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Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease
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Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 5376

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sandra Barbalho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: inflammatory diseases; cardiovascular diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; inflammation; medicinal plants; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Sunmin Park

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food and Nutrition, Obesity/Diabetes Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Republic of Korea
Interests: Alzheimer's disease; insulin resistance; nutritional epidemiology; nutrigenomics; gut microbiome; type 2 diabetes; bioinformatics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, metabolic-associated fat liver disease, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, have reached alarming proportions worldwide. Excessive consumption of processed foods rich in sugar and fat, associated with a sedentary lifestyle, predicts and worsens these conditions. Inflammatory aspects and oxidative stress also contribute primarily to the worsening of these conditions. Allopathic treatments are of little efficiency if they are not associated with nutritional support measures, physical exercise and other therapeutic adjuvants such as bioactive compounds extracted from plants. Therefore, the objective of this special edition is to focus attention on measures that can help reduce the risks of these diseases.

Leading by Prof. Dr. Sandra Barbalho and assisting by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Adriano Cressoni Araújo and Dr. Claudia Rucco P. Detregiachi (University of Marilia (UNIMAR)), studies with nutritional intervention, physical exercise and treatments with medicinal plants and bioactive compounds are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sandra Barbalho
Dr. Sunmin Park
Guest Editors

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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

  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • metabolic syndrome
  • metabolic-associated fat liver disease
  • inflammatory processes
  • free radicals and oxidative stress
  • phyto-compounds
  • medicinal plants
  • nutrition
  • physical exercises

