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Biomolecules
Special Issues
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases
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Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases

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 July 2025 | Viewed by 11537

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Atanas G. Atanasov

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Guest Editor
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
Interests: molecular medicine; digital health; open innovation; biotechnology; natural products; science communication; molecular pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ronan Lordan

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Guest Editor
Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158, USA
Interests: cardiovascular diseases; inflammation; circadian rhythms; dietary supplements; nutraceuticals; aging; exercise; preventative medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ren-You Gan

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Guest Editor
Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
Interests: food authentication; phytochemical; food quality; bioactivity; analytical chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of Biomolecules dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potential of natural products in metabolic diseases. Nature has long been a source of inspiration for scientific discovery, and in this Special Issue, we will delve into the chemistry, biology, and biomedical applications of bioactive molecules with the aim of advancing future medicine and public health. Natural products display significant potential in counteracting metabolic diseases. Diverse biomolecules derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and other natural sources, like phytochemicals, polysaccharides, vitamins, and bioactive peptides/lipids, have been so far reported to display benefits related to a range of bioeffects such as the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, improved insulin sensitivity, the promotion of liver health, the support of weight management, cardiovascular benefits, and microbiome support, among other effects. Due to such diverse range of desirable bioactivities, exploring the therapeutic potential of natural products can provide valuable insights for developing novel treatments and preventive strategies against metabolic diseases.

In this Special Issue, we invite submissions that address the challenges and opportunities associated with all aspects related to natural products research in the context of metabolic diseases. From phytochemicals to herbal remedies, our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how natural products can be harnessed to combat metabolic disorders.

We look forward to receiving your contributions and sharing groundbreaking insights into the versatile applications of natural products to counteract metabolic diseases.

Prof. Dr. Atanas G. Atanasov
Dr. Ronan Lordan
Dr. Ren-You Gan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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

  • natural products
  • metabolic disorders
  • diabetes mellitus
  • dietary constituents
  • phytotherapy
  • integrative medicine
  • obesity
  • dyslipidemia
  • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
  • nutraceuticals
  • supplements

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1473 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination on Lipid Profiles in Children with Moderate and Severe Hypercholesterolemia
by Anastasia Garoufi, Maria Papadaki, Michalis Kalogiannis, Urania Zerva, Marietta Charakida, Antonios Marmarinos and Achilleas Attilakos
Biomolecules 2024, 14(12), 1608; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14121608 - 16 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 974
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of a dietary supplement containing red yeast rice (RYR), combined with other natural compounds, in children and adolescents with primary hypercholesterolemia. A nutraceutical, containing RYR, policosanols, [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of a dietary supplement containing red yeast rice (RYR), combined with other natural compounds, in children and adolescents with primary hypercholesterolemia. A nutraceutical, containing RYR, policosanols, coenzyme Q10, astaxanthin and folic acid (commercial name: Armolipid), was administered once daily in 84 children/adolescents with moderate or severe primary hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, 19 of the participants consumed 1.5–2.5 g of phytosterols daily until the initiation of dietary supplementation with Armolipid. Clinical and laboratory evaluation took place before and 6 and 16 months after treatment. Nutraceutical consumption resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels, which was maintained with long-term administration (p < 0.001). No changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and lipoprotein (a) levels. In children previously on phytosterol supplementation, Armolipid use exerted a further significant reduction in atherogenic lipoproteins. Armolipid may be an effective and safe complementary treatment for children with moderate and severe hypercholesterolemia. More prospective studies on larger cohorts are needed to establish the role of nutraceuticals containing RYR, policosanols and other natural compounds in the treatment of children with hypercholesterolemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases)
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13 pages, 1968 KiB  
Article
Gintonin Stimulates Glucose Uptake in Myocytes: Involvement of Calcium and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling
by Rami Lee, Kyung-Jong Won, Ji-Hun Kim, Byung-Hwan Lee, Sung-Hee Hwang and Seung-Yeol Nah
Biomolecules 2024, 14(10), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101316 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1333
Abstract
Ginseng has anti-hyperglycemic effects. Gintonin, a glycolipoprotein derived from ginseng, also stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. However, the role of gintonin in glucose metabolism within skeletal muscle is unknown. Here, we showed the effect of gintonin on glucose uptake, glycogen content, [...] Read more.
Ginseng has anti-hyperglycemic effects. Gintonin, a glycolipoprotein derived from ginseng, also stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. However, the role of gintonin in glucose metabolism within skeletal muscle is unknown. Here, we showed the effect of gintonin on glucose uptake, glycogen content, glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 expression, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in C2C12 myotubes. Gintonin (3–30 μg/mL) dose-dependently stimulated glucose uptake in myotubes. The expression of GLUT4 on the cell membrane was increased by gintonin treatment. Treatment with 1–3 μg/mL of gintonin increased glycogen content in myotubes, but the content was decreased at 30 μg/mL of gintonin. The ATP content in myotubes increased following treatment with 10–100 μg/mL gintonin. Gintonin transiently elevated intracellular calcium concentrations and increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Gintonin-induced transient calcium increases were inhibited by treatment with the lysophosphatidic acid receptor inhibitor Ki16425, the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonist 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Gintonin-stimulated glucose uptake was decreased by treatment with U73122, the intracellular calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl) ester, and the ERK inhibitor PD98059. These results show that gintonin plays a role in glucose metabolism by increasing glucose uptake through transient calcium increases and ERK signaling pathways. Thus, gintonin may be beneficial for glucose metabolism control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases)
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Review

