chemical composition is an important parameter for assessing the quality of mints. In general, the contents of menthol, menthone, eucalyptol, and limonene comprise one of the major parameters for assessing the quality of commercially important mints. Building further on the phytochemical characterization of the quality of Mentha species, this work was focused on the composition of phenolic compounds in methanolic extracts. Thirteen Mentha species were grown under the same environmental conditions, and their methanolic extracts were subjected to the LC–MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) profiling of phenolics and the testing their biological activities, i.e., antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities, which are important features for the cosmetic industry. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 14.81 ± 1.09 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g for Mentha cervina to 58.93. ± 8.39 mg GAE/g for Mentha suaveolens. The antioxidant activity of examined Mentha related with the content of the phenolic compounds and ranged from 22.79 ± 1.85 to 106.04 ± 3.26 mg TE (Trolox equivalents)/g for M. cervina and Mentha x villosa, respectively. Additionally, Mentha pulegium (123.89 ± 5.64 mg KAE (kojic acid equivalents)/g) and Mentha x piperita (102.82 ± 15.16 mg KAE/g) showed a strong inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is related to skin hyperpigmentation. The most abundant compound in all samples was rosmarinic acid, ranging from 1363.38 ± 8323 to 2557.08 ± 64.21 μg/g. In general, the levels of phenolic acids in all examined mint extracts did not significantly differ. On the contrary, the levels of flavonoids varied within the species, especially in the case of hesperidin (from 0.73 ± 0.02 to 109. 39 ± 2.01 μg/g), luteolin (from 1.84 ± 0.11 to 31.03 ± 0.16 μg/g), and kaempferol (from 1.30 ± 0.17 to 33.68 ± 0.81 μg/g). Overall results indicated that all examined mints possess significant amounts of phenolic compounds that are responsible for antioxidant activity and, to some extent, for tyrosinase inhibition activity. Phenolics also proved to be adequate compounds, together with terpenoids, for the characterization of Mentha sp. Additionally, citrus-scented Mentha x villosa could be selected as a good candidate for the food and pharmaceutical industry, especially due its chemical composition and easy cultivation, even in winter continental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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16 pages, 1316 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Compounds from Leaves and Flowers of Hibiscus roseus: Potential Skin Cosmetic Applications of an Under-Investigated Species
by Luana Beatriz dos Santos Nascimento, Antonella Gori, Andrea Raffaelli, Francesco Ferrini and Cecilia Brunetti
Plants 2021, 10(3), 522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10030522 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7006
Abstract
The use of plant extracts in skin-care cosmetics is a modern trend due to their richness in polyphenols that act as anti-aging molecules. Hibiscus roseus is a perennial species naturalized in Italy, with beautiful soft pink flowers; its phenolic composition and biological activities [...] Read more.
The use of plant extracts in skin-care cosmetics is a modern trend due to their richness in polyphenols that act as anti-aging molecules. Hibiscus roseus is a perennial species naturalized in Italy, with beautiful soft pink flowers; its phenolic composition and biological activities have not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify the phenolics and to evaluate the antioxidant, sun protection factor (SPF), and anti-collagenase activities of the ethanolic extracts of H. roseus leaves (HL) and flowers (HF). p-Coumaric, chlorogenic, and trans-ferulic acids derivatives as well as quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids were the main phenolic compounds detected. Catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, tiliroside, oenin, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside were detected only in HF, while phloridzin was exclusive from HL, which also showed greater amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HF was richer in flavonoids and total phenolics, also exhibiting greater antioxidant capacity. The SPF and anti-collagenase activity of both extracts were similar and comparable to those of synthetic standards. The overall results demonstrate that H. roseus extracts are promising sources of bioactive phenolic compounds that could be potentially applied as anti-aging agents in skin-care cosmetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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20 pages, 3249 KiB  
Article
Determination of the Variability of Biophenols and Mineral Nutrients in Olive Leaves with Respect to Cultivar, Collection Period and Geographical Location for Their Targeted and Well-Timed Exploitation
by Igor Lukić, Igor Pasković, Paula Žurga, Valerija Majetić Germek, Mia Brkljača, Šime Marcelić, Dean Ban, Kristina Grozić, Marina Lukić, Zoran Užila and Smiljana Goreta Ban
Plants 2020, 9(12), 1667; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants9121667 - 27 Nov 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2681
Abstract
The interactive effects of cultivar, collecting period, and geographical location on the content and composition of biophenols and macro and micronutrients in olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf were investigated. Leaves of six cultivars were collected at three periods in two locations in [...] Read more.