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
Based on the TLR4/NLRP3 Pathway and Its Impact on the Formation of NETs to Explore the Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Acute Gouty Arthritis
by Zhiman Li, Yang Yu, Qiang Sun, Zhilong Li, Xiaohui Huo, Jiyue Sha, Di Qu and Yinshi Sun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094233 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 84
Abstract
This study investigated whether ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) alleviated acute gouty arthritis (AGA) in rats by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Rats were orally administered G-Rg1 or colchicine (Col) for 7 days, and monosodium urate [...] Read more.
This study investigated whether ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) alleviated acute gouty arthritis (AGA) in rats by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Rats were orally administered G-Rg1 or colchicine (Col) for 7 days, and monosodium urate (MSU) was injected into the ankle joints on day 5 to induce AGA. Joint swelling, histopathology (HE staining), and serum markers (MPO, NE, MPO-DNA, IL-6, IL-1β; ELISA) were assessed at the baseline and 6–36 h post-modeling. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyzed the NET-related and TLR4/NLRP3 pathway proteins in synovial tissue. G-Rg1 significantly reduced ankle swelling and synovial inflammation compared with the AGA group, lowered the serum IL-6, IL-1β, MPO, NE, and MPO-DNA levels, and suppressed NET-associated protein expression. Mechanistically, G-Rg1 downregulated TLR4/NLRP3 pathway activation in synovial tissue. These findings suggest that G-Rg1 mitigates AGA by inhibiting TLR4/NLRP3 signaling, thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine release and NET formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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18 pages, 5370 KiB  
Article
Labisia pumila var. alata Extract Induces Apoptosis Cell Death by Inhibiting the Activity of Oestrogen Receptors in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
by Muhammad Faiz Zulkifli, Zolkapli Eshak, Mohd Helmy Mokhtar and Wan Iryani Wan Ismail
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083748 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is an herbaceous shrub commonly used by women to promote health and vitality, alleviate postmenopausal symptoms, and enhance libido. Research indicates that LP possesses significant oestrogenic and antiproliferative properties towards breast cancer; however, the specific mechanisms involved remain [...] Read more.
Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is an herbaceous shrub commonly used by women to promote health and vitality, alleviate postmenopausal symptoms, and enhance libido. Research indicates that LP possesses significant oestrogenic and antiproliferative properties towards breast cancer; however, the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. We investigate the oestrogenic effects of LP in inducing apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and the mechanisms underlying this process. Docking analysis reveals that the phytoestrogens in LP can bind to oestrogen receptors (ER), specifically ERα and ERβ. MTT assays demonstrate that LP has a dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activity of LP on MCF-7 cells is inhibited by Fulvestrant, indicating that its effects are mediated through oestrogen receptors. Flow cytometry analysis shows that the antiproliferative effect of LP results from the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The activation of caspase 3, along with caspase 8 and caspase 9, suggests that LP triggers apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The findings regarding the aqueous extract of LP and its impact on the proliferative activity of MCF-7 cells may have significant therapeutic and preventive implications for future drug development, particularly in the context of breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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36 pages, 6689 KiB  
Article
In Silico and In Vitro Analyses of Strawberry-Derived Extracts in Relation to Key Compounds’ Metabolic and Anti-Tumor Effects
by Lucia Camelia Pirvu, Amalia Stefaniu, Sultana Nita, Nicoleta Radu and Georgeta Neagu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3492; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083492 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Plant extracts contain many small molecules that are less investigated. The present paper aims to study in silico physical-chemical, pharmacokinetic, medicinal chemistry and lead/drug-likeness properties and the ability to interfere with the activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter and cytochrome P450 (CYP) oxidase system [...] Read more.
Plant extracts contain many small molecules that are less investigated. The present paper aims to study in silico physical-chemical, pharmacokinetic, medicinal chemistry and lead/drug-likeness properties and the ability to interfere with the activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter and cytochrome P450 (CYP) oxidase system in humans of phloridzin, phloretin, 4-methylchalcone metabolic series alongside the top three compounds found in the ethanolic extract from strawberries (S), namely 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 2-pyrrolidinone 5-(cyclohexylmethyl) and hexadecanoic acid. The phloridzin derivatives also were studied for their inhibitory potential upon Bcl-2, TNKS1 and COX-2 molecular targets. In vitro, Caco-2 studies analyzed the cytoprotective and anti-proliferative activity of S and the three phloridzin derivatives (pure compounds) in comparison with their combination 1:1 (GAE/pure compound, w/w), in the range 1 to 50 µg active compounds per test sample. Altogether, it was concluded that phloretin (Phl) can be used alone or in combination with S to support intestinal cell health in humans. Phloridzin (Phd) and phloridzin combined with S were proven ineffective. 4-methylchalcone (4-MeCh) combined with S indicated no advantages, while the pure compound exhibited augmented inhibitory effects, becoming a candidate for combinations with anticancer drugs. Overall, in silico studies revealed possible limitations in the practical use of phloridzin derivatives due to their potential to interfere with the activity of several major CYP enzymes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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20 pages, 11286 KiB  
Article
Matrine Inhibits High-Glucose-Diet-Induced Fat Accumulation and Aβ-Mediated Lipid Metabolic Disorder via AAK-2/NHR-49 Pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans
by Aimin Qiao, Meiqing Pan, Yue Zeng, Ying Gong, Yunfeng Zhang, Xiucai Lan, Lei Tang and Weizhang Jia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3048; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073048 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Matrine, a quinoline alkaloid, possesses lipid-regulating effects, but the underlying mechanisms are rarely characterized in vivo. With a fat-accumulating Caenorhabditis elegans model, we show that matrine reduces the fat content and the DHS-3::GFP-labeled lipid droplets in high-glucose-diet N2 and transgenic LIU1 nematodes, respectively. [...] Read more.
