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Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application
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Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 4733

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Anna Makuch-Kocka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-400 Lublin, Poland
Interests: breast cancer; apoptosis; multidrug resistance; cancer molecular biology; signal paths
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products have been a cornerstone of drug discovery and biomedicine for centuries, offering a range of chemical structures and biological activities. These compounds, derived from plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms, have been pivotal in developing drugs for treating cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Their unique molecular frameworks and biological properties have inspired both the direct use of natural substances and the synthesis of analogs with enhanced pharmacological efficacy and safety.

Recent advances in biomedicine have enabled a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which natural products exert their therapeutic effects, including the modulation of cellular signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, and interaction with immune cells. This progress, combined with modern techniques such as high-throughput screening, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, has accelerated the discovery and refinement of natural compounds.

This Special Issue welcome papers that integrate omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced drug delivery systems to unlock the full potential of natural products and discover the increasing development of natural product-based drugs in precision medicine and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Anna Makuch-Kocka
Guest Editor

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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

  • natural products
  • signaling pathways
  • epignetic regulation
  • cell communication
  • molecular biology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Cacao: Insights from an In Vitro Model
by Jinshil Kim, Sunil Jung, Gyungcheon Kim, Jinwoo Kim, Bokyung Son and Hakdong Shin
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060414 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Natural products play a pivotal role in human health by exerting bioactive effects, including the modulation of the gut microbiome. Cacao, a widely consumed natural product, is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, which may influence microbial composition and metabolic functions. However, its [...] Read more.
Natural products play a pivotal role in human health by exerting bioactive effects, including the modulation of the gut microbiome. Cacao, a widely consumed natural product, is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, which may influence microbial composition and metabolic functions. However, its effects on the gut microbiota remain poorly understood, particularly regarding inter-individual differences. This study investigated the impact of cacao on gut microbiota using an in vitro fecal incubation model with samples from healthy Korean adults. Our findings classified the gut microbiota of Korean individuals into two distinct enterotypes: Bacteroides and Prevotella. In the Bacteroides enterotype, cacao treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera, including Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Faecalibacterium, and Agathobacter. Conversely, in the Prevotella enterotype, cacao treatment was associated with an increase in the relative abundance of Prevotella; however, the small sample size and community shifts during incubation limited the robustness of this observation. Functional predictions based on KEGG pathways further revealed enterotype-specific differences. In the Bacteroides enterotype, the cacao-treated group exhibited enhanced pathways associated with starch, sucrose, galactose, and thiamine metabolism, which was not observed in the Prevotella enterotype. These findings suggest a potential role for cacao as a gut microbiome modulator, highlighting its possible utility in microbiome-targeted dietary interventions and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application)
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13 pages, 7994 KiB  
Article
Fisetin Mitigates Chronic Lung Injury Induced by Benzo(a)Pyrene by Regulation of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
by Wanian M. Alwanian
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030209 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 728
Abstract
Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as Benzo(a)Pyrene, which are produced by smoking or present in air pollution, greatly contribute to lung diseases. B(a)P has been found to induce inflammation and eventually lung cancer. Fisetin, a polyphenol, abundant in many fruits and vegetables, [...] Read more.
Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as Benzo(a)Pyrene, which are produced by smoking or present in air pollution, greatly contribute to lung diseases. B(a)P has been found to induce inflammation and eventually lung cancer. Fisetin, a polyphenol, abundant in many fruits and vegetables, has an appealing therapeutic potential in many disorders, including inflammation and cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the importance of fisetin in the regulation of chronic lung inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from exposure to Benzo(a)Pyrene. Methods: The effect of fisetin on rats at a concentration of 50 mg/kg was evaluated by ELISA to measure oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The tissue architecture was also investigated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression pattern of IL-6 in lung tissues was assayed using immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis was evaluated in lung tissues using Masson Trischrome and Sirius red stains. Cell apoptosis in lung tissues was studied using a TUNEL assay. Results: After exposure to Benzo(a)Pyrene for eight weeks, the data indicated that fisetin led to a significant reduction in oxidative stress, evidenced by the reduction of SOD, MDA, NO, GPH, and GPx. Moreover, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels were also decreased, indicating a reduction in inflammation. Apoptosis was reduced upon fisetin treatment. Furthermore, a significant decrease in fibrosis was also observed. Conclusions: This study reveals the importance of fisetin as a natural product in the management of chronic lung injury by protecting lung tissues from inflammation, and its use suggests better prognosis in diseases caused by exposure to B(a)P. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application)
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19 pages, 2966 KiB  
Article
Anti-Infective Screening of Selected Nine Cannabinoids Against Clostridium perfringens and Influenza A (H5N1) Neuraminidases, and SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and Spike Protein Interactions
by Thanet Pitakbut and Oliver Kayser
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030185 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Recently, cannabinoids have gained scientific interest as a promising anti-infective natural product class, as reported in several studies. However, the existing knowledge is mainly limited to common cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Therefore, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap by investigating [...] Read more.
Recently, cannabinoids have gained scientific interest as a promising anti-infective natural product class, as reported in several studies. However, the existing knowledge is mainly limited to common cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Therefore, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap by investigating the anti-infective potential of nine selected cannabinoids (both common and rare cannabinoids): THC, CBD, CBC, CBE, CBF, CBG, CBL, CBN, and CBT against Clostridium perfringens and Influenza A (H5N1) neuraminidases and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike protein–human ACE2 interaction using a standard in vitro biochemical enzyme-binding assay. As a result, to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the most promising effect of CBG over others in its class against C. perfringens and influenza A (H5N1) neuraminidases and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike protein–human ACE2 interaction. In comparison to CBG, CBD and THC were the second and third most promising candidates. Meanwhile, the other derivatives, such as CBC, CBE, CBF, CBL, CBN, and CBT, showed at least one anti-infective effect. Our findings during the early drug discovery process indicate a promising anti-infective potential of cannabinoids, which can be considered for further investigation in a biological setup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application)
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Review

