All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess.
Original Submission Date Received: .
- Journals
-
- Active Journals
- Find a Journal
- Journal Proposal
- Proceedings Series
-
- Topics
- Information
-
- For Authors
- For Reviewers
- For Editors
- For Librarians
- For Publishers
- For Societies
- For Conference Organizers
- Open Access Policy
- Institutional Open Access Program
- Special Issues Guidelines
- Editorial Process
- Research and Publication Ethics
- Article Processing Charges
- Awards
- Testimonials
-
- Editing Services
- Initiatives
-
- Sciforum
- MDPI Books
- Preprints.org
- Scilit
- SciProfiles
- Encyclopedia
- JAMS
- Proceedings Series
-
- About
-
- Overview
- Contact
- Careers
- News
- Press
- Blog
-
Sign In / Sign Up Submit
Topics
Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects
Propose a Topic
Topic Menu
► Topic Menu
-
- Topic Information
- Keywords
- Participating Journals
Topic Editors
announcement
Need Help?
Support
Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.
Get Support
Feedback
Please let us know what you think of our products and services.
Give Feedback
Information
Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.
Get Information
Abstract submission deadline
closed (24 December 2023)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (29 February 2024)
Viewed by
27543
Topic Information
Dear Colleagues,
Throughout history, drugs or medicinal preparations obtained from plant extracts have been widely used as curative remedies, often being used under the criteria of intuition and the mere repetition of experience. In contemporary times, these criteria have been replaced by in-depth scientific studies that allow the application of these plant extracts to be much more effective through knowledge of the specific phytochemicals with different health benefits that are naturally found in small amounts in plants. In recent years, the study of these phytochemicals has been one of the main activities for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, finding that the use of plant extracts provides bioactive properties and beneficial effects. However, bioactive compounds vary widely in their chemical structure and function, which continues to pose some scientific challenges to increase the scientific evidence for such properties. In this sense, the present Special Issue covers a selection of recent research topics and current review articles related to the use of "green" extraction processes to extract bioactive compounds from plant matrices or plant by-products, their characterization via advanced separative techniques, as well as the evaluation, both in vitro and in vivo, of bioactivity against different pathologies related to obesity, anti-aging, neuroprotection, cancer, among others.
Prof. Dr. David Arráez-Román
Dr. María De La Luz Cádiz-Gurrea
Dr. Álvaro Fernández Ochoa
Topic Editors
Keywords
- plants and plant sub-products
- extraction processes, mainly “green” technologies
- advanced analytical techniques coupled to different detection systems
- bioactivity evaluation
- therapeutic effects
- dietary intervention studies
- bioavailability and metabolism studies
- omics studies (metabolomics, microbiomics, etc.)
Participating Journals
| Journal Name | Impact Factor | CiteScore | Launched Year | First Decision (median) | APC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | 6.0 | 10.6 | 2012 | 15.5 Days | CHF2900 |
| Life | 3.2 | 4.3 | 2011 | 18 Days | CHF2600 |
| Medicines | - | - | 2014 | 24.5 Days | CHF1400 |
| Molecules | 4.2 | 7.4 | 1996 | 15.1 Days | CHF2700 |
| Plants | 4.0 | 6.5 | 2012 | 18.2 Days | CHF2700 |
Preprints.org is a multidiscipline platform providing preprint service that is dedicated to sharing your research from the start and empowering your research journey.
MDPI Topics is cooperating with Preprints.org and has built a direct connection between MDPI journals and Preprints.org. Authors are encouraged to enjoy the benefits by posting a preprint at Preprints.org prior to publication:
- Immediately share your ideas ahead of publication and establish your research priority;
- Protect your idea from being stolen with this time-stamped preprint article;
- Enhance the exposure and impact of your research;
- Receive feedback from your peers in advance;
- Have it indexed in Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.
Published Papers (12 papers)
Download All Papers
Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 893 KiB)
16 pages, 24286 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Metabolic Effects of a Herbal Remedy of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum cassia Extracts: Unraveling Its Therapeutic Potential as a Topical Application for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
by Gakyung Lee, Byung Hwa Jung, Taemin Lee, Jae Hyeon Park, Hyung Sik Kim, Hocheol Kim and Hyun Ok Yang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050563 - 2 May 2024
Viewed by 1773
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that our novel herbal remedy, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum Cassia extracts, exhibits a therapeutic effect in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced mice by inhibiting the Th-2 inflammatory response upon oral administration. It also ameliorated imbalances [...] Read more.
