Phenolic Compounds from New Natural Sources—Plant Genotype and Ontogenetic Variation

Abstract

Phenolic compounds (PCs) are widespread secondary metabolites with potent biological activity. Their sources are mainly plants from cultivated and natural states, providing valuable protective and health-promoting extracts. The wide biological activity of PCs (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, antiallergic, prebiotic, antimutagenic) means that new sources of PCs are constantly being sought, as exemplified by extracting these compounds from tissue culture or agricultural by-products. Plant phenols show marked qualitative and quantitative variation not only at different genetic levels (between and within species and clones) but also between different physiological and developmental stages. Assessing genetic and seasonal variations in phenolic content and activity allows for selecting the best time to harvest the plant. Learning about the causes of PCs’ variability and putting this knowledge into practice can significantly increase PCs’ yields and extract the most valuable compounds. The health-promoting properties resulting from consuming products rich in plant PCs are undeniable, so it is worth promoting high-phenolic products as a regular diet. This paper presents an overview of different sources of PCs for use as potential therapeutic alternatives. Additionally, factors of variation in the phenolic complex at the genome and ontogeny levels, relevant in practical terms and as a basis for further scientific research, are presented.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Houttuynia cordata Thunb rhizome extracts and their antibacterial potential against common foodborne pathogens

“…A peak was detected at 2925 cm −1 before the reaction, which signified the aromatic C–H bending in phenolic compounds. HCR contains phenolic compounds, such as quinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin and quercetin, which act as strong reducing agents (Nurzyńska‐Wierdak, 2023). Visible distinctions were also observed at 1645 and 1514 cm −1 , which were linked to N–H bending and C–C stretching, indicating the presence of primary amines and hydrocarbons.…”

Agronomic Evaluation and Chemical Characterization of Lavandula latifolia Medik. under the Semiarid Conditions of the Spanish Southeast

“…Although at the qualitative level, all the phenolic compounds identified in the four ecotypes under study have been previously reported in the Lavandula genus, differences were observed in the concentration at which they were quantified. Variations in the qualitative and quantitative phenolic profile can be attributed to different factors, including genetic (inter and intraspecific variability) and physiological and development stages of the plants [ 32 ]. Thus, depending on the geographical origin of the plant material, differences in agronomic behavior and chemical composition are expected.…”

Evaluation of Biological Potency of two Endemic Species Integrated with in vitro and in silico Approches: LC–MS/MS Analysis of the Plants

“…The antioxidant activity potency of the plant extracts was assayed with referenced studies. Briefly, for DPPH radical scavenging activity, the reaction components created with varying volumes (10,20,40,80, and 120 μL) from stock extract solutions (mg mL À 1 ), 1 mL of DPPH solution (260 μM), and ethanol. The tubes were vigorously mixed, the reduction in color intensity caused by DPPH reacting with the tested antioxidant compound was read spectrophotometrically at 517 nm after 30 min in dark conditions.…”

“…[7] The bioactivity values of plants may be linked to their secondary ingredients, and they demonstrate various inhibitory effects such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and prevention of some diseases such as Alzheimer, diabetes, and cardiovascular associated with enzyme inhibition ability. [4,10] The curative properties of compounds such as captopril, tacrine, and acarbose are due to the inhibition of enzymes in the biochemical pathway. Therefore, inhibition of enzymes such as cholinesterase, glucosidase, and urease have pharmacological importance.…”

“…Plants recognized as medicinal plants have rich bioactive ingredients and plant extracts have been investigated to establish the biological activities and identify the responsible chemical compounds [7] . The bioactivity values of plants may be linked to their secondary ingredients, and they demonstrate various inhibitory effects such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and prevention of some diseases such as Alzheimer, diabetes, and cardiovascular associated with enzyme inhibition ability [4,10] . The curative properties of compounds such as captopril, tacrine, and acarbose are due to the inhibition of enzymes in the biochemical pathway.…”