Natural Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential: From Mechanisms to Applications

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 652

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: functional foods; polyphenols; antioxidants; public health; nutritional evaluation; natural product extracts
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two closely interconnected biological processes that play central roles in the onset and progression of numerous chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and skin pathologies. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds derived from plants, foods, and their by-products have attracted significant scientific interest due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their potential to modulate the key molecular pathways involved in cellular protection and homeostasis.

In this Special Issue, we aim to highlight recent advances in the identification, extraction, characterization, and mechanistic understanding of natural antioxidants and anti‑inflammatory agents. We welcome studies that explore phytochemicals, polyphenols, carotenoids, peptides, vitamins, and other bioactive constituents, as well as innovative approaches to enhance their stability, bioavailability, and biological efficacy. Research focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical models is encouraged, along with studies integrating omics technologies, molecular docking, or advanced analytical methodologies.

In addition, we invite contributions that address the application of natural bioactive compounds in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic formulations, as well as research on sustainable sources such as agricultural by‑products and underutilized plant materials. Reviews, original research articles, and short communications that provide new insights into the antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory potential of natural compounds are all welcome.

With this Special Issue, we aim to provide a comprehensive platform for the latest research that advances our understanding of natural bioactives and their role in promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting innovative product development.

Dr. Vassilis Athanasiadis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant-derived bioactive compounds
  • polyphenols and flavonoids
  • antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms
  • oxidative stress modulation
  • phytochemical extraction and characterization
  • bioaccessibility and bioavailability
  • functional food formulations
  • natural anti‑inflammatory agents
  • agricultural by-product valorization
  • cosmetic and food applications

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

23 pages, 1349 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Chlorogenic Acids for Food Preservation and Shelf-Life Extension
by Dina Zhang and Fanqianhui Yu
Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050633 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 327
Abstract
The use of antioxidants has become a fundamental approach in food preservation to mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative deterioration, such as lipid rancidity and protein degradation. As a result, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), natural phenolic compounds, have attracted considerable attention due to their [...] Read more.
The use of antioxidants has become a fundamental approach in food preservation to mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative deterioration, such as lipid rancidity and protein degradation. As a result, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), natural phenolic compounds, have attracted considerable attention due to their potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity as well as their diverse bioactivities, which are primarily achieved through the direct scavenging of free radicals and indirect inhibition of signaling pathways. Based on this, this review introduces the various derivatives of CGAs and their numerous health benefits, such as hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects, anti-obesity activity, and gastrointestinal flora regulation, and discusses innovative added forms involving novel encapsulation methods such as microcapsules, nanocapsules, and hydrogels. Moreover, this paper also provides a comprehensive summary of the preservation effects and sensory evaluation of CGAs in the food field, which have been proven to significantly extend the shelf life and enhance antioxidant capability in seafood products, meat, and baked goods. Finally, it also highlights the practical limitations of CGAs, including their poor liposolubility, chemical instability, and high thermal sensitivity, as well as the need for their application in a wider range of foods and further research on their influence on sensory evaluation, in order to broaden their application as antioxidants in the future. Full article
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