Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Plant Matrices: Methods, Mechanisms, and Translational Relevance

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 1819

Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Kalisz, W. Bogusławskiego 4 Square, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
2. Department of Production Engineering, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Komandorska 118/120, 53‑345 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: nutraceuticals and functional foods; medicinal plants; bioactive compounds; HPLC; LC-MS; nutrition; antioxidant agent; prebiotics; probiotics; symbiotics; bioavailability in vitro
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the rigorous, harmonized assessment of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities across diverse plant matrices—from conventional crops to wild, neglected, and underutilized species. We welcome studies that strengthen the connection between laboratory evidence and practical relevance by linking compositions, processing, formulation/delivery approaches, and clearly defined endpoints. While plant-derived agents at the interface of redox biology and metabolic health continue to demonstrate promise, progress is often limited by methodological fragmentation and insufficiently standardized workflows. Accordingly, we explicitly encourage both chemical assays and in vitro studies.

We particularly invite first-time screenings and in vitro investigations of previously uncharacterized plant sources, as well as systematic evaluations of side streams and by-products to broaden sustainable bioactive portfolios. Submissions may address activity profiling alongside the effects of processing and formulation on stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability—for example, drying technologies, ultrasound, microwave treatment, fermentation, and food-grade carriers/encapsulation. Cellular or mechanistic data can enhance interpretability but are not required, as are studies that clearly report composition–activity relationships.

To improve reproducibility and enable meta-analyses, we especially value method harmonization (fit-for-purpose assay selection, reference standards, calibration/quality control) and transparent reporting (sample provenance, processing history, matrix effects, dose ranges). Data structures that facilitate reuse—e.g., shared metadata and assay parameters—are encouraged. By assembling robust chemical and in vitro evidence and, where possible, connecting it to mechanistic or formulation insights, this Special Issue aims to build a coherent evidence base from composition to function and to inform the future development of reliable, plant-based interventions relevant to metabolic health.

Dr. Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antioxidant assays
  • antidiabetic activity
  • α-glucosidase
  • α-amylase
  • DPP-IV
  • antiglycation/AGEs
  • tea (Camellia sinensis)
  • wild plants
  • neglected and underutilized species (NUS)
  • stachys
  • root and tuber crops
  • ultrasound
  • microwave
  • bioavailability
  • metabolomics
  • layer-by-layer
  • hydrogels
  • alginate
  • pectin
  • chitosan
  • zein
  • processing by-products

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

54 pages, 964 KB  
Review
Cocoa-Based Plant Matrices in Glucose Metabolism: Bioactive Compounds and Redox Signaling
by Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Miguel López-Moreno, Carlota Valeria Villanueva-Tobaldo, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Agustín Curiel-Regueros and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060732 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 455
Abstract
Cocoa-based foods are increasingly recognized as complex plant-derived matrices with potential relevance for metabolic health, driven by interactions among multiple bioactive components. Metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, are characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. [...] Read more.
Cocoa-based foods are increasingly recognized as complex plant-derived matrices with potential relevance for metabolic health, driven by interactions among multiple bioactive components. Metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, are characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. This narrative review critically examines the antidiabetic potential of cocoa-based plant matrices, integrating evidence from nutritional biochemistry and metabolic physiology. We analyze the specific role of cocoa flavanols in redox-sensitive signaling pathways related to nitric oxide bioavailability and insulin signaling. Furthermore, we evaluate how complementary matrix components, such as non-glycemic sweeteners, prebiotic and viscous fibers, oleic-rich lipids, and micronutrients, modulate postprandial glycemic responses, gut microbiota activity, and overall metabolic regulation. Current evidence indicates that the metabolic effects of cocoa cannot be attributed to isolated compounds but emerge from coordinated interactions within the food matrix. Understanding these multi-component dynamics is essential for the rational design of cocoa-based functional foods aimed at improving glycemic control and supporting metabolic resilience. Full article
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28 pages, 1388 KB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Molecular Mechanisms, Current Treatment and Therapeutic Potential of Plant Antioxidants
by Zufeng Yin, Hongyuan Cheng, Yi Liu, Xiangjun Li, Xiaoyan Yu, Muxing Zhang, Min Li, Yinggang Zou and Yan Shi
Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050587 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 794
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the most severe complications of diabetes, is closely associated with oxidative stress (OS) in its development and progression. Studies have shown that plant antioxidants play an important role in the prevention and treatment of DCM by modulating redox [...] Read more.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the most severe complications of diabetes, is closely associated with oxidative stress (OS) in its development and progression. Studies have shown that plant antioxidants play an important role in the prevention and treatment of DCM by modulating redox signaling and regulating the sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. However, most existing evidence comes from animal and cellular experiments, and clinical data are limited. In addition, their clinical application faces challenges, including poor bioavailability and difficulty in standardizing active ingredients. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of plant antioxidants in regulating myocardial oxidative stress and maintaining redox homeostasis, and explores their potential clinical applications and current limitations. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the prevention and treatment of DCM using plant antioxidants. Full article
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