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21 pages, 2412 KiB  
Review
Role of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) as an Inhibitory Neurotransmitter in Diabetes Management: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
by Hassan Barakat and Thamer Aljutaily
Biomolecules 2025, 15(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15030399 - 11 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1511
Abstract
GABA (γ-Aminobutyric Acid), a well-established inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, has garnered considerable interest for its potential role in diabetes management, particularly due to its presence in pancreatic islets. This review aims to explore the therapeutic role of GABA in diabetes [...] Read more.
GABA (γ-Aminobutyric Acid), a well-established inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, has garnered considerable interest for its potential role in diabetes management, particularly due to its presence in pancreatic islets. This review aims to explore the therapeutic role of GABA in diabetes management and its potential mechanisms for antidiabetic effects. Relevant studies were searched across databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, applying strict eligibility criteria focused on GABA administration methods and diabetic models. The collective results showed that the administration of GABA in diabetic models resulted in remarkable enhancements in glucose and insulin homeostasis, favorable modifications in lipid profiles, and amelioration of dysfunctions across neural, hepatic, renal, and cardiac systems. The findings from the literature demonstrated that GABAergic signaling within pancreatic tissues can significantly contribute to the stimulation of β cell proliferation through the facilitation of a sustained trans-differentiation process, wherein glucagon-secreting α cells are converted into insulin-secreting β-like cells. In addition, activated GABAergic signaling can trigger the initiation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway within pancreatic tissues, leading to improved insulin signaling and maintained glucose homeostasis. GABAergic signaling can further function within hepatic tissues, promoting inhibitory effects on the expression of genes related to gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. Moreover, GABA may enhance gut microbiota diversity by attenuating gut inflammation, attributable to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of GABA play a significant role in ameliorating neural disorders associated with diabetes by facilitating a substantial reduction in neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, GABA emerges as a promising candidate for an antidiabetic agent; however, further research is highly encouraged to develop a rigorously designed framework that comprehensively identifies and optimizes the appropriate dosages and intervention methods for effectively managing and combating diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases)
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37 pages, 1770 KiB  
Review
Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the Hallmarks of Aging
by Maima Matin, Tanuj Joshi, Dongdong Wang, Nikolay T. Tzvetkov, Farhan Bin Matin, Agnieszka Wierzbicka, Artur Jóźwik, Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk and Atanas G. Atanasov
Biomolecules 2024, 14(8), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14080940 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6664
Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is broadly used as a traditional remedy and food ingredient, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated health benefits in a range of age-related disorders. Moreover, longevity-promoting effects have been demonstrated in several (preclinical) research models. With [...] Read more.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is broadly used as a traditional remedy and food ingredient, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated health benefits in a range of age-related disorders. Moreover, longevity-promoting effects have been demonstrated in several (preclinical) research models. With this work, we aimed to comprehensively review the reported effects of ginger and its bioactive constituents on the twelve established hallmarks of aging, with the ultimate goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the potential for future interventions in the area of longevity-extension and counteracting of aging-related diseases. The reviewed literature supports the favorable effects of ginger and some of its constituents on all twelve hallmarks of aging, with a particularly high number of animal research studies indicating counteraction of nutrient-sensing dysregulations, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. On this background, validation in human clinical trials is still insufficient or is entirely missing, with the exception of some studies indicating positive effects on deregulated nutrient-sensing, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. Thus, the existing body of literature clearly supports the potential of ginger to be further studied in clinical trials as a supplement for the promotion of both lifespan and health span. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases)
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