The interactive effects of cultivar, collecting period, and geographical location on the content and composition of biophenols and macro and micronutrients in olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf were investigated. Leaves of six cultivars were collected at three periods in two locations in Croatia. The leaves of Istarska bjelica cultivar had the greatest biophenol (oleuropein) potential, especially those sampled in January and in March at the location of Pag. All the cultivars yielded leaves with the highest concentration of biophenols in March, which coincided with the pruning period. Except for high oleuropein concentration in Istarska bjelica, flavonoids were found to be most useful for differentiating olive leaves according to cultivar. Verbascoside turned out to be the most potent differentiator of collecting periods, while phosphorus and zinc turned out to be most useful for differentiating locations. Despite different agroecological conditions at the two locations, cultivar exhibited a significant effect on olive leaf nutrient composition, which was certainly causally related to that of the biophenols. The results obtained showed that it is possible to plan more well-timed and efficient exploitation of biophenols from olive leaf based on the knowledge about the interactive effects of the three studied factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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16 pages, 1551 KiB  
Article
Temporal Variation of Phenolic and Mineral Composition in Olive Leaves Is Cultivar Dependent
by Igor Pasković, Igor Lukić, Paula Žurga, Valerija Majetić Germek, Mia Brkljača, Olivera Koprivnjak, Nikola Major, Kristina Grozić, Mario Franić, Dean Ban, Šime Marcelić and Smiljana Goreta Ban
Plants 2020, 9(9), 1099; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants9091099 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3893
Abstract
In order to investigate the potential of various olive cultivars and leaf sampling times for phytochemical farming practice in Croatia, phenolic and mineral composition was determined in olive leaves of four Croatian cultivars and Italian cultivar Leccino collected at three occasions, in October [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the potential of various olive cultivars and leaf sampling times for phytochemical farming practice in Croatia, phenolic and mineral composition was determined in olive leaves of four Croatian cultivars and Italian cultivar Leccino collected at three occasions, in October 2017, January 2018, and March 2018. Istarska bjelica turned out to have the largest phytochemical potential among the investigated cultivars due to steady high oleuropein concentrations found in its leaves. The concentration of main phenolic components in Istarska bjelica leaves changed only slightly during the sampling period, suggesting the possibility of its higher capability for low air temperatures stress resistance and different metabolic response compared to the other studied cultivars. Low air temperatures increased the oleuropein level and antioxidant activity in leaves of Leccino, Oblica, Levantinka, and Drobnica cultivars, which may be of crucial phytochemical farming interest. Each of the investigated olive cultivars was characterized by a specific leaf mineral nutrient composition, which could have had a specific role in their interplay with phenols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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14 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Crocus sativus L. Extract Containing Polyphenols Modulates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response against Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs-Induced Liver Injury
by Adil Farooq Wali, Jayachithra Ramakrishna Pillai, Yusra Al Dhaheri, Muneeb U. Rehman, Ambreen Shoaib, Omar Sarheed, Salma Jabnoun, Maryam Razmpoor, Saiema Rasool, Bilal Ahmad Paray and Parvaiz Ahmad
Plants 2020, 9(2), 167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants9020167 - 30 Jan 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3953
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the polyphenolic rich extract of Crocus sativus L. petals (CSP) in modulating liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response status against rifampicin isoniazid (INH-RIF) drug-induced liver injury. The INH-RIF was administered for 14 days with varying [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the polyphenolic rich extract of Crocus sativus L. petals (CSP) in modulating liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response status against rifampicin isoniazid (INH-RIF) drug-induced liver injury. The INH-RIF was administered for 14 days with varying doses in Wistar rats, while silymarin was administered as standard dose. We report the defensive impacts of CSP against INH-RIF induced liver oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine. The CSP treatment at both doses significantly controlled all modulating biochemical hepatic injury indicators and resulted in the attenuation of arbitral INH-RIF damage. The components present in CSP identified by LC–ESI-Q-TOF–MS were found to be flavonoids and fatty acids. It can be inferred that CSP possesses a hepatoprotective capacity against INH-RIF-mediated hepatic injury, which may prove to be a medically beneficial natural product for the management of drug-induced liver injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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16 pages, 2709 KiB  
Article
Insight into Composition of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in Leaves and Flowers of Green and Purple Basil
by Bhakti Prinsi, Silvia Morgutti, Noemi Negrini, Franco Faoro and Luca Espen
Plants 2020, 9(1), 22; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants9010022 - 23 Dec 2019
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 7751
Abstract
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a culinary, medicinal, and ornamental plant appreciated for its antioxidant properties, mainly attributed to high content of rosmarinic acid. This species also includes purple varieties, characterized by the accumulation of anthocyanins in leaves and flowers. In this [...] Read more.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a culinary, medicinal, and ornamental plant appreciated for its antioxidant properties, mainly attributed to high content of rosmarinic acid. This species also includes purple varieties, characterized by the accumulation of anthocyanins in leaves and flowers. In this work, we compared the main morphological characteristics, the antioxidant capacity and the chemical composition in leaves, flowers, and corollas of green (‘Italiano Classico’) and purple (‘Red Rubin’ and ‘Dark Opal’) basil varieties. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of individual compounds allowed quantifying 17 (poly)phenolic acids and 18 flavonoids, differently accumulated in leaves and flowers of the three varieties. The study revealed that in addition to rosmarinic acid, basil contains several members of the salvianolic acid family, only scarcely descripted in this species, as well as, especially in flowers, simple phenolic acids, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and salvianic acid A. Moreover, the study revealed that purple leaves mainly contain highly acylated anthocyanins, while purple flowers accumulate anthocyanins with low degree of decoration. Overall, this study provides new biochemical information about the presence of not yet characterized bioactive compounds in basil that could contribute to boosting the use of this crop and to gaining new knowledge about the roles of these compounds in plant physiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1920 KiB  
