Advancements in Natural Compounds: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Therapeutic Potentials

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on recent advancements in the study of natural compounds, particularly their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and therapeutic potentials. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms have garnered significant attention due to their bioactive properties and potential applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and functional food industries. This Special Issue will explore bioactive molecules, their mechanisms of action, and their role in combating microbial infections, oxidative stress, and chronic diseases.

Preparations such as extracts contain a diverse range of phytomolecules, offering multiple benefits in terms of the study of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Natural compounds hold significant therapeutic potential as they can influence multiple pathways, including the PI3K signaling pathway, the inhibition of the GLUT1 transporter, and other mechanisms that reduce oxidative stress.

One major advantage of in vitro cultivation is its ability to produce valuable bioactive compounds in a controlled environment and this approach ensures a sustainable and consistent supply of phytochemicals, overcoming environmental constraints such as seasonal variations and habitat loss. Additionally, in vitro techniques enable the enhancement of specific bioactive compounds through elicitation strategies or genetic modifications, making them a reliable and efficient method for obtaining plant-derived therapeutic agents.

This Special Issue will also delve into innovative extraction and purification techniques that enhance the efficacy and bioavailability of these compounds. It will cover studies on the synergistic effects that arise between natural compounds and conventional drugs, as well as their potential applications in drug development and alternative medicine. By bringing together researchers from fields such as pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry, and food science, this collection aims to present cutting-edge findings that could shape future therapeutic strategies and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Wrzosek
Dr. Marta Klimek-Szczykutowicz
Guest Editors

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