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Molecular Insights into Phytochemicals: Therapeutic Potential in Metabolic Disorders and Cancer

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 130

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Laboratoire d’Amélioration des Productions Agricoles, Biotechnologie et Environnement (LAPABE), Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
Interests: phytochemicals; molecular mechanisms; cancer therapeutics; metabolic disorders; natural compounds; signal transduction; epigenetic regulation; oxidative stress; anti-inflammatory agents; plant-based
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Molecular Insights into Phytochemicals: Therapeutic Potential in Metabolic Disorders and Cancer", aims to provide a comprehensive platform for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of phytochemicals. With the increasing burden of cancer and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders, plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising candidates for novel therapeutic interventions. However, the precise molecular interactions and signaling pathways through which phytochemicals exert their effects remain incompletely understood.

We welcome high-quality original research articles, reviews, and short communications that investigate the role of phytochemicals in modulating gene expression, cell signaling, epigenetic modifications, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic regulation. Studies employing molecular biology techniques, high-throughput omic approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), computational modeling, and systems’ biology are particularly encouraged. Additionally, contributions exploring phytochemical synergy with conventional treatments, innovations in bioavailability and delivery systems, and translational or preclinical models are highly relevant.

This Special Issue seeks to bridge the gap between natural compound discovery and molecular pharmacology, providing novel insights into plant-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer and metabolic disorders. Interdisciplinary and collaborative studies are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Addi
Guest Editor

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. Current Issues in Molecular Biology 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 2200 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

  • phytochemicals
  • molecular mechanisms
  • cancer therapeutics
  • metabolic disorders
  • natural compounds
  • signal transduction
  • epigenetic regulation
  • oxidative stress
  • anti-inflammatory agents
  • plant-based

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

31 pages, 4520 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Eugenol, Camphor, and Terpineol Mixture Using Simplex-Centroid Design for Targeted Inhibition of Key Antidiabetic Enzymes
by Amine Elbouzidi, Mohamed Jeddi, Abdellah Baraich, Mohamed Taibi, Mounir Haddou, Naoufal El Hachlafi, Meryem Idrissi Yahyaoui, Reda Bellaouchi, Bouchra El Guerrouj, Khalid Chaabane and Mohamed Addi
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070512 - 2 Jul 2025
Abstract
The optimization of bioactive compound mixtures is critical for enhancing pharmacological efficacy. This study investigates, for the first time, the combined effects of eugenol, camphor, and terpineol, focusing on their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) across multiple biological responses related to diabetes [...] Read more.
The optimization of bioactive compound mixtures is critical for enhancing pharmacological efficacy. This study investigates, for the first time, the combined effects of eugenol, camphor, and terpineol, focusing on their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) across multiple biological responses related to diabetes management. Using a mixture design approach, the objective was to determine the optimal formulation that maximizes bioactivity and validate the findings experimentally. A simplex-centroid design was applied to evaluate the combined effects of eugenol, camphor, and terpineol on AAI IC50, AGI IC50, LIP IC50, and ALR IC50 responses. The desirability function was used to determine the ideal composition. The optimized formulation was experimentally validated using in vitro assays, and IC50 values were measured for each response using standard protocols. Results: The optimal formulation identified was 44% eugenol, 0.19% camphor, and 37% terpineol, yielding IC50 values of 10.38 µg/mL (AAI), 62.22 µg/mL (AGI), 3.42 µg/mL (LIP), and 49.58 µg/mL (ALR). The desirability score (0.99) confirmed the effectiveness of the optimized blend. Experimental validation of the optimal mixture resulted in IC50 values of 11.02 µg/mL (AAI), 60.85 µg/mL (AGI), 3.75 µg/mL (LIP), and 50.12 µg/mL (ALR), showing less than 10% deviation from predicted values, indicating high model accuracy. This study confirms the combined potential of eugenol, camphor, and terpineol, with eugenol and terpineol significantly enhancing bioactivity. The validated formulation demonstrates potential for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications. Future research should explore mechanistic interactions, bioavailability, and in vivo efficacy to support the development of optimized natural compound-based therapies. Full article
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