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19 pages, 489 KiB  
Review
Natural Bioactive Compounds in Sheep Milk: Potential Biomedical Applications
by Zuzanna Flis, Edyta Molik, Anna Ptak and Piotr Szatkowski
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060456 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 770
Abstract
Sheep milk is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant potential in functional foods and biomedical applications. It contains high levels of proteins, peptides, and fatty acids with numerous health-promoting properties for the human body. Key components such as lactoferrin, proline, orotic [...] Read more.
Sheep milk is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant potential in functional foods and biomedical applications. It contains high levels of proteins, peptides, and fatty acids with numerous health-promoting properties for the human body. Key components such as lactoferrin, proline, orotic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) support the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Bioactive peptides from sheep milk regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting enzymes such as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and α-glucosidase, while conjugated linoleic acid improves lipid metabolism and reduces inflammation. The high-quality proteins in sheep milk are essential for tissue regeneration and maintaining muscle mass, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly and infants who are allergic to cow milk. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in hydrogel dressings enriched with bioactive substances from sheep milk, which support wound healing by supporting collagen synthesis, reducing inflammation, and having antimicrobial properties. Such hydrogels are particularly promising for the treatment of chronic wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers, making them a valuable tool in regenerative medicine. The aim of this manuscript is to review the current reports on bioactive components of sheep milk and their potential for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application)
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16 pages, 1442 KiB  
Review
Ginseng-Based Nanotherapeutics in Cancer Treatment: State-of-the-Art Progress, Tackling Gaps, and Translational Achievements
by Pragya Tiwari and Kyeung-Il Park
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(4), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47040250 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Among medicinal plants, the Panax genus (family: Araliaceae) includes plant species widely recognized for their multi-faceted pharmacological attributes. The triterpenoids, designated as ginsenosides, are increasingly recognized as drug-like molecules in cancer therapies due to their therapeutic role in restricting tumor invasion, proliferation, [...] Read more.
Among medicinal plants, the Panax genus (family: Araliaceae) includes plant species widely recognized for their multi-faceted pharmacological attributes. The triterpenoids, designated as ginsenosides, are increasingly recognized as drug-like molecules in cancer therapies due to their therapeutic role in restricting tumor invasion, proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and drug resistance reversal in tumor cells. In the nanobiotechnological era, nano-delivery systems provide feasible solutions to address bottlenecks associated with traditional drug delivery methods (low bioavailability, instability in the gastrointestinal tract, high dosage requirements, side effects, poor absorption, and incomplete drug utilization in the body). The dedicated efforts for precise and effective treatment have directed the development of ginsenoside-based nano-delivery systems to achieve potent anticancer efficacies and address the limitations in ginseng pharmacokinetics, facilitating drug development trials. Studies into ginseng pharmacokinetics showed a remarkable prolonged clearance and free drug levels of ~15% (ginsenoside RB1 nanoparticles) in mice (compared to only ~5% for ginsenosides) and better antitumor efficacies, demonstrating key success in ginseng biotechnology for drug development. Delving into the nanobiotechnological interventions in ginseng-derived therapeutics, this study summarizes current advances and achievements, particularly in cancer treatment, tackles existing gaps, focuses on feasible solutions, and examines prospects of translational success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Drug Activity and Biomedicine Application)
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