Our previous study demonstrated that our novel herbal remedy, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum Cassia extracts, exhibits a therapeutic effect in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced mice by inhibiting the Th-2 inflammatory response upon oral administration. It also ameliorated imbalances in lipid metabolism related to the skin barrier function in keratinocytes, indicating its potential as a topical agent. This study aims to further investigate the therapeutic effects and metabolic mechanisms of its topical application. The anti-atopic effect was evaluated using dermatitis scores, histopathological analysis, and immune cell factors in DNCB-induced mice. Metabolomic profiling of serum and lesional skin was conducted to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms. The topical application significantly reduced dermatitis scores, mast cell infiltration, and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), demonstrating its effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Serum metabolomics revealed alterations in fatty acid metabolism related to the pro-inflammatory response. In lesional skin, metabolic markers associated with oxidative stress, immune regulation, and AD symptoms were restored. This study demonstrated its potential as a topical agent in suppressing Th-2 inflammatory responses and improving metabolic abnormalities related to AD symptoms, providing crucial insights for developing natural AD treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
► Show Figures
Graphical abstract
---
Figure 2
---
Figure 3
---
Figure 4
---
Figure 5
---
Figure 6
---
Figure 7
Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 27138 KiB)
28 pages, 7682 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Urtica dioica Phytochemicals against Therapeutic Targets of Allergic Rhinitis Using Computational Studies
by Erick Bahena Culhuac and Martiniano Bello
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081765 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1469
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting millions globally, with current treatments often associated with significant side effects. To seek safer and more effective alternatives, natural sources like Urtica dioica (UD) are being explored. However, UD’s mechanism of action remains unknown. [...] Read more.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting millions globally, with current treatments often associated with significant side effects. To seek safer and more effective alternatives, natural sources like Urtica dioica (UD) are being explored. However, UD’s mechanism of action remains unknown. Therefore, to elucidate it, we conducted an in silico evaluation of UD phytochemicals’ effects on known therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis: histamine receptor 1 (HR1), neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CLR1), chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on type 2 helper T cells (CRTH2), and bradykinin receptor type 2 (BK2R). The docking analysis identified amentoflavone, alpha-tocotrienol, neoxanthin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside as possessing a high affinity for all the receptors. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to analyze the key interactions; the free energy of binding was calculated through Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation (MMGBSA), and the conformational changes were evaluated. Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a high affinity while also inducing positive conformational changes across all targets. Amentoflavone primarily affected CRTH2, neoxanthin targeted NK1R, CRTH2, and BK2R, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside acted on NK1R. These findings suggest UD’s potential to treat AR symptoms by inhibiting these targets. Notably, alpha-tocotrienol emerges as a promising multi-target inhibitor. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed for validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
► Show Figures
Figure 1
---
Figure 3
---
---
Figure 5
---
Figure 6
---
Figure 7
---
Figure 8
---
Figure 9
---
Figure 10
---
Figure 11
20 pages, 3434 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Metabolite Profiling of Colvillea racemosa via UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Analysis in Correlation to the In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential against A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line
by Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa, Inas Y. Younis, Reem K. Arafa, María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea, Francisco Javier Leyva-Jiménez, Antonio Segura Carretero, Engy Mohsen and Fatema R. Saber
Plants 2024, 13(7), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070976 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 |Viewed by 1432
Abstract
In this study, flower and leaf extracts of Colvillea racemosa were considered a source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the objective of the study focused on investigating the anticancer potential as well as the phytochemical composition of both extracts. The extracts were [...] Read more.
In this study, flower and leaf extracts of Colvillea racemosa were considered a source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the objective of the study focused on investigating the anticancer potential as well as the phytochemical composition of both extracts. The extracts were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and the bioactivity was tested using in vitro antioxidant assays (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS) in addition to cytotoxic assays on non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549). Our results clearly indicated the potent radical scavenging capacity of both extracts. Importantly, the flower extract exhibited a greater antioxidant capacity than the leaf extract. In terms of cytotoxic activity, leaf and flower extracts significantly inhibited cell viability with IC50 values of 17.0 and 17.2 µg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical characterization enabled the putative annotation of 42 metabolites, such as saccharides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids. Among them, the flavonoid C-glycosides stand out due to their high relative abundance and previous reports on their anticancer bioactivity. For a better understanding of the bioactive mechanisms, four flavonoids (vitexin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, luteolin, and isoorientin) were selected for molecular docking on hallmark protein targets in lung cancer as represented by γ-PI3K, EGFR, and CDK2 through in-silico studies. In these models, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and vitexin had the highest binding scores on γ-PI3K and CDK2, followed by isoorientin, so they could be highly responsible for the bioactive properties of C. racemosa extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
► Show Figures
Figure 1
---
Figure 3
---
Figure 4
---
Figure 4 Cont.
