Botanic Metabolites: From Extraction to Application

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Bio-derived Molecules".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 1484

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Domenico Montesano, Napoli, Italy
Interests: phytochemicals; polyphenols; biological activity; essential oils; medicinal chemistry; NMR spectroscopy; GC-MS and LC-MS

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of plants for their beneficial effects dates back to the first steps in human history, as shown by the Ebers Papyrus (1500 BC). Thus, the identification and classification of plant extracts and compounds showing biological activity have attracted a huge number of ancient and modern researchers. The exploration, extraction, and screening of biological diversity in herbs, spices, and other natural resources have represented a hotspot for worldwide activity in recent years. Phytochemicals are naturally available bioactive compounds derived from different plant parts and are primarily responsible for biological activities. You are welcome to participate in this Special Issue by contributing original research papers and reviews on botanic metabolites, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-aging, antitumor, antiviral, anti-allergic, or antimicrobial properties in metabolites, as well as the mechanisms involved in these therapeutic actions.

Prof. Dr. Carmen Formisano
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • medicinal plants
  • phytochemistry
  • antimicrobial activity
  • plant extracts
  • essential oils
  • synergism

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

38 pages, 5725 KB  
Review
Alteration of Lipid Bilayer Electrical Potential by Phytochemicals and Synthetic Analogs: Implications for Cellular Function
by Svetlana S. Efimova, Quan Minh Pham, Huong Thi Thu Trinh, Long Quoc Pham and Olga S. Ostroumova
Biomolecules 2026, 16(3), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16030342 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1052
Abstract
Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and structurally related synthetic small molecules, exhibit a broad spectrum of beneficial pharmacological effects. These effects stem not only from interactions with specific protein targets but also from their capacity to modify the physical properties of biological [...] Read more.
Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and structurally related synthetic small molecules, exhibit a broad spectrum of beneficial pharmacological effects. These effects stem not only from interactions with specific protein targets but also from their capacity to modify the physical properties of biological membranes. A key membrane property influenced by these plant-derived compounds is the electrical potential drop at the membrane–water interface, which plays a crucial role in numerous cellular processes. Changes in membrane potential impact the function of embedded proteins and ion channels, thereby modulating cell signaling, transport, and pharmacological responses. This review compiles data on how diverse plant and synthetic small molecules alter membrane physical characteristics, particularly the dipole component of the boundary potential in lipid bilayers primarily composed of phosphatidylcholine, a predominant membrane lipid in mammals and fungi. In-depth analysis of structure–activity relationships in this context elucidates how various structural modifications affect the compounds’ ability to shift membrane electrical potential. Understanding these relationships can pinpoint molecular features that drive membrane interactions and facilitate the discovery and design of more potent dipole-modifying agents with therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanic Metabolites: From Extraction to Application)
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