Review
Biflavonoids: Important Contributions to the Health Benefits of Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)
by Dunja Šamec, Erna Karalija, Sabina Dahija and Sherif T. S. Hassan
Plants 2022, 11(10), 1381; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11101381 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5641
Abstract
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is one of the most distinctive plants, characterized by excellent resistance to various environmental conditions. It is used as an ornamental plant and is recognized as a medicinal plant in both traditional and Western medicine. Its bioactive potential [...] Read more.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is one of the most distinctive plants, characterized by excellent resistance to various environmental conditions. It is used as an ornamental plant and is recognized as a medicinal plant in both traditional and Western medicine. Its bioactive potential is associated with the presence of flavonoids and terpene trilactones, but many other compounds may also have synergistic effects. Flavonoid dimers—biflavonoids—are important constituents of ginkgophytopharmaceuticals. Currently, the presence of 13 biflavonoids has been reported in ginkgo, of which amentoflavone, bilobetin, sciadopitysin, ginkgetin and isoginkgetin are the most common. Their role in plants remains unknown, but their bioactivity and potential role in the management of human health are better investigated. In this review, we have provided an overview of the chemistry, diversity and biological factors that influence the presence of biflavonoids in ginkgo, as well as their bioactive and health-related properties. We have focused on their antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities as well as their potential role in the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlighted their potential toxicity and pointed out further research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols - from Plants to Human Health Volume II)
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24 pages, 2843 KiB  
Review
The Role of Polyphenols in Abiotic Stress Response: The Influence of Molecular Structure
by Dunja Šamec, Erna Karalija, Ivana Šola, Valerija Vujčić Bok and Branka Salopek-Sondi
Plants 2021, 10(1), 118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10010118 - 08 Jan 2021
Cited by 309 | Viewed by 12035
Abstract
Abiotic stressors such as extreme temperatures, drought, flood, light, salt, and heavy metals alter biological diversity and crop production worldwide. Therefore, it is important to know the mechanisms by which plants cope with stress conditions. Polyphenols, which are the largest group of plant-specialized [...] Read more.
Abiotic stressors such as extreme temperatures, drought, flood, light, salt, and heavy metals alter biological diversity and crop production worldwide. Therefore, it is important to know the mechanisms by which plants cope with stress conditions. Polyphenols, which are the largest group of plant-specialized metabolites, are generally recognized as molecules involved in stress protection in plants. This diverse group of metabolites contains various structures, from simple forms consisting of one aromatic ring to more complex ones consisting of large number of polymerized molecules. Consequently, all these molecules, depending on their structure, may show different roles in plant growth, development, and stress protection. In the present review, we aimed to summarize data on how different polyphenol structures influence their biological activity and their roles in abiotic stress responses. We focused our review on phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenoids, and lignans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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22 pages, 18291 KiB  
Review
Multi-Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin (4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavonone): Experimental Evidence and Mechanisms
by Azher Arafah, Muneeb U. Rehman, Tahir Maqbool Mir, Adil Farooq Wali, Rayeesa Ali, Wajhul Qamar, Rehan Khan, Ajaz Ahmad, Syed Sameer Aga, Saeed Alqahtani and Nada M. Almatroudi
Plants 2020, 9(12), 1784; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants9121784 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7427
Abstract
Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades, providing a detailed account of thousands of discovered phytochemicals and their biological activities that have the potential to be exploited for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. These phytochemicals, which are pharmacologically [...] Read more.
Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades, providing a detailed account of thousands of discovered phytochemicals and their biological activities that have the potential to be exploited for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. These phytochemicals, which are pharmacologically important for clinical use, primarily consist of polyphenols, followed by terpenoids and alkaloids. There are numerous published reports indicating the primary role of phytochemicals proven to possess therapeutic potential against several diseases. However, not all phytochemicals possess significant medicinal properties, and only some of them exhibit viable biological effects. Naringenin, a flavanone found in citrus fruits, is known to improve immunity, repair DNA damage, and scavenge free radicals. Despite the very low bioavailability of naringenin, it is known to exhibit various promising biological properties of medicinal importance, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This review focuses on the various aspects related to naringenin, particularly its physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties. Furthermore, various pharmacological activities of naringenin, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, and gastroprotective effects, have been discussed along with their mechanisms of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols—from Plants to Human Health)
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