---
Figure 5
---
Figure 6
---
Figure 7
Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 727 KiB)
19 pages, 6053 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Amelioration of Functional, Metabolic, and Morphological Deterioration in the Retina following Retinal Detachment by Green Tea Extract
by Kai On Chu, Yolanda Wong Ying Yip, Kwok Ping Chan, Chi Chiu Wang, Danny Siu Chun Ng and Chi Pui Pang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020235 - 15 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Retinal detachment (RD) can result in the loss of photoreceptors that cause vision impairment and potential blindness. This study explores the protective effects of the oral administration of green tea extract (GTE) in a rat model of RD. Various doses of GTE or [...] Read more.
Retinal detachment (RD) can result in the loss of photoreceptors that cause vision impairment and potential blindness. This study explores the protective effects of the oral administration of green tea extract (GTE) in a rat model of RD. Various doses of GTE or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most active ingredient in green tea catechins, were administered to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with experimentally induced retinal detachment. The rats received sub-retinal injections of hyaluronic acid (0.1%) to induce RD and were given different doses of GTE and EGCG twice daily for three days. Notably, a low dose of GTE (142.9 mg/kg) caused significantly higher signal amplitudes in electroretinograms (ERGs) compared to higher GTE doses and any doses of EGCG. After administration of a low dose of GTE, the outer nuclear layer thickness, following normalization, of the detached retina reduced to 82.4 ± 8.2% (Mean ± SEM, p < 0.05) of the thickness by RD treatment. This thickness was similar to non-RD conditions, at 83.5 ± 4.7% (Mean ± SEM) of the thickness following RD treatment. In addition, the number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased from 76.7 ± 7.4 to 4.7 ± 1.02 (Mean ± SEM, p < 0.0001). This reduction was associated with the inhibition of apoptosis through decreased sphingomyelin levels and mitigation of oxidative stress shown by a lowered protein carbonyl level, which may involve suppression of HIF-1α pathways. Furthermore, GTE showed anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory cytokines and increasing resolving cytokines. In conclusion, low-dose GTE, but not EGCG, significantly alleviated RD-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and energy insufficiency within a short period and without affecting energy metabolism. These findings suggest the potential of low-dose GTE as a protective agent for the retina in RD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
► Show Figures
Graphical abstract
---
Figure 2
---
Figure 3
---
Figure 3 Cont.
---
Figure 4
---
Figure 5
---
Figure 6
---
Figure 7
---
Figure 8
---
Figure 9
---
Figure 10
17 pages, 307 KiB
Open AccessReview
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Mini-Review of Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, and Ovarian Histological Improvements
by Syawany Wahid, Muhammad Danial Che Ramli, Nur Ezza Fazleen, Rosli Muhammad Naim and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Life 2024, 14(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14010150 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 |Viewed by 4366
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products such as medicinal plants and fruits are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS because of their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, thereby benefiting patients with PCOS. This mini-review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profiles, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicines can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS; however, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
15 pages, 2458 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Solarplast®—An Enzymatically Treated Spinach Extract
by Annie Simon, Shahneela Mazhar, Ekaterina Khokhlova, Natasha Leeuwendaal, Christopher Phipps, John Deaton, Kieran Rea and Joan Colom
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142678 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 |Viewed by 2398
Abstract
In the modern world we are constantly bombarded by environmental and natural stimuli that can result in oxidative stress. Antioxidant molecules and enzymes help the human body scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent oxidative damage. Most organisms possess intrinsic antioxidant activity, but also [...] Read more.
In the modern world we are constantly bombarded by environmental and natural stimuli that can result in oxidative stress. Antioxidant molecules and enzymes help the human body scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent oxidative damage. Most organisms possess intrinsic antioxidant activity, but also benefit from the consumption of antioxidants from their diet. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach are a well-researched rich source of dietary antioxidant molecules. However, plant cell walls are difficult to digest for many individuals and the bio-accessibility of nutrients and antioxidants from these sources can be limited by the degree of digestion and assimilation. Through a specific enzymatic process, Solarplast® contains organic spinach protoplasts without the cell wall, which may facilitate higher yield and efficacy of beneficial antioxidant molecules. In this study, analytical techniques coupled to in vitro bioassays were used to determine the potential antioxidant activity of Solarplast® and determine its antioxidant enzymatic capabilities. Solarplast® demonstrated superior antioxidant activity when compared to frozen spinach leaves in TOC, FRAP and TEAC antioxidant assays. Several antioxidant enzymes were also increased in Solarplast®, when compared to frozen spinach. As a functional readout, Solarplast® attenuated hydrogen peroxide-, ethanol- and acetaminophen-induced increases in oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in both intestinal (HT-29) and liver (HepG2) cell lines. These findings suggest that Solarplast® may represent a non-GMO, plant-based food supplement to help reduce oxidative stress in the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Extracts and Their Therapeutic Effects)
► Show Figures
Figure 1
---
Figure 3
---
Figure 4
---
Figure 5
---
Figure 6
