New and Old Phytochemicals: Their Role in Drug Discovery and Human Health

Dear Colleagues,

Plants and plant products are highly appreciated in traditional medicine, with a huge part of the world’s population relying on these natural resources for their health benefits. Indeed, plants have been used for centuries to treat many ailments, and due to their health-promoting effects are also invaluable sources of lead compounds in drug discovery. Both new and old phytochemicals are in the spotlight as active ingredients playing a major role in disease prevention and treatment. Additionally, the world market for herbal medicines has witnessed a profound growth due to increasing industrial demand for natural ingredients. Despite the undeniable bioactive potential of phytochemicals and the increasing scientific knowledge in this field, several issues such as bioavailability, solubility, stability, toxicity and delivery still need to be improved to enable their widespread use in the clinic.

This Research Topic welcomes original research and review studies on the role of phytochemicals in drug discovery and human health, including but not limited to the following subtopics:

• Validation of traditional uses ascribed to plant extracts/compounds;
• Bioactive potential of plant extract/compounds and putative mechanisms of action;
• Strategies to improve phytochemicals’ bioavailability, solubility, and stability issues;
• Effective delivery approaches and pharmaceutical technologies to enable distinct routes of administration.

Dr. Monica Zuzarte
Guest Editor

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