Use of salicylic acid during cultivation of plants as a strategy to improve its metabolite profile and beneficial health effects

Abstract

Chemical elicitors in plants during cultivation have been applied in soil, hydroponic solutions, or sprayed on the leaves to induce physiological changes and stimulate the production of bioactive compounds. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound present in plants with multiple functions, including stimulus of plant growth and induction of plant defense responses under conditions of stress. Recently, the use of SA as elicitor has generated much interest, due to the growing number of studies demonstrating its positive effects in fruits, vegetables, and herbs on the induction of phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, carotenoids, among others. The health benefits of plant materials treated with SA are mainly their antioxidant capacities determined by the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) assays and anti-inflammatory properties determined in vitro, as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties and renal protection evaluated by in vivo studies. Therefore, the exogenous application of SA during cultivation of different plants could be an alternative to increase their economic value and could be the basis for designing standardized procedures in the production of bioactive compounds.

Combined application of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles enhances growth characters, physiological attributes and essential oil production of Coleus aromatics Benth

“…Among the various techniques, the use of nanoparticles has proven to be one of the most effective and sustainable way to improve plant growth and development. Several studies have documented the positive effects of exogenously applied NPs on plant growth, physiology, and the production of secondary metabolites [ 12 , 26 , 35 , 36 ]. Due to their widespread applicability, nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as a promising new class of elicitors for increasing the yield of high-value bioactive compounds (secondary plant products) of plants [ [37] , [38] , [39] ].…”

Sesame Seeds: A Nutrient-Rich Superfood

“…Phenolics exhibit a notable antioxidative capacity owing to their ability to generate stable radical intermediates through electron utilization. Owing to their capacity to act as antioxidants, they assume a significant function in stabilizing edible oils and safeguarding against the development of undesirable flavors [38][39][40][41][42]. Recent research indicates that phenolic compounds may significantly impact ailments related to oxidative stress.…”