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Biological Activity of Plant Extracts and Their Application

A Special Issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417) belonging to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 2670

Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), 03202 Alicante, Spain
Interests: antimicrobial; antimicrobial resistance; natural compounds; oxidative stress; polyphenols; skin health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03202 Alicante, Spain
Interests: synthesis, characterization and applications of conjugated polyfluorenes; nanostructures based on biopolymers with biochemical and pharmaceutical applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant extracts have long been recognized as a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, offering immense potential for a wide range of applications in medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and food industries. These natural products, often rich in polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other secondary metabolites, have demonstrated remarkable biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The growing interest in sustainable and natural solutions further highlights the importance of leveraging plant-based resources in addressing global challenges such as antibiotic resistance, chronic diseases, and environmental sustainability.

This Special Issue of Applied Sciences aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the discovery, characterization, and application of plant extracts and their bioactive components. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews that explore innovative extraction methods, structure-activity relationships, and the mechanisms underlying their biological activities. Contributions focusing on their integration into novel therapeutic, agricultural, or industrial solutions are particularly encouraged.

As interdisciplinary approaches become increasingly critical, this Special Issue also seeks studies employing advanced technologies such as omics platforms, machine learning, and nanotechnology to optimize and expand the applications of plant-derived compounds. By fostering collaborations across disciplines, we hope to accelerate the translation of laboratory findings into practical, impactful applications.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in plant extract research and stimulate further innovation in this rapidly evolving field. We invite researchers and practitioners to contribute their expertise and insights, fostering a dialogue that bridges fundamental science and real-world applications. Together, we can uncover the vast potential of plant extracts to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Francisco Javier Álvarez-Martínez
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Mallavia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobial activity
  • antioxidant properties
  • bioactive compounds
  • extraction methods
  • natural products
  • nanotechnology applications
  • plant extracts
  • structure-activity relationship
  • sustainable solutions
  • therapeutic applications

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 741 KB  
Article
A Comparative Examination of Antimicrobial Activity in Fruiting Body and Submerged Culture Extracts of Basidiomycetes
by Larissa Krasnopolskaya, Mayya Ziangirova, Maria Leonteva, Nikita Komissarov, Maxim Dyakov, Olga Sineva, Elena Isakova and Valeria Lysakova
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3031; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063031 - 20 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Antimicrobial metabolite production in basidiomycetes varies by strain and growing conditions. This study compared the antimicrobial activity of extracts from nine fungal strains at both their vegetative and reproductive stages. Wild-growing fungal fruiting bodies were collected and identified through both morphological characterization and [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial metabolite production in basidiomycetes varies by strain and growing conditions. This study compared the antimicrobial activity of extracts from nine fungal strains at both their vegetative and reproductive stages. Wild-growing fungal fruiting bodies were collected and identified through both morphological characterization and molecular sequencing. Extracts from fruiting bodies, mycelia, and culture liquids were tested using the agar well diffusion method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Analysis revealed that the highest antimicrobial activity was associated with culture liquid extracts. Antimicrobial properties were detected in the submerged mycelium extracts of only two strains: Stereum hirsutum 1 and Flammulina rossica 16. For fruiting bodies, activity was restricted to extracts of strains from the genus Fomitopsis. The strain S. hirsutum 1 was determined to be the most effective producer of antibacterial compounds. The highest activity was exhibited by the S. hirsutum 1 culture liquid extract, with an MIC of 320 µg/mL against clinical Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium) and Gram-negative Proteus vulgaris. The studied strains demonstrated higher production of antimicrobial metabolites during vegetative growth, with the active compounds being primarily extracellular. Submerged cultivation of basidiomycetes offers an efficient method for obtaining antimicrobial metabolites, permitting their subsequent isolation, physicochemical characterization, and biomedical evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Plant Extracts and Their Application)
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Review

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21 pages, 732 KB  
Review
Sprout Extracts in Skin Care and Hair Growth: Evidence and Future Opportunities
by Wojciech Paździora, Paweł Paśko and Agnieszka Galanty
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4520; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094520 - 4 May 2026
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Abstract
Skin aging, pigmentation disorders and skin barrier dysfunction are strongly associated with oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. In this context, plant sprouts have gained popularity as a rich source of bioactive compounds and are becoming promising candidates for dermatological applications. [...] Read more.
Skin aging, pigmentation disorders and skin barrier dysfunction are strongly associated with oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. In this context, plant sprouts have gained popularity as a rich source of bioactive compounds and are becoming promising candidates for dermatological applications. The aim of this review was to summarize current scientific research on the potential of sprout extracts in skin care and to identify the biological mechanisms underlying their dermatological activity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to February 2026. Studies assessing the effects of topical sprout extracts on skin structure, inflammation, pigmentation, and hair growth were included. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to qualitative analysis. Available evidence indicates that sprout extracts have multifaceted effects relevant to skin health, including stimulation of collagen synthesis, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, improvement of epidermal hydration, melanogenesis, and suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways. These effects are largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, and other antioxidant phytochemicals, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that ingredients derived from sprouts may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and photoprotection. Although most of the evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies, it preliminarily supports the emerging concept of “food for skin” and highlights the potential of sprouted plant materials as multifunctional ingredients in dermatology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Plant Extracts and Their Application)
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