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Medicinal Plant Resources—from Molecular Studies to Sustainable Use

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 3879

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: medicinal plants; ethnobotany; phytochemistry; pharmacological activities; ecology and evolution; pollination ecology; conservation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences devoted to the valorization of promising natural sources of bioactive molecules, introduction selection, sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants, genetic improvement of medicinal plants, chemical diversity of medicinal plants, biodiversity of medicinal plants, molecular techniques in plant taxonomy, and protection and conservation of medicinal plant genetic resources.

The goal of this Special Issue is to integrate the recent research trends in the field of medicinal plants on a broad scale of theoretical and practical aspects from the molecular level to conservation issues. We invite you to submit a manuscript focused on any of the above topics. Although specific case studies with broad implications are welcome, we encourage authors to submit large-scale and/or multi-species studies, syntheses, and reviews. If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dr. Ekaterina Kozuharova
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

  • genetic improvement of medicinal plants
  • sustainable use
  • bioactive compounds

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2978 KB  
Article
Enhanced Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Combination of Cannabis sativa and Propolis Extracts: An In Vitro Study
by Naruemon Perstwong, Wongsakorn Phongsopitanun, Visarut Buranasudja and Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211181 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 788
Abstract
Sore throat, commonly associated with pharyngitis and tonsillitis, is primarily caused by bacterial pathogens. Conventional therapies rely on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, concerns about adverse effects, antibiotic resistance, and drug interactions have encouraged the search for alternative remedies. Cannabis sativa L. (CS) [...] Read more.
Sore throat, commonly associated with pharyngitis and tonsillitis, is primarily caused by bacterial pathogens. Conventional therapies rely on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, concerns about adverse effects, antibiotic resistance, and drug interactions have encouraged the search for alternative remedies. Cannabis sativa L. (CS) has demonstrated potential in relieving sore throat and inflammation, while propolis, a bee-derived natural product, exhibits notable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of combining CS and propolis extracts (PE). Results found that CS and PE exhibited antibacterial effects against Streptococcus pyogenes DMST 4369, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. Their combination produced additive antibacterial effects against S. pyogenes and S. aureus. Cannabidiol (CBD) was identified as an active antibacterial constituent against S. pyogenes. Additionally, the PE-CBD in CS solution combination at concentration 625:0.125 µg/mL significantly reduced NO production and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages. This study highlights the enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of the C. sativa and propolis combination, emphasizing the need to verify synergistic effects and determine the appropriate ratio for rational product development. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action, particularly the anti-inflammatory pathways, in animal models. In addition, studies on hepatotoxicity should be conducted to ensure safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plant Resources—from Molecular Studies to Sustainable Use)
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Review

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20 pages, 4386 KB  
Review
Effects of Rice Bran Supplementation on Metabolic Syndrome-Related Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Sirapatsorn Tantayakhom, Ratchanon Inpan, Kantirat Yaja, Nut Koonrungsesomboon, Supanimit Teekachunhatean and Mingkwan Na Takuathung
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 9051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26189051 - 17 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Rice bran, a fiber-rich source of bioactive compounds, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, yet its effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rice bran consumption on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic control, [...] Read more.
Rice bran, a fiber-rich source of bioactive compounds, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, yet its effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rice bran consumption on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles in individuals with MetS. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted up to 30 January 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing rice bran supplementation. Twenty-six RCTs involving 1255 participants (642 in rice bran groups, 613 in controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding p values were calculated. Rice bran significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (WMD: −3.336 mmHg; p = 0.0006), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: −3.145 mmHg; p = 0.015), and HbA1c (WMD: −0.199%; p = 0.003). Lipid profiles improved, with reductions in total cholesterol (WMD: −13.594 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and LDL cholesterol (WMD: −14.580 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (WMD: 3.074 mg/dL; p = 0.007). These findings suggest rice bran supplementation may be a promising natural dietary strategy for managing and preventing MetS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plant Resources—from Molecular Studies to Sustainable Use)
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