Matrine, a quinoline alkaloid, possesses lipid-regulating effects, but the underlying mechanisms are rarely characterized in vivo. With a fat-accumulating Caenorhabditis elegans model, we show that matrine reduces the fat content and the DHS-3::GFP-labeled lipid droplets in high-glucose-diet N2 and transgenic LIU1 nematodes, respectively. Based on RNA-seq, this study demonstrates that a loss of AAK-2 function suppresses the fat-lowering effects of matrine, and the hyperactivated AAK-2 strain has a relatively lower fat content than N2. The involvement of NHR-49 in matrine’s fat-lowering effects further suggests that matrine impacts fat breakdown and storage via the AAK-2/NHR-49-governed pathway. Using the transgenic SJ4143 (ges-1::GFP(mit)) and VS10 (vha-6p::mRFP-PTS1), we show that matrine activates the AAK-2/NHR-49 pathway, coupling the alteration of mitochondrial and peroxisomal functions. Studies of aak-2 and nhr-49 mutants reveal that AAK-2 and NHR-49 modulate lipid metabolic homeostasis; meanwhile, matrine increases physical fitness and lifespan through activating the AAK-2/NHR-49 pathway in high-glucose-diet nematodes. Surprisingly, we found that β-amyloid (Aβ) induces lipid metabolic disorder in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) C. elegans model, but matrine not only reduces Aβ aggregation but also alleviates Aβ-mediated lipid metabolic disorder. Our data suggest that matrine has promise as a fat-lowering agent, and also offer new insights into its therapeutic potential for AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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18 pages, 2445 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Activity of Water–Alcoholic Extract of Cistus incanus L.
by Petya Angelova, Anton Hinkov, Vanya Gerasimova, Plamena Staleva, Mariana Kamenova-Nacheva, Kalina Alipieva, Dimitar Shivachev, Stoyan Shishkov and Kalina Shishkova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030947 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1187
Abstract
Recently, previously known viruses have changed their pathogenicity and encompassed new types of host populations. An example of such an infection is that caused by SARS-CoV, belonging to the “well-known” coronavirus family. Another group of viruses that are of great importance to the [...] Read more.
Recently, previously known viruses have changed their pathogenicity and encompassed new types of host populations. An example of such an infection is that caused by SARS-CoV, belonging to the “well-known” coronavirus family. Another group of viruses that are of great importance to the human population are the herpes viruses. Due to increasing viral resistance to existing antiviral drugs, plant extracts are attracting increasing interest due to their complex composition and their simultaneous attack of different viral targets. Based on the above, we tested the antiviral potential of water–alcoholic extract obtained from a commercial sample of the plant Cistus incanus L. against the enveloped viruses SvHA1, SvHA2 (ACV resistant) and HCoV 229E. The results showed both complete inhibition of the intracellular stages of the viral replication and a strong effect on extracellular virions in the three viral models. In a study of the effect on the replication of SvHA 2, the calculated selectivity index was over 10. From the experiments on the virucidal effects on the two herpes viruses, it was found that the viral titer of the samples decreased by about 4 lg compared to the control sample. The extract is of interest for introduction into practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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16 pages, 8372 KiB  
Article
Vine Tea Extract (VTE) Inhibits High-Fat Diet-Induced Adiposity: Evidence of VTE’s Anti-Obesity Effects In Vitro and In Vivo
by Wonchul Lim, Seongmin Choi, Jinhak Kim, Kwang-Soo Baek, Minkuk Park, Gakyung Lee and Tae-Gyu Lim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212042 - 9 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1002
Abstract
This study focused on evaluating the anti-obesity effects of an extract from Ampelopsis grossedentata (Hand.-Mazz.) W. T. Wang, also known as vine tea, in mature adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Vine tea extract (VTE) effectively decreased lipid accumulation in mature adipocytes without [...] Read more.
This study focused on evaluating the anti-obesity effects of an extract from Ampelopsis grossedentata (Hand.-Mazz.) W. T. Wang, also known as vine tea, in mature adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Vine tea extract (VTE) effectively decreased lipid accumulation in mature adipocytes without cytotoxicity, as confirmed by the regulation of several factors associated with adipogenesis, lipogenesis, or lipolysis. Subsequently, in a 12-week experiment with obese mice, oral VTE administration significantly reduced body weight gain induced with high-fat diet intake. Au-topsy findings showed reduced fat accumulation in various areas without liver damage. The VTE-administered group showed lower serum LDL levels, while increasing HDL, than the high-fat diet-administered group. Analysis of adipose tissue biomarkers indicated VTE’s ability to inhibit adipogenesis and lipogenesis, promote lipolysis, and regulate energy metabolism, contributing to reduced adiposity induced by the consumption of a high-fat diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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20 pages, 3038 KiB  
Article
Neuroprotection by Anethum graveolens (Dill) Seeds and Its Phytocompounds in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Lines and Acellular Assays
by Himadri Sharma, Hyewon Yang, Niti Sharma and Seong Soo A. An
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137104 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1536
Abstract
Neurodegeneration diseases (NDs) are a group of complex diseases primarily characterized by progressive loss of neurons affecting mental function and movement. Oxidative stress is one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NDs, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These reactive species disturb mitochondrial [...] Read more.
Neurodegeneration diseases (NDs) are a group of complex diseases primarily characterized by progressive loss of neurons affecting mental function and movement. Oxidative stress is one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NDs, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These reactive species disturb mitochondrial function and accelerate other undesirable conditions including tau phosphorylation, inflammation, and cell death. Therefore, preventing oxidative stress is one of the imperative methods in the treatment of NDs. To accomplish this, we prepared hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Anethum graveolens (dill) and identified the major phyto-components (apiol, carvone, and dihydrocarvone) by GC-MS. The extracts and major bioactives were assessed for neuroprotective potential and mechanism in hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell model and other biochemical assays. The dill (extracts and bioactives) provided statistically significant neuroprotection from 0.1 to 30 µg/mL by mitigating ROS levels, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lipid peroxidation, and reviving the glutathione ratio. They moderately inhibited acetylcholine esterase (IC50 dill extracts 400–500 µg/mL; carvone 275.7 µg/mL; apiole 388.3 µg/mL), displayed mild anti-Aβ1–42 fibrilization (DHC 26.6%) and good anti-oligomerization activity (>40% by dill-EA, carvone, and apiole). Such multifactorial neuroprotective displayed by dill and bioactives would help develop a safe, low-cost, and small-molecule drug for NDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease)
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