Investigating the Molecular Mechanism of Action of Natural Bioactive Molecules

Dear Colleagues,

You all know that people have always looked at remedies for diseases and that natural products have therefore emerged as a valuable source of bioactive molecules of natural origin. Natural products have been and remain traditionally used by human populations for their properties and comprise a wide structural diversity of compounds, including alkaloids, phenolics, terpenes, saponins and volatile organic molecules.

Bioactive molecules of natural origin are increasingly used in various sectors including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and wellness, but also in the food industry where they can be used as food preservatives, in household products and in the field of plant protection products in agronomy. This diversity of application of natural products is explained by their wide range of interesting biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties.

In recent years, an increasing number of publications referring to these compounds has been published, for a wide variety of applications such as the study of their virucidal properties against the very up-to-date SARS-CoV-2, or the search for new treatments in cancer research. However, many of these publications were largely descriptive.

In the present Special Issue, we aim at filling this gap by investigating the molecular mechanism of action of natural bioactive molecules. We therefore invite researchers to submit reviews or research articles on the understanding of the mode of action of natural bioactive molecules, considering the associated health risks, which may include allergies and toxicity for example. We are confident that this Special Issue will contribute to a better understanding of these compounds and of their safer use for a wide range of applications.

Prof. Dr. Marie-Laure Fauconnier
Guest Editor

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