Bioactive Compound Extraction and Antioxidant Activity in Plant Systems
Summary
Bioactive compounds derived from plants—principally phenolic acids, flavonoids and other secondary metabolites—are recognised for their capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species and mitigate oxidative damage in biological systems. Efficient extraction of these compounds has evolved from conventional solvent-based methods toward advanced techniques such as ultrasonic-assisted, microwave-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction. Choice of solvent, temperature, time and extraction parameters is critical to maximise yield, preserve compound integrity and reduce environmental impact. Quantitative and qualitative profiling using chromatographic and mass spectrometric tools has enhanced understanding of phytochemical diversity. Antioxidant activity is routinely assessed via assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC, each probing distinct radical-quenching or reducing mechanisms. Advances in network pharmacology, in vitro models and bioaccessibility studies are revealing the molecular targets and bioavailability of plant antioxidants. These developments underpin applications ranging from functional foods and nutraceuticals to natural preservatives and therapeutic leads, with global significance for human health and sustainable resource utilisation.
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Bioactive Compound Extraction and Antioxidant Activity in Plant Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compound extraction and antioxidant activity in plant systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phenolic compounds: A class of plant secondary metabolites characterised by one or more hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings, widely recognised for antioxidant properties.
Flavonoids: A diverse subclass of phenolics with a 15-carbon skeleton, including flavonols, flavones and anthocyanins, known for radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities.
DPPH assay: A spectrophotometric method that measures the capacity of antioxidants to reduce the stable DPPH radical, indicated by a colour change.
Ultrasonic-assisted extraction: An advanced extraction technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt plant cell walls, enhancing mass transfer and compound release.
UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, an analytical platform for high-resolution identification of complex mixtures of bioactives.
References
- Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Leaves by Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined with Experimental Validation. Antioxidants (2024).
- LC-ESI-QTOF/MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Palm Fruits (Jelly and Fishtail Palm) and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities. Antioxidants (2019).
- Response Surface Methodology Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Acer Truncatum Leaves for Maximal Phenolic Yield and Antioxidant Activity. Molecules (2017).
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